Outaouais, Quebec: Ultimate Itinerary
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Located in the West area of Quebec Outaouais sits just north of the Ottawa River and is just one hour From Montreal. It’s also the perfect balance between outdoor adventure and city life, with both vast hiking trails and parks as well as revered dining and spa options.
Where to Stay
Fairmont Le Château Montebello
The Fairmont Le Château Montebello is the largest log cabin in the world. The Fairmont name though should give you a clue that this is no ordinary log cabin and that this property is tricked out with all the luxury amenities while still allowing you to enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. With it’s waterfront location overlooking the Ottawa River and activities like canoeing, paddle boarding, and on-site hiking trails you’ll still feel very connected to the outdoors. They also have the most breathtaking grounds and perfectly landscaped gardens that make the perfect backdrop for sunrise or sunset.
As for the food? I’m still thinking about it. During the summer months they have the Barbecue & Terrace, where you guessed it – dine on the terrace overlooking the Ottawa River and enjoy their renowned barbecue. Everything is served Buffett style and cooked in their new smoker to give you that authentic fall-off-the-bone barbecue goodness. They even have a soft-serve machine with all the toppings so you can build your own fantasy sundae as well.
There are also several restaurants on-site which are available all year round, and of course room-service is always a good idea as well.
What to Do
Pink Lake
Pink Lake is located in the Gatineau area of Outaouais and despite it’s name it is actually green in color. It was named Pink Lake after one of the original families that had settled in the area, the Pink family.
What makes Pink Lake unique though is that it is actually two lakes in one. Thirteen meters below the surface of the lake is a second lake where the water has no oxygen. At this level is a pink cloud of sulfur-backteria which exists due to the lack of oxygen and is one of the first forms of life to ever appear on this planet! I guess in this way it is technically a pink lake, even if you can’t see it on the surface.
Regardless of what lies below Pink Lake and it’s surroundings are beautiful. To hike around the entire lake is around 2km, but there’s plenty of stairs and varying degrees of elevation, so don’t think you won’t get that leg workout in.
Parc Omega
Parc Omega offers a truly unique experience where you can observe deer, moose, elk, wolves, bison, and bears in their natural habitat. You observe most of the wild life from a tour bus but there is an opportunity in a few areas to feed carrots to some of the baby deer.
Wolf Cabin – Parc Omega
As much as I loved touring the park and seeing all the animals the highlight of Parc Omega for me was seeing the wolf cabins. These full-scale cabins are located the wolf area of the park. They sleep 4 and come equipped with a full kitchen, bathroom, sunroom, and floor to ceiling windows where you can see the wolves in their natural surroundings. It was honestly one of the most unique accommodations I have seen. Just imagine waking up in the morning and having a majestic pack of beautiful wolves at the window to greet you. Not to worry though, you’re safe inside you’re cabin, and the entrance area to the cabin is well fenced off as well for easy and safe way to come and go.
Sadly, I didn’t get to stay here but it is definitely high on the bucket list of places I want to try out!
Biscotti & Cie
Hands down the best meal of the trip. The entire squad agreed. Everything at Biscotti & Cie is made in-house and is super delicious and satisfying. They were even accommodating of my friend Bella’s allergies which include everything from dairy, gluten, eggs, lemon, and even broccoli (there’s much more she’s allergic to but I can’t remember them all). That being said it just goes to show what an amazing spot this is because no matter what your preferences or allergies are they have something for you and all without sacrificing quality or taste. The kale salad and salmon gravlax were beyond amazing and make sure to save room for dessert because they’re famous for it.
