Plan a Day Trip to Wakefield Quebec

on Jul 30, 2025, Updated Dec 05, 2025

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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.

Interior view of a wooden covered bridge with crisscrossing beams and a wooden plank floor, looking toward the open exit with greenery visible outside.

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.

A rustic wooden sign reading "Bienvenue à Wakefield" hangs under a shelter near a lake, with trees and a gravel path in the background.

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.

Several colorful signs in French and English advertise local businesses, including bakeries, a kitchen-bar, and a natural foods store, at an outdoor village area in Wakefield, Quebec.

A hand holds a glass of iced orange cocktail garnished with an orange slice and cherry in a colorful, vintage-style café.

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.

Clothing and accessories displayed on racks along a wooden porch, with hanging purple flowers and green railings visible.

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!

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A store wall displays various metal hooks and decorative hardware shaped like animals, trees, and musical notes, with bins of small items below and mounted animal heads above.

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.

A large willow tree with long, hanging branches extends over the edge of a calm lake, with green forested hills visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.

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.

Red covered bridge labeled "Wakefield 1915" surrounded by green trees and foliage, with a paved path leading to the entrance.

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.

A woman takes a selfie on a paved road with a black cat walking in the background, surrounded by trees.

A red covered bridge spans a river surrounded by dense green trees, with utility wires overhead and wooden fences in the foreground.

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.

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