Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Fresh air and city living
The Outaouais region, in southwestern Québec, welcomes visitors year round for both relaxing activities (rides on a steam train, canoe-camping, hot air balloon rides, cave tours, museum visits), as well as some that are a little more daring (rafting, parachuting, spelunking, bungee jumping, even casino gambling!). The region's vast territory has two faces. On the banks of the Ottawa River, just opposite Ottawa's Parliament Hill, sits Gatineau (which includes Hull), a city peppered with green spaces. Its downtown hums with a vibrant nightlife, shows, major exhibitions and a host of other exciting activities. Just outside the city stands the forest, the pillar of the region's economy. This impressive natural arena boasts countless bodies of water, immense parks, animal preserves and outfitters for nature lovers, hunters and fishermen—not to mention bike paths, ski trails and snowmobile trails galore!
From Gatineau to Montebello
History buffs will not want to miss the Canadian Museum of Civilization, which features exhibits on archeology, ethnology, the way of life of the indigenous peoples and handicrafts, as well as the Canadian Children's Museum. At Parc Oméga, in Montebello, the young and old alike will enjoy a photo safari from the comfort of their car. Admire deer, wapitis, bison, boars, moose, wolves and many other free-roaming animals! At the Manoir Papineau National Historic Site, in Montebello, you can tour a lavish, architecturally resplendent seigneurial manor. To get into the vacation spirit, what better than an evening at the casino? The Casino du Lac-Leamy, adjacent to a luxury hotel, features shows headlined by internationally renowned artists, as well as impressive gourmet restaurants and gaming rooms.Go ahead, nature awaits you!
The 363 km2 (140 sq. mi.) of Gatineau Park is an ideal recreation destination in both summer and winter. This paradise, just minutes from downtown, is the perfect place for canoe-camping, swimming, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and winter camping! The park is home to the Mackenzie King Estate, the former summer residence of this illustrious prime minister. At the Parc national de Plaisance, you can watch thousands of Canada geese on their spring and fall migrations. The immense Réserve faunique de Papineau-Labelle (1,628 km2 / 628 sq. mi.) is the perfect place to spot moose, beavers and white-tailed deer, and for enjoying some fishing or canoe-camping. To find out more about white-tailed deer, visit the Centre d'interprétation du cerf de Virginie, where you can observe this magnificent animal in its natural habitat. To enjoy the natural splendour of the Outaouais on bicycle, take to the trails of the Route verte, cycle along the river that meanders through Gatineau Park, or tour the immense Réserve faunique La Vérendrye!Relaxation and adventure await you in the Outaouais!
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