The Pontiac Region in Outaouais: Explore Quebec’s “Far West”
What’s beautiful about Outaouais is that there always seems to be more to explore. That’s especially true when it comes to the Pontiac Region, which Outaouais loves to describe as “their very own Far West.” It’s where unspoiled beauty collides with a rich history, with some of the most warm and welcoming people you’ll find anywhere.
Appreciating natural wonder at the Chutes Coulonge Adventure Park. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
What to Know about Outaouais’ Pontiac Region
I’ve cycled the National Capital Region, zipped across the world’s first interprovincial zip line, visited the Mackenzie King Estate, and we’ve stayed in luxury cabins near Val-des-Monts, but this adventure in Outaouais had a different focus - namely, properly exploring and appreciating the Pontiac Region.
Just 75 km from Canada’s National Capital Region and an easy day trip from Ottawa, Montreal, or even Toronto, the Pontiac is a hidden gem that’s still flying under the radar – but not for long.
Thanks to the presence of the mighty Ottawa River, adventure is here for the taking. Where there’s powerful water, there’s powerful outdoor potential — waterfalls, rushing water that’s perfect for rafting, canyons galore, and plenty of untouched beauty that is aided in part by the presence of the Canadian Shield.
Beyond just adventure (and cycling is a big part of it as well, I’m thrilled to say), it’s worth noting that, beyond the rugged landscapes, the Pontiac is ultimately a collection of small, welcoming communities that exude rural charm and warmth. I came here looking to focus primarily on outdoor adventure, and I left with a big smile on my face due to all that aforementioned adventure, but perhaps more importantly, because of the people here, I left with a full heart.
It’s a place where tourism still feels close to the heart and authentic, and to me, that is the perfect time to visit. In the end, it’s not about the chain hotels, it’s about the boutique, one-of-a-kind offerings where you know that when you stay or eat somewhere, your money is going right back into the local economy, since almost everything is locally operated and family run — by people from, and invested in, the region.
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How to Plan the Perfect Visit to the Pontiac Region in Outaouais
Visit Parc des Chutes Coulonge
You’ll find Parc des Chutes Coulonge in Mansfield, Québec, and not only is it a natural jewel for outdoor adventures, but it’s also a historic one. You see, the history of the park stretches back into the early 1800s when “coureurs des bois” and lumberjacks used the rushing river to move their timber. However, it was in 1985 that this officially become a public park.
The legacy is very much kept alive from everything from educational displays to guided tours, but adventurous spirit of present day visitors is also honoured with their offerings, which Bri and I were only so fortunate to take part in.
The 42 metre falls are the undisputed highlight, and we loved the chance to hike around the property and set up to get the perfect photographs. We took full advantage of the Adventure Park, where we tackled the obstacle course, and glided through the air on their 2 giant canyon zip lines. Seriously, these were epic!
The next time we visit, we’ll be aiming to take part in their Via Ferrata programming, which essentially offers some protected climbing routes, and a mixture of walking, climbing, and scrambling — all with the safety of fixed cables and rungs (and trusty guides — who were excellent, by the way).
They now also offer yurts if you’re keen to fully envelop yourself in nature and stay the night. You can buy tickets on their website, as well as find out more information to ensure you plan the perfect visit, but my two pieces of advice would be to allocate time to wander the property and hike, and don’t miss the chance to rip across the canyon via zipline!
Spend Time on the Beautiful Cycloparc PPJ
The key…is the cycling jersey to match the destination. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Now, longtime readers will be well aware of my love affair with cycling, including the award-winning article I put together about cycling in the National Capital Region which is a joint region between Ottawa and Outaouais.
The Cycloparc PPJ is an attestation to the idea that there’s a lot more than just the National Capital Region when it comes to cycling in Outaouais.
Stretching 92 kilometres along a former railway line between Bristol and L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, this multi-use trail offers a safe, scenic route perfect for the whole family. In the warmer months, it’s ideal for cycling and hiking, while in winter it transforms into a snowmobiler’s dream. Along the way, you’ll pass through farmland, forests, swamps, and fields, with no shortage of river views and plenty of opportunities to stop in welcoming villages.
