The Outaouais region for your groups

The Outaouais is located in the southwest of the province of Quebec, just outside Ottawa. It’s a region of vast green spaces, dotted with over 15,000 lakes and rivers, offering landscapes of spellbinding beauty. But it’s also an area of renowned urban dynamism and gastronomy. Easily accessible from Montreal and Toronto, and home to the renowned Gatineau Park, the Outaouais is “the best of both words”. Here, city meets nature, making it an ideal destination for more urban travelers in search of a rural experience.

Although little-known, it’s full of nuggets to be discovered in all seasons, since the offer and infrastructure are geared to this purpose. At Receptour, it’s a great stop-off point on some of our itineraries in the east of the country. Romain, Operations Coordinator, was lucky enough to go there on a famtour from June 11 to 14 with other tourism professionals. A great opportunity to keep the flame alive with loyal suppliers and meet new ones. With his expert eye on the destination, he takes you on a journey of (re)discovery.

1st stop: Gatineau

Canadian Museum of History

“Everything here is perfectly designed for groups, with a dedicated reception hall and checkroom. There are different tour formats and this makes it possible to adapt according to the interest and configuration of the group of travelers. Our guide was young, dynamic and very interesting. I learned a lot, especially about aboriginal culture. For me, it’s a must-see, living up to its reputation!”

Adam Motel

“I was delighted to meet Daniel, our on-site contact. We are working well with this correctly located motel, which is suitable for groups on a small budget. It should be noted that there is no restaurant on site but, options are available in the nearby area. In the morning, there’s a simple breakfast with drinks, toast and cereals. This is a functional motel that fulfills its mission”

Saveurs des continents

“The capacity of this restaurant is impressive. It’s an all-you-can-eat buffet with great value for money, and the food is good. What’s special about Saveurs des continents is that it offers pizzas, poutine and sushi… everyone can eat what they want. For us, it’s an ideal compromise for groups”

Gatineau Park by bike

“I had the opportunity to take an unusual outing to the magnificent Gatineau Park. On an electric mountain bike, we took a two-wheeled ride up to the Champlain lookout. It’s an activity accessible to all levels, during which you discover the park in a different way. Suitable for small groups, it’s highly recommendable and we’ll be adding it to our catalog very soon”

Four Points Hotel

“Close to the Canadian Museum of History is an establishment we’ve worked with for a long time. The Four Points is a 4* hotel adapted for volume and does it well. The decor is fairly classic but it’s very clean, the welcome is good and there’s a gym. The advantage? The connecting rooms, which make it possible to accommodate families. Nothing to complain about!

Microbrewery À la dérive

“Definitely one of my favorites of the stay. It’s a beautiful establishment overlooking the Ottawa River. There’s a very relaxed atmosphere, the setting is really pleasant and they have a menu for groups. The food is simple, local and delicious. An authentic and friendly micro-brewery, a reflection of Quebec’s terroir, to which you can send your travelers with their eyes closed”

2nd stop: Wakefield

Eco-Odyssey Park

What’s it all about? This 6 km water labyrinth invites visitors to navigate peacefully by pedalo, paddle or canoe through 64 intersections. Immersive, fun and peaceful, the Éco-Odyssée experience leads participants on a quest to find clues and answer a mystery question about the beaver’s ecosystem and habitat. The park is open day and night, for sunsets and moonlit walks.

“A family business that puts people at the heart of everything. The setting is magnificent, calm and the principle of a labyrinth on water is unique in Canada. It’s a relaxing nature activity that fits in perfectly after a more urban morning in Ottawa or Gatineau. More of an option for small groups, but the company is very flexible”

3rd stop: Montebello

Omega Park

“The tour for your travelers is in a typical North American yellow school bus. The driver-guide has been working there for 10 years and knows the place like the back of his hand. We also ate at the park’s restaurant, the Omégabon, and I have fond memories of it. The staff are welcoming, the service is top-notch and the meal is pleasant. Please note that groups eat indoors, so there’s unfortunately no room on the terrace…”

Fairmont Montebello

“Another favorite! If the quality of service is never lacking at Fairmont hotels, the Montebello hotel takes the prize for charm and authenticity. Its fireplace, its log architecture, its gastronomy, it’s a magnificent accommodation. With its indoor and outdoor pools, spa, Jacuzzi and numerous on-site activities, you can offer it to your guests in any season”

Manoir Papineau

“Off the beaten track, Manoir Papineau is an atypical site just a stone’s throw from the Fairmont. Managed by Parks Canada, it’s a large Norman-inspired building that you can visit with David, the guide in period costume. Immersive and distinctive, the Manoir can accommodate small groups curious about history and heritage. A wonderful discovery!”

IN CONCLUSION

This famtour was an opportunity for Romain not only to immerse himself in a dynamic region, but also to test several proposals from suppliers. All in all, a famtour in the form of an appreciable quality watch to ensure that the services offered always meet the standards that have made Receptour’s reputation, but also great exchanges with the teams on site and fresh ideas for future stays.

It’s well known that there’s nothing like the field!

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