This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
The Outaouais alone has more than 900 farms and no less than 12 farmers’ markets. Filled with various bodies of water and large forests, it is the perfect region to combine an outing in nature with a visit to an agricultural producer. Here are two suggested gourmet itineraries.
Discovering the Pontiac
Less known than coveted destinations like Chelsea and Wakefield, the Pontiac is the westernmost area of the region.
The day begins in the enchanting setting of the La Fée des Bois herbal farm. On her 70 acres of land, Mariane Desjardins-Roy uses no chemical inputs. The land is therefore nourished with manure, compost and other natural inputs respecting the principles of regenerative agriculture. For example, sheep work the soil, while chickens feed on harmful insects. Guided tours of the gardens are offered, in addition to workshops introducing the plants of the garden. The first takes place on Saturday, July 22.
We then had a bite to eat at the Brauwerk Hoffman microbrewery, which specializes in German ale and lager beers. To go well with everything, delicious pizzas flammkuchen — a kind of traditional Alsatian tarte flambée — with vegetables, meat or sausages currywurst are on the menu.
In the afternoon, we go straight to the public beach of Pont Blanc, in the historic village of Mansfield-et-Pontefract, to refresh ourselves and stretch our legs on the way. Note that nautical equipment, such as paddle boards, canoes and kayaks, can be rented on site, to the delight of boaters.
Then, the aperitif is taken rather well at the Coronation Hall cider house. Located in a historic building built in the early 1930s, it was once used as a reception hall for dance parties.The area, known at the time as Bristol Township, was the haunt of Montreal vacationers. Tossed into oblivion for decades, this iconic place in the region rose from its ashes in 2003 thanks to the orchards of Greg and Ronda Graham.
A jump in Petite Nation
Further east, and therefore closer to Montreal and the Laurentians, the Petite Nation is also an agritourism sector to discover in the Outaouais. The trip begins with a beautiful hike on the trails of the Route des zingues, located in the municipality of Duhamel and part of the Chemins d’eau. This tourist route runs along the main waterways of the region, such as the Ottawa and Gatineau rivers, but also lakes such as Lac Simon and Lac Gagnon. Note that it takes a little over an hour’s drive north from Montebello to get to the foot of Mount Kajakokanak, the starting point of the route.
On the way back, just in time for lunch, we stop at the Place du marché cooperative in Ripon. You should know that Ripon is THE destination for artisans, organic producers and bohemian artists. Its market is therefore the ideal place to stock up on fruits and vegetables from the Vert market gardener at home, as well as get your hands on some cheeses from the Montebello cheese dairy, a good bread from La fille du boulanger and refreshing drinks from the Croque orchard. -Apple. Installed comfortably in the open air, we taste the region with appetite.
We continue on our way to have a sweet treat at ChocoMotive, the chocolate economuseum — the first in the region — located in the old Montebello train station. In this center of interpretation of the trade of chocolate maker, one explains the complete process of the manufacture of chocolate, from the cocoa bean to the tablet. In the shop, the confectionery is all made from organic and fair trade chocolate.
Depending on your desires and your schedule, a stay in the Outaouais can always combine good time in nature and pleasant agrotourism encounters. This is a delicious duo!
This content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.