The tulips are lovely every spring and, sure, the Rideau Canal is a national treasure, but one of the best things about Ottawa is that it’s right next door to a well-preserved natural wonderland. Just across the Ottawa River, Quebec’s Gatineau Park is 361 square kilometres of hills, lakes, trails, beaches and scenic parkways. It offers button-down Ottawans a chance to log-off and stretch their legs.

Created by Prime Minister Mackenzie King in 1938, the park not only contains King’s historic Kingsmere Estate, but hundreds of species of birds and mammals and thousands of plant and tree species. Autumn is the best time to amble through dreamy tunnels of lemon-orange and paprika, free of the city’s workaday clatter.

Mountain biking

While some trails are reserved for hikers, Gatineau Park offers plenty of multi-use pathways for two-wheeled thrill-seekers. A 15-km triangle connecting trails 50 to 53 in the park’s northwest is breathtaking in October, and features both challenging hills and a leisurely roll around Lac Philippe. The Trans-Canada Trail portion of the journey is the most demanding, but the downhill swoosh toward Trail 50 will make you giddy.

Horseback riding

Gatineau Park offers one scenic equestrian trail that begins at Luskville Falls near Luskville, QC, and then unfolds over 10 km along the Eardley Escarpment. Area ranches and farms offer an
array of trail-riding options outside the park, including multi-day, all-inclusive trips for individuals and families.

Noshing

Wakefield, a historic-turned-bohemian town on a bend in the Gatineau River, is chock-a-block with restaurants, bakeries, pubs and shops. It’s an ideal place for a post-hike bite. Lunch at the Wakefield Mill, an 1838 mill transformed into a four-star inn and spa. Enjoy a gourmet lunch and a glass of wine while overlooking the golden leaves around MacLaren Falls. For lighter fare, grab a croissant at Pipolinka Bakery or relax in the funky vibe of Café Molo.

Historic ramblings

If you get to Wakefield and you’ve still got energy, take a stroll past the Wakefield Mill up to MacLaren Cemetery, the final resting place of former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for helping resolve the Suez Canal Crisis. If you’re tuckered out, reserve a spot on the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train, one of Canada’s last working steam trains, for twice-daily tours of the fall foliage.

Exploring

Home to outdoor enthusiasts, artists, shopkeepers and a few urban commuters, Chelsea is a laid-back town with fine cafés and shops. Enjoy vegetarian gourmet fare at Café Soup’Herbe, or soothe your sore muscles in the saunas and outdoor hot tubs of Le Nordik natural spa.