A Couples’ Guide to Wakefield, Quebec in Summer

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If you’re dreaming of a summer weekend that blends a little wilderness with just the right amount of comfort, Wakefield, Quebec might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Think long, lazy morning hikes across covered bridges, slow breakfasts with good coffee, dips in cool lakes, and dinners for two that linger long after the last bite.

Here’s our couples travel guide on how to do this charming village in the Gatineau Hills right.

We’d already done summer weekends in Ottawa and Montreal the kid-friendly way…museums, BeaverTails, ghost tours, the whole thing.

This time, we were looking for something with fewer snacks in Ziplock bags and more wine. Enter: Wakefield.

Set in the heart of the forested Gatineau Hills, just 20 minutes north of Ottawa, this tiny village offers a proper adult reset.

Long spa hours, lots of outdoor adventure and the soul-satisfying, hyper-local food that Quebec does so well.

While ideally suited for a romantic couples summer escape, it also suits a girlfriends spa getaway or foodie weekend with friends.

Here’s our 3-day itinerary and list of things for couples to do on a weekend in Wakefield, Quebec.

FRIDAY ITINERARY – Day 1

Check-in: Wakefield Mill and Spa

The riverside village of Wakefield, Quebec is the home of the Moulin Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa  a luxury boutique hotel set overlooking the cascading MacLaren Waterfall.

Its ancient beginnings date back to 1838 when it was used as a flour mill powered by the fall’s rushing waters.

Fun Fact: A Taste for Travel’s contributing editor, Sue Campbell, is a descendent of Scottish settler William Fairbairn who built the first grist mill here in 1838. You can still see its original thick stone walls in today’s Wakefield Mill.

Learn more about the area’s early history and get a self-guided tour of Wakefield at Fairbairn House Heritage Centre. 

Today, the Moulin Wakefield Mill is home to 40 guest rooms located within the Heritage Mill building and the Eco River Lodge. Some of the suites are even located in the original grain silos.

It has two restaurants and a full-service spa that includes a hot tub, saunas, and an outdoor seasonal swimming pool.

The Wakefield Inn also happens to be the only hotel located within Gatineau Park. This means guests have the unique opportunity to soak up the restorative power of nature.

Afternoon: Go Hiking in Gatineau Park or Bask at O’Brien Beach

One of the first things we did after check-in was to head to the beach.  Gatineau Park is home to many lakes, including Meech Lake, and O’Brien Beach, also known as Plage O’Brien.

This sandy beach is not only located in Gatineau Park but it also has key services like a lifeguard on duty during the summer months, change rooms, toilets and a picnic area.

It’s an ideal beach for lounging so if you’re thinking of a hike opt for Blanchet Beach.

The trailhead for Wolf Trail begins at the parking lot beside the beach and the route features spectacular views of the Gatineau Hills and the Ottawa River Valley.

Insider Tip: Cool off with an artisanal ice-cream or vegan sorbet from La Cigale Ice Cream Shop in Chelsea, a 10 minute drive from O’Brien Beach.

Enjoy a classic vanilla cone or venture into new taste territory with a scoop of deep, rich chocolate Guinness.

Cocktails and Dinner: Moulin Wakefield Mill & Spa

For dinner make a reservation at one of Wakefield Mill’s two restaurants. If you are looking for fine dining, then head over to MUSE restaurant.

We recommend trying the Discovery Experience, which is a five-course menu that includes two starters, one main course, one cheese plate, and a dessert.

The restaurant boasts that the menu is a creative outlet for the chef and you’re sure to be delighted by the surprises that it offers.

The menu is also offered to guests who have purchased the hotel’s Discovery Package.

If you are looking for something a little bit different, then head on over to the Heron Room restaurant which offers wine and tapas along with a bistro menu.

Both restaurants offer beautiful views of the MacLaren Falls and a unique gastronomic experience with menus that are influenced by traditional French and Quebecois cuisine, using primarily local ingredients.

