© Claire Kowalewicz
Set out on the Chemins d'eau route in Petite Nation. Begin your getaway at Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon, where you can go for a hike and admire the scenery from the observation tower. For lunch, stop by Le Café du Bistrot and treat yourself to their set menu, which changes with the seasons. Spend the night at Gîte Gil-Ann, a charming former family home. The next day, explore the Manoir Papineau National Historic Site, the former seigneurial estate of Louis-Joseph Papineau. Then continue on to the Centre d’art populaire du Québec, where you’ll fall in love with this former monastery that hosts unique exhibitions. End your weekend at sunset by drifting down an 18-km river in a canoe, or opt for a short boat ride at Centre Nautique de la Lièvre.
The Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon has 17 trails (total length 25 km) for hiking, mountain biking, fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and board sports. Explore an 800-acre forest combining the woodland environment of the Petite Nation and the agricultural landscape. From the top of the 12-metre observation tower at the lookout on Mont Grand-Pic, 426 metres above sea level, you can admire the Petite-Nation valley. You can rent outdoor equipment (cross-country skiing, snowshoe, slide tube, Hok Skiing, Sledging. It is also possible to spend the night there either camping or in a shelter, both in summer and winter.
Located in the village of Saint-André-Avellin, the restaurant Le Café du Bistrot offers fresh, up-to-date, progressive cuisine that's well worth the detour. Discover a unique wine list, savor a pizza baked in a wood-fired oven, or indulge in the Table d'hôte formula, whose dishes change with the seasons and local produce. Take a seat on the terrace and sip a refreshing drink, or sit down in the dining room and treat yourself to an intimate moment in a warm atmosphere. The establishment also offers a catering service: Le Trotteur.
The Gîte Gil-Ann, located in Saint-André-Avellin, is a historic house built in the 1880s. Once a family residence, it stands out for its period charm, featuring a carefully preserved retro decor. High ceilings, original woodwork, and vintage furniture create a warm and authentic atmosphere. This place invites you on a journey through time, offering a unique experience that blends heritage and comfort, including a delicious breakfast.
Located in Montebello, Manoir Papineau National Historic Site transports visitors to the heart of the 19th century with guided tours of Louis-Joseph Papineau's former residence. Enjoy the estate, its flower gardens, its vast lawns and its view of the Ottawa River. A perfect spot for a picnic! History, architecture and horticulture enthusiasts will be delighted by the beauty and charm of the site. After your visit, enjoy the grounds or explore Montebello's fabulous shops! Admission is free from June 19 to September 16, 2026. To discover the rest of the program and the many new features of the 2026 summer season, visit the website.
Located in a magnificent heritage building in Plaisance, in the Outaouais, Le Centre d'art populaire du Québec offers you a wide range of popular art exhibitions by Québec artists of yesterday and today. Whether in sculpture, engraving, painting, all these works exude the joy and good humor characteristic of this type of art.
Discover the Centre Nautique de la Lièvre and let yourself be carried along 18 km of navigable water. Take advantage of our watercraft rentals for a calm-water ride. Whether you opt for a paddleboard, kayak, canoe or pedal boat, you'll spend a memorable day in the great outdoors. Observe nature along the shoreline, stop for a picnic break, spend some quality time with the family and continue your journey into the moonlight. If you like, try out the fun activities on site, including paddleboard yoga classes.