Cycling and supporting small businesses go hand in hand, in my humble opinion. Thankfully, there’s a PDF that you can access here which notes local attractions, 5 different circuits, small businesses and more. Plan breakfast, lunch, and dinner at local restaurants, stop at cafes to up that caffeine intake, and engage with the warm community.
This is also a route that you could easily split into a bit of a weekend trip with a scheduled overnight.
One of the best parts of the Pontiac Region is that you’re often dealing with raw, untouched nature that can help you feel world’s away from the stresses of daily life.
Stay at the HIllhaus Domes
Bri and I are on the road an awful lot, and we like it that way, but it means that we stay in a ton of different kinds of accommodation, and that, for better or worse, it can be hard for a place to really stand out. Well, that was not a problem here, as I would venture to say that this was the best experience we’ve ever had staying in a geodesic dome style accomodation.
Everything, from the communication to the design, the access to local lake, the fire-pit, the jacuzzi — it was first class. Suffice to say, it’s very easy to see that they were aiming high — and that they know what they were doing.
They note that they offer “luxury geodesic domes, offering breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, perfect for a relaxing escape. This is not your typical camping experience!” Well, we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Quite honestly, just writing about this place makes me want to hop in the car and go back. It was that special.
There are currently three domes on offer for booking. They’re all the same, more or less, so you don’t have to be fussy about which one you book.
Think a luxurious bed with soft linens, hiking trails nearby to be amongst the pines, paddle boards to take out on the private lake, a minimalist design that makes it feel more spacious that you could have imagined, a fully stocked kitchen (and a BBQ grill outdoors), locally roasted coffee on offer (and tea), and so much more.
As the Hillhaus Domes team notes, this is the place to come if you’re looking to “experience the joys of recharging in nature without compromising any comfort.”
No word of a lie, this is in the running of our favourite overnight stay last year, and has to be our favourite dome experience to date.
Pop By La Fée des Bois Apothecary
This spot in Clarendon, Québec is a little family-run sanctuary that was started more than a decade ago, and they’re all about the cultivation and appreciation of medicinal plants. They’re located in a spot that’s surrounded by forests, streams, and gardens, but the draw for locals and tourists alike is the products which are crafted on-site.
The approach here is really a blend of scientific research and wisdom that has been passed down through the ages. They have products which are focused on inflammation, nourishment, energy, and a whole lot more. I’d recommend visiting the apothecary first, and then taking a self-guided tour of the farm to properly understand that this is very much a self-contained ecosystem of a different sort of medicine — one that’s very much the opposite of the mass-produced, mass-marketed pharmacology world we live in today.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a replacement for the wonders of modern day medicine, but it is a wondrous reminder of the power of plants, and the importance of understanding all that natural remedies can do for you.
While we were there, many people popped by, and you can tell they had strong relationship with the local owners here, who were only too happy to share their wisdom. Both Bri and I learned a lot simply by inquiring about all that was on the shelves, and it’s downright impressive to think about all they’ve accomplished by being dedicated to the art of herbalism.
That’s probably a good place to mention that in addition to its products, La Fée des Bois offers workshops on wild plants, providing hands-on learning experiences that deepen understanding of herbal practices. You can take a peek at their website to see all that’s going on.
Stock Up at Ferme Pure Conscience (Pure Conscience Farm)
A place we connected with from the moment we arrived. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
This journey all started with two people, a husband and wife, who began to ponder what it might be like to live more sustainably, and in a more self-sufficient manner. They wanted to start a place where people could “come and see where their food grows,” and this pastoral setting accomplishes just that.
