Your Family Getaway Guide to the Outaouais

For thrilling outdoor activities, serene moments surrounded by nature with gourmet stops along the way, the Outaouais is a destination that caters to every member of the family.

Day 1: A Gatineau Adventure

Check in at Hôtel V for two nights in Gatineau, which features bright, colourful rooms and an on-site urban spa that children six and up can also enjoy. After a good night’s rest, enjoy breakfast at the Bistro Rumeur, the hotel restaurant, or have a hearty Sunday brunch at Bistro CoqLicorne, where the menu includes chicken and waffles, French toast and huevos rancheros, starting at $22 per dish.

After breakfast, head to Interzip Rogers for an exhilarating interprovincial ziplining experience with panoramic views of the Parliament Buildings as you soar across the Ottawa River between Quebec and Ontario. There’s no lower age limit to take the zip line, although kids will need to weigh a minimum of 70 pounds to get on the ride (tickets cost $24.99 for adults and $19.99 for kids aged 14 and under).

If zip-lining isn't your speed, consider renting canoes, kayaks or paddleboards from one of the area’s outdoor centres, like Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy (rentals from $18.50) for a leisurely paddle on the water.

Recharge with smoothies and salads for lunch at Olivia Bistro-Boutique where you can also try a range of tacos starting from $8.25.

In the afternoon, head down behind the Canadian Museum of History and hop on the electric Water Taxi Eh (tickets from $6.95) for a scenic cruise on the Ottawa River. Explore both sides of the river and discover the beauty of Gatineau from a different perspective.

For dinner, visit À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale, a family-friendly spot serving up delicious comfort food like poutine and burgers as well as a selection of craft beverages.

Also worth checking out:

• VR82 Virtual Reality Arcade for a futuristic gaming experience

• Adrénaline + for trampolines and obstacle courses to burn off some energy

• Top Karting for go-karting fun for the whole family

Day 2: Collines-de-l’Outaouais Thrills and Petite Nation

Start your day with an action-packed morning at Camp Fortune where you can ride the mountain coaster pipe (one ride for $20, plus $6 for a passenger), challenge yourself in the aerial park, or fly through the treetops on zip lines.

For a unique underground adventure, head out to visit Arbraska Laflèche, home to the largest visited cave in the Canadian Shield. Explore the caverns with kids aged five and older (tickets start at $22 to $27 for children, $30 for adults) and test your agility in the aerial park (tickets from $20) for an unforgettable experience. After you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by Roberto Pizza Romana, known for its authentic Italian pizzas and casual ambiance.

After lunch, drive for just under an hour to arrive at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Montebello, a spectacular log cabin luxury resort in the Petite Nation. Take advantage of the hotel's summer offer, which includes daily breakfast and credits for spa, golf and dining experiences.

This stunning hotel features four wings and, from above, looks like a six-sided star or snowflake with the main lobby in the middle. The lobby interior has romantic lighting, and is centred around a giant six-sided fireplace. While wandering the hotel and grounds is an activity in itself, the resort offers more than 40 activities (most are included in the resort experience fee of $38 per room per day), depending on the weather. Some of the summer fun that families can enjoy include mini golf, paddle boarding, hiking along nearby nature trails, badminton, tennis, scavenger hunts and movie nights. Plus, there are both indoor and outdoor pools.

Also worth checking out:

• Manoir Papineau National Historic Site (admission is $9 for adults and free for kids) for a wander through the site’s pretty landscaped garden

Day 3: Discover Petite Nation

Start your day with breakfast at the sumptuous hotel buffet restaurant Aux Chantignoles. After breakfast, explore the tastes of the region by first visiting ChocoMotive for a sweet experience the whole family will love. Then, make your way to Fromagerie Montebello to sample delicious cheeses and learn about the cheese-making process.

Parc Omega; Photo: Myriam Baril-Tessier

Once you’re fully sated, visit Parc Omega in Montebello to feed Canadian wildlife. Buy some carrots at the Park House (or bring your own) and treat the deer and elk on the trails. You can also hop in your car and enjoy the self-driven safari, where you have the chance see wolves, wild boars, caribou, moose and bears, among other wildlife.

For a Longer Stay

Drive to Pontiac to check in at HillHaus Dômes Pontiac. These well-equipped, two-bed domes come with a kitchen, full bathroom and a deck with a hot tub for a unique visit in the heart of the Canadian wilderness.

You can also rent a paddle boat on site and cruise around the lake. For dinner, visit nearby restaurants, such as Café Downtown or Brauwerk Hoffman for delicious local cuisine in a cozy setting.

Also worth checking out:

• Rafting Momentum to experience more thrills ($149 for adults, $119 for teens 13 to 17 and $99 for kids aged 5 to 12)

• Willow Lane Alpacas for a gentler day spent meeting some adorable alpacas on a one-hour guided tour of the 50-acre farm (family admission $30)

If you prefer a more rustic camping experience, drive an hour and a half from Gatineau to the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau territory and stay at CarpeDiem Aventures. Here you can rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards and stay in a micro cottage (from $191.35) or bring your own tent.

For more family vacation ideas, visit Expérience Outaouais.