Waterways of the Outaouais: Quebec’s newest tourist route Explore the Ottawa and Gatineau rivers and celebrate our capital environment

Private lake view from Trois Pointes Cabin, Kenauk.

Manoir Papineau, built between 1848-1850.

BY KATHARINE FLETCHER

Outaouais Tourism launched a brandnew route celebrating the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers earlier this summer. Called Les Chemins d’eau, it offers history and outdoorsy destinations along 278 kilometres of waterfront.

Starting downstream on the Ottawa River near Montebello, it continues west through the Outaouais into the Pontiac region.

Here are a few highlights. But don’t take my word for it. Explore!

Montebello: Manoir Papineau, Parc Omega, Fairmont Chateau Montebello, Kenauk Nature

“In the isolation of this location, I have been architect, farmer, designer and gardener.” Louis-Joseph Papineau wrote those words while managing the construction of his home, Manoir Papineau, built between 1848-50. This fiery politician participated in the Lower Canada Rebellion of 1837-38 against British rule and now his home is a Parks Canada National Historic Site. Go to tour his home and gardens, and win tranquil views of the Ottawa River.

Nearby Parc Omega introduces us to Canadian (and other) wildlife via a drive-through parkland – and also offers comfy “yurt-like” accommodations. Its First Nations walking trail introduces us to art and facts about the peoples of the Outaouais region – well-worth visiting. Tip? During mating season for elk, wolves, bison and deer (September and October) stay overnight and listen beneath a canopy of stars to wolf howls and bugling of elk. It can stir the soul.

For upscale luxury visit Chateau Montebello, the world’s largest log “cabin.” Bicycle, horse-back ride, swim, paddle – and learn why Winston Churchill loved staying in this treasure of historic Canadiana. Adjacent to it, Géo-Explora lets you go on a scavenger hunt using electric Quads. Fun.

Kenauk Nature is my go-to place for solace: rented cabins on a private lake offer kayaks, canoes and rowboats. Take all your food (and books, sketchpads) and “glamp” in serenity.

Pontiac: PPJ Cycloparc, Norway Bay Beach, Esprit Rafting

PPJ Cycloparc offers cyclists 95 off-road kilometres along a former rail line through pastoral farms to Shawville. Count on a tasty lunch at Café 349, with delicious coffee from a local roasterie and visit a gallery, Art Brûlant. Beyond Shawville, cycle to l’Isle-aux-Allumettes, passing through villages including Fort Coulonge with its historic Auberge Spruceholme.

Take the family to Norway Bay’s idyllic sandy beach where youngsters can splash, well-supervised, in the shallows of the mighty Ottawa. Older kids and adults can walk the stretch of wharf where ferries to Ontario once docked. Locals love jumping off the pier into the deep Ottawa River for a challenging swim. And you could bring your kayak.

Meanwhile, Esprit offers thrilling whitewater rafting on the Ottawa – come for sunsets, lodging, and to see why First Nations, European explorers down to today’s recreationalists love this wild, rapids-strewn stretch of river.

Just a few of my top picks – and I’ve not even mentioned the beautiful Gatineau River, where Wakefield Village deserves exploration …

Find out more at Tourisme Outaouais, (bit.ly/2wmi4cq) •