on Jul 30, 2025 If you find yourself on a road trip through the Outaouais region of Canada, a day trip to Wakefield, Quebec, is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. You’ll find great food, local shopping, riverside views, and old-town charm. It’s the kind of destination many tourists might drive past. But Wakefield is overflowing with charm, kindness, and slow travel vibes. As I watched the locals jump off the docks into the river, pop in and out of ice cream shops, and chat with each other in the local boutiques, it was clear this place is special.
What to do in Wakefield, Quebec
I partnered with Bonjour Quebec on my recent Canada road trip, and we were based in Chelsea. Our day trip to Wakefield was as easy as hopping in the pink Outaouais van and enjoying the little more than 20 minutes of scenery along the way. We had a few hours to enjoy the Village of Wakefield. It was such a stress-free afternoon, and I would definitely do it again.
Lunch at Le Hibou
We started with lunch at Le Hibou, which means “the owl” in French. If you didn’t already know that, it wouldn’t take long to figure out, as owl artwork is everywhere inside and out of the restaurant. The food was delicious, and I was surprised to have the best poutine of the trip here. It was butter chicken poutine, and let me tell you, I am forever changed. My watermelon salad was also a big hit, and I left the meal happy and satisfied.
Boutique Shopping with a Story
The shops in Wakefield are the kind that draw you in and keep you there. Every nook, staircase, hallway, and cabinet is full of treasure. If you’re looking for artwork or housewares with a great story, you will find it here. My favorite store was Khewa, a boutique featuring Indigenous peoples’ artwork throughout Canada and America under the leadership of artist Nathalie Coutou. I purchased two beautiful motherhood prints by Nathalie for my boys. They are so sweet. Another great stop was Boutique Jamboree, which has a classy country store feel. I could have spent hours in there. Room after room was full of treasures, from souvenirs to home decor and bath products. Say less!
Gatineau River Walk
We walked along the river for a while, admiring the scenery and history of the area. The river is so beautiful and inviting. I was envious of the swimmers and kayakers on the water.
The walking path through town even has a story. It used to be a railroad track that ran a scenic train from a nearby town to Wakefield. Due to multiple washouts, the track hasn’t been used since 2011. I can only imagine how pleasant that ride would have been.
Visit the Wakefield Covered Bridge
A short drive out of town takes you to another piece of history: the covered bridge. This bridge has been rebuilt several times due to fire and other issues, but the current structure has been around for almost 30 years as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. This bridge is a beloved landmark for the town and a great place to take a stroll, swim in the river, or meet a new friend.
More Outaouais Destinations
For an alternate day trip, consider a drive into Ottawa for a turn on the only interprovincial zipline in the world. You’ll zoom over the Ottawa River to Gatineau with 360° views of the cities, and plenty of food and beverages await your arrival in Gatineau. If you have more time in the region and want to keep exploring, downtown Gatineau is great for dinner, dancing, and late-night fun. Check Vision Centerville for all the details. There is always something happening. Or combine all three and make it a day to remember. No matter where you start or end up, you will be welcomed with open arms in Outaouais. If you loved this post, please leave a comment below and share with a friend! 🌟
Like this post? Share it with friends!
