This page lists some of the exciting things you can see and do in Wakefield Quebec and the Gatineau Park, and the nation’s capital. Belle de Nuit Wakefield Inn is right at the centre of the historic village of Wakefield, and only 25 minutes to downtown Ottawa. Follow this link for a tour of our large stylish suites.
Recreation & Attractions Near Wakefield Quebec
With diverse options for every season, Wakefield is truly a recreational paradise! The village of Wakefield is uniquely nestled between the renowned Gatineau Hills and the beautiful Gatineau River. The Gatineau River is a swimmer and paddler’s paradise and the Gatineau Park offers hundreds of kilometers of wilderness trails year round – ideal for hiking and biking during the summer, and cross-country skiing and snow shoeing during the winter. If you’re an alpine skier or golfer, you’ve also come to the right place! Several fantastic options are waiting for you just around the corner from our inn at the heart of the vibrant village . The region is also renowned for incredible spas, 5 star dining, fantastic art galleries, and live music. We can’t wait to show you all there is to see and do.
Gatineau Park
We’ve created a special page devoted just to the iconic Gatineau Parks and Gatineau Park Trails. You can follow that link for a more detailed explanation of the things to do in the park. We also list some of our favorite activities here:
Winter Recreation
Alpine Skiing
From beginner-friendly to hills that will challenge the most advanced skier, Wakefield is just around the corner from the best alpine skiing in Quebec. Ski Vorlage is just steps away from our Wakefield bed and breakfast and offers 15 different runs, 13 of which are available for night skiing six days a week.
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
The Gatineau Park offers one of the largest networks of winter bike, snowshoe, and cross-country ski trails in North America. Every February, the Gatineau Loppet brings together elite and recreational skiers to compete in annual cross country and snowshoe races. See below for details.
Gatineau Loppet Annual Ski Event: Canada’s largest cross country ski event
Horse Back Riding & Sleigh Rides
At Captiva Farms you can ride the trails all year long or come for a winter sleigh ride, complete with a big bonfire and hot chocolate for everyone.
Cave Exploration
Explore the largest cave in the vast Canadian Shield in one of the many tours offered by Arbraska la Fleche.
Sugar Bushes
Savour the maple goodness in both country and urban sugar shacks.
Summer Recreation
Summer Recreation & Attractions
Golfing
Belle de Nuit is surrounded by many beautiful golf courses. Relax and reconnect with nature on the course of your choice. Book your tee time now.
Eco Adventures
Choose one of the 30 adventures waiting for you at the Eco-Odyssee wilderness tour where you’ll paddle through lush marsh environments in the comfort of your paddleboat or canoe.
Water Park
Cool off from the sun at Mont Cascades Water Park, just a short drive away in Cantley.
Mountain Biking & Cycling
With over 90 km of wilderness trails, Gatineau Park is a mountain biker’s paradise (mountain biking season runs from May 13 – Nov. 30). Every Sunday morning from May 15 – Sept. 4 is a Nokia Sunday Bikeday, with over 50 km of bikeways in Ottawa and Gatineau Park open for cyclists. Also be sure to check out the trails at Camp Fortune or register at La Rocca XC for a lesson.
Boating
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon canoeing or kayaking while being surrounded by nature. Boaters can paddle on Meech Lake, Phillippe Lake, or La Peche Lake in the beautiful Gatineau Hills (La Peche Lake even offers canoe camping for canoe enthusiasts!).
Hiking & Running
Explore the many walking and hiking trails Wakefield has to offer. Everything from local trails that link to historical sites to the vast wilderness trails and scenic lookouts found in the region’s Gatineau Park.
The NCC maintains a beautifully details trails map to help you discover Gatineau Park and plan your journey. Please enjoy the summer trail map download here. We also host a local copy of the trail map here in case the NCC site has problems.
There is also an NCC Gatineau Park Winter trail map for your enjoyment. You can also here in case there are issues with the NCC site. Both maps do feature a topographical portion you can zoom in on.