I also must admit that I love their play on words with their “ponti-yak” brand, a natural way to honour the Pontiac Region. They actually have 23 yaks, and sell yak meat (which, for those who don’t know, tastes quite similar to bison), as well as a range of other products, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
A note from them about yak meat: “yak meat tastes milder than grass fed beef, is juicy and even sweet, low in cholesterol and saturated fat, which makes it very heart healthy. Yak meat is also high in protein, zinc, niacin and B vitamins. A 4 ounce serving of Yak Ribeye, will typically only have 3% fat, 50mg cholesterol and 25g protein. Yak has much better stats than skinless chicken or salmon, not to mention beef, bison, or other red meats.”
Their array of products available in their store on the property offer a beautiful showcase of what’s on offer (and can be produced) in the Pontiac Region. Think pickled cucumbers, chopped garlic flowers, handmade baby products, salsa, and more.
People come from far and wide for the eggs, in particular, and during out visit, I loved the comment that, “eggs from chickens with access to green plants such as clover, grass, and insects, taste a lot different than eggs from factory-raised chickens that never go outdoors.” That makes perfect sense to me, and it would seem customers from far and wide tend to agree.
Have a Picnic at Norway Bay Beach
Norway Bay Beach on a sunny day. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Now, we actually enjoyed a local cider here (from Coronation Hall), but we thought to ourselves while we were there, taking in the rays of the sun, with soft sand under our feet, and the gentle shallows reminding us we should have brought a bathing suit — that this would be the ideal place for a picnic.
You’ll find Norway Beach closest to the community of Bristol, and there’s parking located right by the beach, as well as public restrooms, and all you’d need to have a lovely day in warmer climes.
Other beaches that people seem to love in the Pontiac Region (especially if you’re travelling with a family) include Lac Bryson beach, a more hidden-gem in Sand Bay Beach (near Clarendon), and Lac Leslie (+ other beaches nearby in the Otter Lake Area beaches).
As with a lot of the wonders of this region, don’t be scared to let your eyes lead you. If you are driving to winery or towards a hike, but you happen to spot a beach filled with the local community embracing the fact that it’s not winter — well, why not join them? You make the rules, after all, with travel!
Bring Your Appetite to Boulangerie Maison Du Pontiac/Pontiac Home Bakery
Honestly, is there anything better than a family-owned bakery that just does things the right way — where literally everything they serve is fantastic? (and they have an outdoor seating area connected to it to enjoy their offerings!)
Well, Pontiac Home Bakery in Shawville, QC is just such a place. Yes, it’s a bakery, but they’re also a well-known lunch spot because of the fresh, homemade sandwiches, soups, and salads they have on offer.
In terms of what to try, if you’ll be in the region for a few days, I’d get a fresh loaf of bread, and if you want to be adventurous, then perhaps try the bacon & cheese bread. People love their cupcakes and their tarts, but I swear I would drive all the way from Toronto to eat another of their chelsea buns (and they also have maple pecan & cinnamon buns).
You can’t go wrong with their squares (from date to nanaimo to peanut butter butterscotch) or cookies, but for folks like myself, who love things with a touch of savoury to go along with the sweet, the scones are out of this world. You can go more on the sweet side with a fruit scone (typically a berry like blueberry or raspberry), or go savoury with their cheddar scone.
They do bagels, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, along with take home meals. People also adore their Montreal Smoked Meat, which, last I checked, is only available on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Stop here — and thank us later.
This is the most well-known bakery in the region, but if you’re not nearby and would love a baked good, look out for Café Downtown in Campbell’s Bay, or La Boulangerie de Fort-Coulonge.
Sip To Your Heart’s Content at Little Red Wagon Winery
Little Red Wagon Winery started a wine trend here that’s only going to grow from here (no pun intended). Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Located near Shawville (so perhaps a place to visit after you pop by Pontiac Home Bakery), is Little Red Wagon Winery. It’s situated on a historic fruit farm that goes all the way back to the 1940s, so it’s great to see them continuing to put this beautiful soil to use with acres of vines, focused on an array of heritage grape varieties.
