The Pontiac County is probably the most underrated destination of the Outaouais region of Quebec. With a growing agrotourism sector, a breathtaking waterfall, and a rich history to be discovered, the Pontiac region has so many amazing activities and places to visit all year round. Here’s a short list of the best things to do in the Pontiac region.
1. Chutes Coulonge Park
This is one of the most popular attractions of the Pontiac County. With a majestic waterfall, this location was vital during the forest exploitation era. Here, you can explore the falls thanks to a 1.1 km long trail, 2 bridges, and a few lookouts for only $10 per adult and $6 per kid (6 to 17 years old). The Chutes Coulonge Park also offers more adventurous activities for those wishing to live a memorable and adrenaline pack experience. Indeed, you can zipline over the falls and complete a Via ferra over a canyon. You may also complete an obstacle course in the trees. For more information on these activities, including pricing, visit their website. Recently, they have added new accommodations with some amazing yurts to sleep in!
Location: 100 Prom. Du-Parc-des-Chutes, Mansfield-et-Pontefract, QC J0X 1R0
2. George Bryson House & Marchand Covered Bridge
Learn about the history and development of the Pontiac region by exploring the George Bryson House and Marchand Covered Bridge. Both these important and historical attractions are location next to each other in the town of Mansfield-et-Pontefract. George Bryson was a prominent figure in the economic development of the area. Arrived in the Pontiac in the 1830s, George Bryson would go on to invest into the forest industry, notably with the construction of a sawmill and a log slide at the Coulonge Falls. While the Marchand Covered Bridge is currently under renovation which should be finished soon, you can still appreciate this surprisingly long wooden covered bridge which crosses a section of the Ottawa River. There is a $5 entry fee to the George Bryson House Museum per adults ($3 per kid that is between 6 and 10 years old).
Location: 314 Hwy 148, Mansfield-et-Pontefract, Quebec J0X 1R0
3. Oiseau Rock Hiking Trail
This 10 km round-trip trail offers not only spectacular views of the Ottawa River, but also has a rich history for the Algonquin First Nation with the presence of pictograms dating back several hundreds, even thousands of years. With over 320 m of elevation gain, this trail is considered moderate in difficulty with a strong incline at the end of the trail when you head down to the river front where you get an amazing view of the Oiseau Rock. The road that leads to the trail head is not in good condition and small vehicles may have difficulty reaching it (best to use a 4×4 vehicle) (I still managed to reach it with a small Kia Rio). Access to the trail is subject to an entrance fee of 12$ per vehicle which is paid at the ZEC St-Patrice Office (on Chemin Schyan before the trail). This trail is open from May to October.
Location: Chem. Schyan, Sheenboro, QC J0X 2Z0
4. Brauwerk Hoffman German Microbrewery
Wish you could travel to Germany to taste some delicious craft beers and some amazing foods? Look no further! Brauwerk Hoffman offers a wide variety of German-inspired craft beers as well as a delicious German-inspired menu. From Bratwurst to Pretzels with cheese dip, you are sure to feel satisfied after eating at this location. For $13, you can taste 4 different beer samples with their beer flight. A great stop in the town of Campbell’s Bay. They are only open from Thursday to Saturday, so plan ahead and reserve your seat.
Location: 1298 Hwy 148, Campbell’s Bay, Quebec J0X 1K0
5. Little Red Wagon Winery
Located in the town of Shawville (Quebec), at a 1-hour drive from Gatineau, the Little Red Wagon Winery is a perfect weekend getaway location with their vineyard, bistro, and art gallery. Here, you can purchase delicious red and white wine, as well as a rosé of which they are currently sold out. On Saturdays, you may even catch some live music being played by local groups inside their charming building (must purchase tickets online). For food, they sell different sharing options, like local cheese boards, a charcuterie board, and some tasty trout and cheese pate. Afterwards, why not walk on the main street in Shawville and check out the Pontiac Home Bakery for some delicious bake goods.
Location: 165 Chemin de Calumet O, Shawville, QC J0X 2Y0
6. Pontiac Home Bakery
First established in 1951, the Pontiac Home Bakery has been serving locals as well as visitors for more than half a century. To have been in business for that long, their products must be good, right? Absolutely! With a great selection of baking goods, sandwiches, cakes, and breads, you are sure not to walk out with your hands empty. I do recommend trying out their delicious doughnuts. So before heading off on an adventure, why not stop here and gather a great little lunch to go!
Location: 315 Rue Bristol, Shawville, QC J0X 2Y0
7. Lake Moore Trail & Leslie Park
This 5 km loop trail allows visitors to go around the beautiful Moore Lake which is situated in the Leslie Park. The trail is considered easy in difficulty and takes around 1h30 to 2h to complete. You can bring a picnic, eat by the lake, and even go for a swim on a nice summer day. There is a $5 entry fee per adult to access the trail. You can pay this fee and park your vehicle at the main office of the Leslie Park. After your hike, you can even go spend time at the Leslie Park Beach. There is a $10 fee per person for those who are not staying in the Leslie Park Campground. Great location to enjoy the fall colours.
Location: 460 Chem. Belmont, Otter Lake, QC J0X 2P0
8. Coronation Hall Cider Mills
After only a 20-minute drive up the highway 148 from the Domaine de Pontiac Village, you will arrive at the Coronation Hall Cider Mills which is situated in the quaint town of Bristol (Quebec). At the Coronation Hall Cider Mills, you can not only enjoy some delicious traditional English apple cider, but you can also purchase amazing apple bake goods like pies, cookies, donuts, etc. They also sell jams, apple butter, and the list goes on and on. This is a family-run local business that transforms apples from the 12-acre orchard into tones of tasty products.
The name ‘Coronation Hall’ refers to the old dance hall located at the mill which dates back to the 1930s and is the only remaining dance hall in the surrounding area. An interesting fact about this location is it was actually named after the coronation of King George VI. You can still visit the dance hall and check out a local play that goes on in the month of August. After tasting many of their treats, I can conform that they alone are worth the drive up.
Location: 206 Chemin River, Bristol, QC J0X 1G0
9. Norway Bay Beach
Situated in the charming town of Bristol (Quebec), Norway Bay Beach is a popular swimming location for locals and visitors. Not only is there a public beach, but there’s also a pier with natural pools at the end where you can swim laps. A great place to enjoy a nice sunny day! Washrooms and picnic tables are available at this location. You can also fish off the pier. Access to the beach and the pier is free. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards at this location.
Location: Chem. Wharf, Bristol, QC J0X 1G0
10. Domaine de Pontiac Village: Winery and Old Automobile Museum
Situated in the charming town of Quyon (Quebec) at a 45-minute drive from Gatineau, the Domaine de Pontiac Village is not only a family run winery, but also an old car museum. With over 6 000 plants of 10 different varieties of grapes, they produce delicious red and white wine, as well as a great rosé. Here, you can sample their wines by purchasing a wine flight (3 one oz samples of wine) for $5. You can also purchase wine by the glass ($5 per glass) or take home a bottle.
This wine can be enjoyed inside their lovely barn or outside on the property with one of their picnic tables. The owners Maude and Pavel are very informative and so kind. You can really feel their passion for what they do. While there, why not check out their cool collection of old automobiles. Just a great location to disconnect from the city and feel completely relaxed.
Location: 1259 Chemin du Cimetière, Quyon, QC J0X 2V0