Gatineau Hills – Summer Trails (trail 52, 53 are accessible from the highway)
Gatineau Hills – Scenic Lookouts
TransCanada Trails in Wakefield
Wakefield Hendrick Park Trails
Hike Wakefield’s Historical Sites
Horse Back Riding
Come ride the trails or take a horseback-riding lesson with Wakefield’s Captiva Farms.
Zip Lining & Aerial Parks
Glide through challenging aerial courses or visit one of the world’s most spectacular and unique bungee jumping sites – just minutes away from Belle de Nuit!
Hunting & Fishing
Fishing & Hunting
Fishing
Grab your fishing pole and Quebec fishing permit and head out to Gatineau Park. You can fish in any lake in the Park with the exception of Pine Lake, Harrington Lake, and Edouard Lake.
Other locations for fishing in the region
Hunting
To be legally allowed to hunt in Quebec, you must be familiar with the latest regulations regarding the conservation of Quebec wildlife. See below for regulations and for information regarding licensing and hunting zones.
Quebec hunting regulations– licences and certificates needed, hunting zones, and bag limits.
Running & Races
Group Activities
Group Activities
Whether you’re looking to join a group or plan a group activity, Wakefield Quebec has several activities that cater to groups.
Expedition Wakefield – organized weekly outdoor group activities in all seasons
Monthly socials – showcases a speaker on a chosen outdoor topic. Brings together Wakefield’s outdoor enthusiasts.
Aegle Events – organizes sporting events and games in La Peche that are focused on health and wellness
Nightlife & Music
Nightlife & Music
Wakefield is home to several popular live music venues. The Black Sheep Inn is a legendary venue ideal for those looking to see their favourite artists in an intimate setting.
Casino Lac Leemy
If you’re looking for a night out on the town, Casino Lac Leemy is only a short drive away. Catch a show, experience fine dining, or try your hand at some blackjack.
Festivals
Festivals and events In the Ottawa Gatineau region
This region is home to several fantastic year-round festivals. Here in Wakefield Quebec, all of the best festivals are at your doorstep!
Ottawa Jazz Festival (June)
Ottawa Bluesfest (July)
Sound of Light (fireworks and performances at the Casino) (August)
Wakefield International Film Festival
Fall Rhapsody in Gatineau Park (Oct. 1-16)
City of Gatineau full festivals list
Canada Day Events – Wakefield celebrates Canada Day with a parade down Riverside Dr. and a Flotilla down the Gatineau River. Festivities then proceed to the community centre for food, live music, and fireworks at dusk. After the fireworks, the party usually moves to the Black Sheep Inn and Kaffe 1870.
Romprestomp – The party that defines Wakefield spirit! Outdoor music and dancing every year on July 24th at various venues. Ask the locals for details!
Farmer’s Markets
Spend your afternoon meeting local farmers and scouting the freshest organic produce in Wakefield.
Theatres & Art Galleries
Theatres & Art Galleries
We love to celebrate local artists, performers, and creators of all kinds. Visit one of our many galleries and theatres to explore the local art scene.
Shopping
Shopping
Whether you’re looking for local produce or native-inspired art, shopping around Wakefield makes for a perfect Sunday afternoon.
Boutique la Tulipe Noire – lifestyle products that are made locally
End of the Line Boutique -from jewellery to children’s toys – everything you need
Khewa Native Art Boutique – beautiful native art pieces
La Foret – health food store
Wakefield General Store – groceries
Boiserie du Ruisseau – creative and functional furniture: 819-459-8636
Jamboree – items for your home: 819-459-2537
Health & Wellness
Health and Wellness (Spas and Massage)
Relax and restore in Belle de Nuit’s soothing outdoor pool and hot tubs. Sink even deeper into relaxation by visiting one of the nearby spas or yoga studios.
SUP Yoga starts June 20th and is offered on the Gatineau River every Wed. at 6:30pm and Saturdays at 9:30. Classes are organized by Expeditions Wakefield and provided by Yoga de la Source.
Gatineau Hills Therapeutic Massage
Jillian Clarke (Registered Massage Therapist) – 490 Route 105, Old Chelsea (613) 290-7891
Jessica Robillard (RMT) – 736 Riverside Drive, Wakefield (613) 869-3457
