Reconnect With Nature (and Each Other) in Quebec’s the Outaouais

There’s something special about stepping into the woods, paddling across a quiet lake or gathering around a crackling campfire that brings a family closer. Between busy schedules, screen time and the general chaos of everyday life, finding real moments of connection can be tough. That’s why a trip to the Outaouais region, just across the river from Ottawa and a short drive from Montreal, feels like such a breath of fresh air.

In the Outaouais, nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the main event. This part of Quebec is packed with outdoor adventures that are easy to get to and fun for the whole family in English or French. Whether you’re hiking forest trails, spotting wildlife from a canoe or zooming through the treetops on a zip line, these shared experiences will become the stories your kids will tell for years to come.

Here are seven family-friendly spots in the Outaouais that make it easy to get outside, try something new and enjoy time together.

Zip, Climb and Explore Underground at Arbraska Laflèche

What do you get when you combine treetop obstacle courses, thrilling zip lines and the largest outdoor trampolines in North America? A guaranteed good time. Arbraska Laflèche, located near Val-des-Monts, is a high-energy destination that lets families test their balance, courage and team spirit. The newest attraction is uplå, a truly immersive outdoor adventure. Parents and kids can bounce and play on two-storey trampoline nets and slides suspended in air surrounded by nature. And don’t forget to explore the mysterious Laflèche Cave, which is packed with history, bats, and underground wonder.

Go Wild and Stay Cozy at CarpeDiem Aventures

Tucked away on the shores of beautiful Lac Edja in Blue Sea, Quebec, CarpeDiem Aventures is where nature meets comfort and outdoor adventure becomes effortless. For overnight stays, families can choose from cozy micro-chalets, ready-to-camp platforms or even suspended tents for a unique night under the stars. During the day, paddleboard or kayak across Lac Edja, hop on an electric fat bike to explore the nearby trails or try something totally new, like archery tag in the Zone activity area. They also offer exciting excursions, like canoe camping down the Picanoc or Eagle Rivers and hiking up nearby Mont Morissette for stunning views across the region.

Paddle Through a Living Maze at Éco-Odyssée Nature Park

Located just 30 minutes from Gatineau, Éco-Odyssée is a one-of-a-kind experience for families. You’ll all play at being explorers, paddling through a winding water labyrinth in a pedal boat or canoe, while you follow signs and clues through wetlands teeming with birds and beavers. This nature park features over 60 intersections to explore, where you can work as a team or let the kids lead the way. Bring a picnic for lunch or visit at night when the park is magically illuminated.

Unplug and Play at Base de plein air Air-Eau-Bois

Located on the edge of the Poisson Blanc Reservoir in Denholm, Air-Eau-Bois offers families a refreshing mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. Cool off with a swim at the beach, then hit the 15 kilometres of hiking trails that lead to some of the region’s most stunning viewpoints. Kids will love the outdoor obstacle course, and there’s plenty of space to run around, including soccer fields with balls provided. With rustic lodging options and space to unplug, it’s the kind of place where families can just be together—no screens, no stress, just nature.

Year-Round Family Fun at Camp Fortune

Best known as a ski destination in winter, Camp Fortune offers a surprising variety of warm-weather activities the whole family can enjoy, including an aerial park packed with ropes, swings and zip lines designed to get families moving and laughing together. The mountain biking trails are a hit with adventurous tweens and teens, while scenic chairlift rides offer stunning views of Gatineau Park for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

For an extra dose of excitement, don’t miss the Mountain Pipe Coaster, where you'll zoom down a track through the forest, zip through tunnels and wind past the Clifford and Marshall ski runs. The gravity-fed coaster lets riders control their speed with a handbrake—go full speed for an adrenaline rush or pull back for a more leisurely descent through the trees.

Nature, Wildlife and Wide-Open Spaces at Parc national de Plaisance

If your family’s happy place includes peaceful hikes, birdwatching or paddling past lily-covered lagoons, then Parc national de Plaisance is your spot. Located along a series of islands in the Ottawa River, this provincial park is a biodiversity hot spot with over 250 species of birds, winding trails and calm waterways perfect for canoeing or kayaking. Look out for beavers and turtles in the wetlands. In the summer, younger kids will love to play around at the Place de la famille, which features a splash pad, water games and a relaxation area.

With camping options ranging from traditional tent sites to yurts to ready-to-camp, it’s an ideal home base for a nature immersion trip the whole family will love.

Cool Off at Mont Cascades Water Park

For a splash of summer fun, head to Mont Cascades Water Park just north of Ottawa and Gatineau. This all-ages water wonderland is perfect for warm-weather adventures, offering twisting water slides, relaxing lazy rivers and exciting splash pads that keep everyone entertained for hours. Kids will love racing down the slides, while parents can unwind in shaded cabanas, enjoying a peaceful break as they watch all the fun unfold. It's the perfect way to cap off your getaway in the Outaouais, whether you're floating along the river or cooling off in the spray zones. 

The Outaouais offers a rare gift: uninterrupted time to connect with the people who matter most, whether you're hiking through serene forests, zip-lining above the treetops or simply roasting marshmallows under a starlit sky. Pack your bags, grab your gear and let nature bring your family closer, one adventure at a time.

Plan your next family getaway in the Outaouais region now!

Why the Outaouais Makes Family Travel Easy

• Conveniently Close: Just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa and less than two hours from Montreal, the Outaouais is ideal for weekend getaways or week-long vacations.
• Bilingual and Family-Friendly: Whether you speak English, French or both, you’ll find warm hospitality and signage to match.
• All Four Seasons: From summer swims to winter snowshoeing, each season offers its own flavour of fun.
• Safe, Scenic and Sustainable: The region balances adventure with eco-conscious tourism, ensuring nature is preserved for the next generation.