Founded in 1900, Plaisance is a small town of just over 1000 residents situated off the shoreline of the Outaouais River at a 40-minute drive from Gatineau or a 1h30 drive from the Montreal. While this town might not even have a signal light, it offers tones of great activities for outdoor enthusiasts all year round. From hiking to kayaking, to checking out an impressive waterfall and camping in one of the most underrated national parks in the Province of Quebec, Plaisance is one of my personal favorite places to visit in the Outaouais region. Here’s a short list of some of the best things to do in Plaisance:
1. Visit the Chutes de Plaisance
Considered to be one of the most impressive waterfalls in the entire Outaouais region, the Plaisance waterfalls have an elevation gain of roughly 63m from top to bottom. Soon, this park will be integrated to the Plaisance National Park. It is currently runed by the municipality. Open from April to October, entrance to the park is subject to fees: 7$ for adults, 6$ for seniors, 3$ for students and teenagers, free for kids under 12 (family prices are available). Now, while the entrance to this park is not free, it is totally worth the price.
You can easily spend a good few hours here relaxing on a nice warm sunny day and have a picnic near the falls. You can learn about the history of the falls and of the first industrial village of the territory. And guess what, you four-legged friends are permitted in the park (on a leash).
Location: 200 Chemin Malo #168, Plaisance, Quebec J0V 1S0
2. Hiking in the Plaisance National Park
Plaisance National Park is probably the most underrated national park in the entire province of Quebec. While it does not offer any mountains like those in Charlevoix or Gaspésie, this park has beautiful marshland, a wonderful ecosystem that birdwatchers or enthusiasts alike will certainly enjoy, amazing hiking trails, great picnic areas situated on the shoreline of the Outaouais River, and so much more. Did I mention that this park is home to over 200 species of birds, amphibians, and turtles! Now that is a lot of fauna and flora to check out!
For hikers, I recommend exploring two trails in specific. First, the Zizanie-des-Marais trail which is one of the key attractions of the park. After a 3km hike from the Discovery Center, along the Serpentine trail, you will arrive at an impressive floating walk over the marshland. From the walkway, you can appreciate even more the Fauna and Flora. Secondly, the Suspended bridge trail. It’s only a 1km (round-trip from the Discovery Center) trail that allows you to check out a cool suspended bridge. These are just two of the many trails you can find in the Plaisance National Park.
The park is technically open during the winter. No services are offered during the winter season. Entrance to the park is subject to the same fees as all other national parks that are ran by the SÉPAQ: 9$ for a day pass (kids 17yrs and under are free), 81.25$ for an annual pass for all the national parks runed by the SÉPAQ, or 45$ for an annual pass to this park alone (during the pandemic, fees must be paid online). Here, dogs are allowed in the park in certain areas with a leash (not on the trails).
Location: 1001 Chemin de la Grande Presqu’île, Plaisance, QC J0V 1S0
3. Camping in the Plaisance National Park
During your visit in the Plaisance National Park, why not stay the night in of their many styles of accommodations, ranging from a camping sites for tents with no services to their ready-to-camp site where almost everything you need is included. What most people will tell you about this location is the tranquility that it offers. Prices may vary throughout the summer season (check out the Plaisance National Park’s website for more details). Some sites are situated just of the Outaouais River. Just know that the month of May is notorious for the number of flies you might have to confront.
4. Kayaking up the Petite-Nation River to the Plaisance Waterfalls
Don’t have a kayak? No worries! You can rent a kayak from the Discovery Center in the Plaisance National Park. An open solo kayak is usually 33$ for 4h (which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the river) or it’s 38$ for 4h for a solo sea-kayak (prices may vary). You can park your vehicle at the Discovery Center and launch off at the docking area. From there, head right up the Petite-Nation River to the Plaisance Waterfalls. The current shouldn’t be too strong. Expect the journey to take between 2 to 3 hours to complete (10km round-trip). You can bring some food and have a picnic at the bottom of the waterfall.
If you wish to go in the opposite direction (left on the Petite-Nation River), you can kayak into one of the many baies where you can get up close to the marshland and nature.
Plaisance is a great summer destination in the Outaouais region. Whether it but just a stop on the way to your next destination or as a weekend getaway, you will have a great time here. To conclude, all I know is I look forward to heading back there for a great hike and to do some of the best things to do in Plaisance (Quebec).