As with many of the places we’ve mentioned, this is family-owned, and what we liked most is that they are crafting small-batch wines that are reflective of the local terroir. Think Louise Swenson, Petit Perle, Frontenac Noir, Frontenac Blanc, Frontenac Gris, and Marquette. They recently launched a summer favourite “P’tit Piquettes,” a refreshing, sparkling wine-esque beverage that’s made from pressed grape skins and aded water. It’s perfect for a patio.
With wineries like this, Bri and I always make sure to pop by because it’s not just about taking pictures of the fields as you’re driving on by — it’s about tasting the soil, and wine is a brilliant way to do just that.
We didn’t have the chance to visit ourselves on this particular visit, but we do know that Domaine du Pontiac Village is an emerging winery located near Quyon. By the way, you can take a look at the Tap & Cork Route which features a lot of different wineries, cideries, and breweries in and around the Pontiac Region
Add the Coronation Hall Cider Mill To Your List
Coronation Hall Cider Mill in Bristol, Quebec, isn’t just a place to sip cider—it’s where history, heritage, and community collide in the most delicious of ways. What began as a humble dream of building a fruit farm quickly became a tale of perseverance. The first year? Only one apple tree survived out of a hundred. But they stuck with it. The following year, 180 of 200 trees made it, and slowly but surely, they grew the orchard to over 1,100 apple trees, including Haroldsons, Cortlands, Spartans, and Macs.
Eventually, they realized that selling apples alone wouldn’t cut it, so they leaned into something more dynamic—opening a cider mill and transforming Coronation Hall into a true hub for the community. Not only was cider made, but dances were held, theatre performances took place, and stories unfolded. In fact, some say it earned a cheeky nickname “Conception Hall,” thanks to the romantic entanglements sparked at those lively events.
Today, the cider mill produces 14 varieties of cider, and while the cider is excellent, the owner, a lovely gentleman, will tell you with a grin that “the pie is more popular than the cider, to my greatest shame.”
You’ll also find BBQ sauce, fresh juice made from Macs, and shelves lined with locally made goods. But more than anything, you’ll feel the warmth of a place deeply rooted in Pontiac’s agricultural soul—a gathering place then and now.
Appreciate the outdoors with Aventure Helianthe
This father & son team at Aventure Helianthe run a cooperative that is all about helping people explore this stunning region, while also supporting it with their efforts.
We kicked things off by taking part in their Lazy River Float, something we’d strongly recommend. They provide everything you need, from rafts and paddles, to transportation to where you’ll start your float. This is the sort of activity that’s perfect for families, since it is largely about riding on the current and steering, more than paddling. It’s a beautiful ride as well, and you end up right back where you started from.
After we got off the raft, we did the next logical thing — take full advantage of their axe throwing setup. They run a league here, if I’m not mistaken, but you can take part in this on weekends without reservation between 4-8pm.
They have camping options (at Plage du Pont Blanc), as well as over 30 kilometres of marked trails that wind through the Davison Forest. These trails all lead up to viewpoints of the Ottawa River, and are a hiker and photographer’s happy place, to say the least.
I got the sense that whatever you were hoping to do, however you were hoping to do it, they’d try to help facilitate it. They care deeply about this region, and talked about how they see tourism as the next big boom (it was logging before things dried up in the 1980s) for the region, and honestly, we’d agree.
The Pontiac Region is a great place to travel because you’ll constantly be surprised. The local owners and guides here have a warmth that we haven’t quite seen from regions that experience tourism in droves. They know they have something special, and they’re just immensely excited to share that enthusiasm with visitors.
Pontiac Awaits!
A roaring fire at our fire pit at the Hillhaus Domes. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Pontiac has stuck with us long after we’ve left, and I’d imagine the same would be true for you as well. It all comes back to that unspoiled natural beauty, the deep-rooted traditions, and the welcoming people. A mighty fine combination, if you ask me.
It’s a place where you feel like there’s still room to take a deep breath, where the simplest pleasures can still be meaningfully appreciated, and where there’s always a new adventure, business, or warm smile waiting for you around the next bend.
We want to thank Tourisme Outaouais for welcoming us as media. All opinions are completely our own.