SATURDAY ITINERARY – Day 2

Morning: Browse the Farmers Market at Wakefield Marché

Saturday is market day, and Wakefield has one of the oldest markets in the Outaouais Quebec region.

The Wakefield Marché is a popular destination for locals and visitors who want to purchase preserves, cheeses, crafts, and produce straight from local vendors and artisans.

It’s also a fantastic place to stop for a quick bite as the market has vendors that prepare food with local ingredients and global flavours including Syrian cuisine.

For a jolt of java or a smoothie on the go, make a stop at the Biscotti & Cie coffee shop in the heart of Old Chelsea.

Relax outdoors under a leafy canopy and tuck into treats such as fluffy waffles, buttery ham and cheese croissants or  breakfast panini bursting with spinach and cheese.

They also prepare tasty picnic boxes to go along with other portable snacks perfect for boating or beach days.

Afternoon: Relax at Nordik Spa-Nature

One of the best things to do in Gatineau is to unwind at the Nordik Spa-Nature.

Set in a forest grove just 10-minutes from Wakefield in Chelsea, Quebec, this sprawling spa is the ultimate haven for luxury relaxation.

Best known as North America’s largest spa, the Nordik Spa-Nature is home to 10 outdoor baths, 9 saunas, an indoor and outdoor relaxation area, a restaurant, a lounge, a banya and a Biërgarden with patios.

It also has one of the only two salt-water floating pools in America.

Follow-up your perfect couples spa day with a fine-dining experience at the Nordik Spa-Nature’s restaurant.

By day, the Restö Bistro features delicious cuisine, inspired by local and seasonal flavours.

Highlights include braised beef with kettle chips, pan-seared Atlantic scallops and Quebec cheeses.

By night it transforms into a fine dining establishment featuring a menu filled with savoury dishes complemented by an excellent wine list.

Enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner (no need to change out of your spa bathrobe), accompanied by subdued lighting, a fireplace, a gorgeous view of the forest, and soft background music.

Insider Tip: Make sure to prepare for your visit. The Nordik Spa-Nature recommends that guests bring a bathing suit, sandals, a non-breakable water bottle, their electronic ticket and a face mask.

SUNDAY ITINERARY – Day 3

Morning: Soak Up Some Fresh Air

The abundance of fresh air, vast green spaces and wealth of lakes and rivers is what makes Canada one of the world’s best countries to visit in July and other summer months.

And there are a number of things to do in Gatineau in the forest or along the river on a lazy Sunday morning.

To immerse yourself in nature, then you can rent a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak and head out onto the water.

If you want to stay on solid ground then many hiking trails can be found around the Wakefield Mill hotel or head to the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre in Chelsea.

If you’re a couple craving a taste of danger with a side of adrenaline, The Rock at Great Canadian Bungee in Wakefield, Quebec is your main course.

It’s the only place in the Americas where you can dip 200 feet headfirst into a cool, spring-fed lagoon.

And that 160-foot rebound? It’s taller than most other jumps even start. (Photo Credit: Eric Martin)

After the jump, dessert comes in the form of a 1,015 ft. zipline ride starting and zipping down at 85 km/hr.

It’s wild, wet, and even more thrilling than the zipline between two provinces we did in on our weekend in Ottawa. 

Shop the Boutiques of Wakefield Village

For something more sedate, Wakefield Village has several unique boutiques ideal for browsing.

One of my favourite shops, the Boutique Khewa sells art and handmade indigenous crafts and is only a five-minute walk from the hotel.

Sweets fans won’t want to miss a stop at La Confiserie, a candy shop filled with a tasty collection of retro candies (try the root beer Bottlecaps Candy), nuts, fudge and artisanal chocolates.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss photogenic Wakefield Covered Bridge, a pedestrian bridge originally built in 1915, which overlooks the Gatineau River and Lovers’ Rock.

It offers incredible views and is an invigorating walk along a well-marked trail from the village of Wakefield, Quebec.

