© Claire Kowalewicz
Photo: Tourisme Outaouais
Fancy a breath of fresh air? Peace and quiet in nature? Magical moments surrounded by beautiful landscapes? Hit the road for an unforgettable journey through Petite Nation! Sometimes all you need to create beautiful memories are a few quality ingredients. A car or a bicycle, some nice roads to drive and little local treasures to discover are enough to create a wonderful weekend!
A road trip requires a playlist with the perfect mix of nostalgia, classics and summer hits. As the first notes of your road trip soundtrack fill the car, you know it's time to hit the road! To get the most out of your journey and admire Petite Nation’s scenery, take Route 148, which passes through all the charming little villages along the Ottawa River. About a dozen kilometers from Thurso, north of Route 148, the first stop will come into view: the Chutes du Moulin! With its hiking trail to viewpoints of the falls, it's perfect for stretching your legs and appreciating what nature's mighty beauty has to offer. It's also the perfect place to enjoy a picnic to the sound of the falls! Once you’re back on the road and passing vast expanses of greenery, head for the Parc national de Plaisance and go on an adventure at the heart of the park’s fauna and flora. This is an official paradise for you nature lovers! You can enjoy almost any kind of water activity, including going on rabaskas, cycling and camping, and you can see over 250 species of wildlife. Since you’re not far away, you can also visit the magnificent, colorful works of art at the Centre d’art populaire du Québec, located right in the heart of the village of Plaisance. Continue your getaway along Route 148 and take in the beautiful panoramic views of Pentecôte Bay. On your road trip through the splendid Petite Nation region, stop at the Centre d’exposition Napoléon-Bourassa, which offers a rich program of visual arts and crafts, showcasing professional and emerging artists from the region and beyond. Attend exhibitions, events, and educational activities that stimulate creativity and reflection, while fostering connections between the arts community and the local community. Stop by their art shop, La Fouinerie, which features creations by the exhibition center’s member artists. You can also support local artisans at Lavandine et Cie, a sanctuary of well-being worth discovering.
Would you like to learn more about the craftsmanship for which Montebello is renowned? The Masters of Montebello invite you to discover local businesses that stand out for the quality of their work and their mastery of unique techniques.
Get back on the road to discover Petite Nation’s surrounding areas. With 25 municipalities linked by routes such as the 321, 323, 317, 309, 315 and 307, there are plenty of options for a drive. Let the road guide you; it's definitely the best way to explore and discover little treasures. With your appetite whetted after all these adventures, you'll have plenty of delicious options to choose from. Head to the Bistro Montebello to sample their excellent pizzas or explore their varied menu, which features creative dishes. You can also choose to dine at Le Napoléon Bistronomie Québécoise, which offers cuisine that blends local ingredients with creativity. Savor seasonal dishes crafted with care in an intimate, cozy setting, where refined cuisine showcases local produce from Montebello alongside the finest seasonal ingredients from across Quebec. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by La Belle Pâtissière to enjoy some delectable desserts. In addition to the great restaurants there, did you know that the charming village of Montebello is home not only to the world's largest log cabin, the Fairmont Le Château Montebello, but it was also where Louis-Joseph-Papineau, seigneur of Petite-Nation and politician, chose to build his manor house in 1846.
During your road trip, make a worthwhile stopover at the Manoir Papineau Historic Site. Discover the interior of the seigneury, the Manoir’s main floor, take a tour of the old red oak tree or enjoy an exciting guided tour as you delve into the captivating history of this iconic residence. You can also stroll through the surrounding gardens and woodland. From September 4 to 6, 2026, the immersive experience Tales from the shadow is back. Join a guided night tour by lantern light in the heart of Louis-Joseph Papineau’s magnificent stately home. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience an authentic, enchanting adventure. After a walk through the streets of Montebello and visits to local boutiques, it's time to rest. Manoir Chamberland opens its historic doors to you! This former presbytery has been transformed into an inn, brimming with the charm from Louis-Joseph-Papineau’s era and all the comfort and luxury of modern conveniences. With eight tastefully decorated rooms and obvious attention to detail, calm and relaxation are guaranteed. It's the perfect setting for a romantic getaway! Refreshed from a good night's sleep in a Downton Abbey-style room, it's time to hit the road! If you have room in your schedule, visit Parc Oméga and enjoy the Oniro experience, a luminous and immersive nighttime walking tour. Offered at certain times of the year, it features projections, sound effects, and light displays. Omega Park and its activities are a true must-see in Montebello. There, you can see more than fifteen species of Canadian animals in their natural habitat, and some are even roaming freely.
Before leaving, the last stop on this wonderful walk: the 75th meridian sundial! It’s built precisely on the 75th meridian line, which is used to determine Eastern Standard Time and it's in Papineauville! With your head full of countryside memories, your stomach satisfied by local delicacies, and your heart full of simple joys, you can head home to the soundtrack of your favourite playlist! + Looking for a cultural, gourmet, sporting or wilderness getaway? Take to the road and let yourself be guided by Petite Nation to discover its must-sees !
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?