© C. Labonté
Turn winter into a season of unforgettable adventures with unique winter activities.
Paddle the crystal-clear waters of the Petite Nation River, surrounded by snow-covered landscapes. Échappée Bleue offers SUP des glaces activity. Put on a dry suit, warm up, listen to your guide’s valuable advice and launch your board. Let yourself be amazed by this unique experience and observe the beauty of the shores under the snow.
Discover the spas in the Outaouais region and choose the one that best suits your needs. The different establishments offer a variety of baths, saunas and massage therapy services. Treat yourself to a personalized treatment, by press therapy, relax by a saltwater pool and much more.
Try ice bath therapy using the Wim Hof at Idolem and be accompanied by a certified instructor. For one minute, immerse yourself in icy water and enjoy the benefits that cold can bring to your body and mind. Improve sports recovery, regain mental clarity, enjoy anti-inflammatory properties, reduce stress and improve sleep.
Photo: Red Equipment
Experience an authentic northern adventure by learning to drive a sled with Escapade Huskimo. Located in Otter Lake, the company offers excursions where you can learn the basics of driving a sled and harnessing the dogs. Ride the snowy-covered trails along The Pontiac’s lakes and mountains for an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Head to Captiva Ranch, Eastern Canada’s largest horse farm, to unwind in an enchanting setting. Take a guided horseback ride around the property.
Visit Parc Omega for an immersive experience at the heart of Canadian wildlife. This unique park allows you to closely observe deer, bison, moose and other animals emblematic of the country in an exceptional natural setting. As you drive through the park, you’ll have the opportunity to feed some of them with carrots, while learning about their habitat and behavior. An ideal activity for families and nature lovers alike.
The Outaouais region has many snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails waiting to be explored.
Friends of Gatineau Park organizes activities in the Gatineau Park to promote appreciation, understanding and protection of the natural and cultural heritage of the protected area. These activities include Raquettes sous les étoiles, a guided hike at dusk during which participants discover the secrets of how flora and fauna adapt to winter.
Explore the magnificent snow-covered trails of Parc régional de Champboisé, perfect for a day of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. For an even more magical experience, opt for an evening of torch-lit snowshoeing and discover the forest under a whole new light, illuminated by the glow of torches with the soothing silence of the winter nights.
With its forested landscapes and well-groomed trails, the Parc régional de la forêt Bowman is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to day hikes, the torch-lit snowshoeing experience offers a mysterious and immersive dimension to the surrounding nature.
Want to venture off the beaten path this winter? Hop on your bike and set off on an adventure on the Outaouais's fat bike trails. This winter sport offers a one-of-a-kind thrill on two wheels.
Start your journey at Le Harfang Fat Bike & Snowshoes, a winter wonderland located at Le Sorcier Golf Club. Pedal through 22 kilometers of perfectly groomed trails on this 325-acre site, ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike. Take advantage of the studded tire bike rental service to travel light.
Head to Montebello Mountain Bike, a hidden gem located halfway between Gatineau and Montreal. Explore 25 kilometers of enchanting trails on the seigneurial lands of Louis-Joseph Papineau. With each pedal stroke, you will be transported between history and nature along the Outaouais River and through a majestic pine forest. If you don't have your own equipment, don't forget to stop by the rental center.
Take the road to the Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon. This charming site offers 13 kilometers of trails for fat bikes and cross-country skiing. The trails wind through a forest of pine and maple trees. Take a break in one of the three rustic, wood-stove heated shelters—a moment of pure comfort.
Explore the 361 km² of protected territory that is Gatineau Park. The park has more than 60 kilometers of marked fat bike trails ranging from easy to very difficult. Breathe in the fresh air, admire the winter panoramas, and ride through pristine nature, through valleys, hills, and silent forests.
For thrill-seekers, ice climbing is a must-try activity in the Outaouais. Quebec is renowned worldwide for its waterfalls and ice walls, providing an ideal playground for this discipline. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, the professional guides of Petite-Nation’s Climbing will accompany you on introductory courses and guided excursions so you can enjoy ice climbing safely.
Skating outdoors under the stars or in broad daylight is magical. In the Outaouais region, ice rinks immerse you in a winter wonderland. The region is full of frozen trails and natural ice rinks nestled in enchanting settings. Whether in a forest, on the edge of a lake, or in the heart of the city, each stroke of your skates creates a special moment. Several sites also offer additional services, such as skate rentals, heated rest areas, and illuminated trails in the evening. No matter your skill level or location, you're sure to find a skating rink that suits your taste and allows you to fully enjoy winter.
Tubing is the ultimate winter activity for enjoying with family and friends. Several recreation centers in the Outaouais region offer well-maintained, safe tubing slopes suitable for all ages. Hop on your inner tube and let yourself be carried down the slope while laughing out loud the whole way! Use the magic carpets to make multiple runs without getting tired, and then warm up with a hot chocolate in the reception pavilions.
Hit the snowy slopes of the Outaouais at one of the region’s many ski centers. Find well-equipped resorts for all skill levels. Introduce your children to skiing in the learning areas, test your skills in the snow parks, or enjoy panoramic descents while breathing in the fresh air. The resorts await you with ideal conditions and a welcoming atmosphere. After an active day on the slopes, continue the fun by discovering the best après-ski spots.
Ice fishing is a traditional activity that lets you experience the Quebec winter in a whole new way. From the comfort of a heated cabin, break through the ice to catch species such as walleye, pike and yellow perch. It’s an ideal opportunity to discover the Outaouais outfitters and introduce your family and friends to this winter activity.
Photo: Outside, Christin Healey
Follow Route 148 to discover the Pontiac! The region offers many places to stop for the night, establishments to stock up on provisions and activities to brighten up your day, all year round. Enjoy vanlife even in winter!
There are several RV stops on the territory where you can park for the night. Pine Lodge, Chalets Prunella, Camping Parc Leslie and Camping du Pont Blanc also welcomes van travellers.
Make a stop at Little Red Wagon Winery to select a good bottle of wine or if you prefer beer, make a stop at the Brauwerk Hoffman microbrewery, then make sure you stop by The Pontiac Home Bakery to load up on delicious home-cooked meals!
Auberge Couleurs de France offers the Winter discovery Package, a 4-night, 5-day stay that includes guided snowmobiling, snowshoeing with a trapper, ice fishing and dog sledding. The log cabin also features outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Experience many new activities all in one place!
Aventure Outaouais offers several all-inclusive guided winter excursions. Enjoy a dusk snowshoeing hike in Gatineau Park and dine in a beautiful wood cabin by the fireplace. Or opt for a dog-sledding adventure and learn the trade from 3rd generation mushers.
The Outaouais is much more than just a winter wonderland, it’s a veritable playground for lovers of unique experiences. Whether you’re gliding down the river on SUP des glaces, exploring snow-covered trails on a fat bike or relaxing in a Nordic Spa, each activity offers a different way to rediscover winter. Away from the usual beaten track, these adventures transform the cold into an invitation to wonder and explore. So, this winter, let the Outaouais surprise you and dare to experience the season differently! + Discover 100 activities to put on your bucket list to make your winter even more extraordinary!
I’m a nature lover and a food lover. My happiness is found in breathtaking landscapes, mouth-watering dishes and all the new colourful experiences. I travelled the world before coming back to my hometown: I missed the Outaouais so much. What if we rediscovered it together?