Lunch: Les Fougères Restaurant in Chelsea

For a memorable weekend lunch, brunch or dinner, enjoy fine regional cuisine at the award-winning Les Fougères restaurant in nearby Chelsea.

Award-Winning Chef Yannick La Salle presides over the menu and vision of this farmhouse-style restaurant set amidst gardens used for sourcing fresh ingredients for the artistically prepared dishes.

The recently renovated dining room at this award-winning restaurant features uninterrupted views of the gardens, woodlands and an abundance of natural light.

Chef-owners Charles Part and Jennifer Warren-Part have created the ideal setting for enjoying an inspired menu brimming with hyper-local ingredients.

Menu highlights include wild boar vindaloo with black lentils, pan-roasted venison, cheese from Quebec City and a signature dish “Mouth of the St. Lawrence” featuring Digby, Nova Scotia and Grand Banks scallops, salt cod ravioli, seaweed, and more.

Be sure to bring a large shopping bag for a visit to the Les Fougères Gourmet Store.

It’s got two floors exploding with a fine selection of charcuterie, artisanal bread, and tempting natural foods to go.

Afternoon: Spa at Wakefield Mill

Wind-down at the Wakefield Mill full-service wellness spa. The Holtz Spa in Nature Wakefield is nestled at the foot of a waterfall and offers several treatments to relax your mind, body, and soul.

Make sure to leave a little bit of time after your treatment to also enjoy the spa’s outdoor stone hot tub, red cedar sauna, and seasonal swimming pool that is located right next to the MacLaren Falls. (Credit: M. Peterson)

Evening: Departure

One of the best parts of this couples weekend in Outaouais is that everything is located just a short 30-minute drive from Ottawa.

This means you don’t need to travel far for that ultimate luxury relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of everyday big city life.

Travel Planner for a Weekend in Gatineau Park – Outaouais, Quebec

Official Tourism Website: Tourism Outaouais 

How to Get There

If you’re coming from Montreal or Toronto, you can take VIA Rail and then rent a car in Ottawa.

We rent our cars on Discovercars.com. It’s an online car rental booking site that compares rates from several companies to find the best deal.

Or, if you stay in Ottawa and don’t want to drive, take a taxi or Uber ($15) to Nordik Spa-Nature. However, on the return Uber isn’t available for pick up in Chelsea.

So that means you’ll need to return by taxi (fare is between $25-30 one-way). Ask reception to call a taxi for you.

If you take a New England Cruise to Quebec City or Montreal, you can easily add in a weekend in Gatineau!

Where to Stay

Luxury: Moulin Wakefield Mill and Spa

Check rates and availability of the Moulin Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa on Booking.com.

Mid-range and Long stay: Lofts Du Village in Chelsea – modern and contemporary rooms in Chelsea.

Mid-range:  Auberge Old Chelsea – choose from a cabin, a single room or a 3-bedroom house, a short walk from Spa Nordik.

Check rates and availability of the Auberge Old Chelsea on Booking.com.  

Ottawa Mid-range: ALT Hotel Ottawa

Check rates and availability at the ALT Hotel in Ottawa on Booking.com. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gatineau Known for? 

Gatineau is best known as the home of the Canadian Museum of History, Canada’s most visited museum! It’s also known for its vast forested landscape and outdoor adventure opportunities.

Is Gatineau Worth Visiting? 

Absolutely! You’ll probably discover that a weekend isn’t enough time to experience all the things there are to do in Gatineau. If you can, try to add a day or two to this weekend itinerary.

Then you’ll have time to visit the museums, hang out on Downtown Gatineau’s Culture Trail and see some wildlife in Gatineau Park.

Do They Speak English in Gatineau? 

Census Canada reports that 45.5% of the people in Gatineau speak English. 8.6 % speak French only and 44.8% speak both French and English.

To get the most out of a visit to Quebec, it’s handy to know a few words of French. But it’s not necessary!

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