Day One
A day of intrepid whitewater rapid-smashing awaits—the Ottawa River has some of the best whitewater rafting in North America. In May, when the water level is at its peak after spring break-up, it’s high-water excitement; in mid-summer, it’s a calmer, though still exhilarating, ride.

Lunch or dinner is provided by many of the whitewater tour companies. Alternatively, stop at one of the many small Outaouais towns nearby for a taste of local cuisine. Many Outaouais restaurants emphasize the use of local produce in their menu, and harvest herbs and edible flowers from their own gardens.

Day Two
The Laflèche Adventure are the largest natural caves on the Canadian Shield. Although the site is open to the public year-round, reservations are recommended no matter what the season is. Learn about the rock formations, and climb a 20-metre (66 ft.) stairway in the caves’ centre.

Head north to the Fairmont Le Château Montebello, and enjoy a gourmet lunch in the hotel’s spectacular dining room. Take a stroll around the grounds, then head to Parc Omega for a journey along the park’s beautiful route, where you’ll meet bears, deers, moose, and—with luck—an arctic wolf or two. The park also boasts thousands of birds of numerous species, so pack your binoculars and your camera.

In winter, explore the landscape by a mode of transport that never leaves a voyageur stranded—dogsled is still probably the most reliable way to get around in the icy months. Some packages are a full-day event, with a lesson in the morning, lunch on the go, and a full two hours of sledding. Learn about the beautiful Husky dogs, then feel the thrill of speeding over the ice and snow fueled only by dog power.

Day Three
If cycling on parkways along long stretches of Gatineau Park woods is the perfect idea of escape, rent a bike for the day (rentals are available in Ottawa, Gatineau, or Chelsea). Stop by the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre for a map—then take off on one of the smooth paved parkways, or get muddy on the mountain bike trails.

Lunch can be purchased at one of the bakeries in either Chelsea or Wakefield. Some examples of homemade delicacies that can be had are fresh salads created with local produce, focaccia sandwiches, baked beans, tourtière, pastries, and soups.

In the afternoon: pack a towel and swimsuit, and cool off at one
of the beaches in Gatineau Park—Meech Lake, Lac Philippe, and
Lac La Pêche all offer excellent swimming. Admission for cyclists is free; a parking fee applies for visitors who arrive by car.
Winter visitors can also cruise the parkways of Gatineau Park—on skis. Stop off at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre for a map, weather forecasts, and trail conditions. Several local business offer ski rentals.
Stock up on bakery items and lots of water, and have lunch inside one of Gatineau Park’s heated log cabins along the trail.
For dinner, check out the many restaurants in the Gatineau area.