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Local and Regional Activities
The following are typical activities to be found in the cottage area, the local
villages of Lac Ste-Marie or Gracefield (each about 16 km. from the cottage) or in the
general region known as the Outaouais (pronounced oo-ta-weh) or the Gatineau Valley.
Recreation
Mont-Ste-Marie is a public golf course and offers a most breathtaking
view of the Gatineau Hills, almost like golfing in Switzerland. Mont-Ste-Marie's 18 hole golf course, located 20 minutes from the cottage, is one of
the most challenging in the Outaouais region. This magnificent course encircled by
majestic mountains attracts golfers from all over the world. With its rolling fairways and
variety of holes, Mont-Ste-Marie has been an Outaouais favourite for years.
Phone (819) 467-3111.
Excellent skiing can also be found at
Mont-Ste-Marie.
This ski resort, the highest in eastern Quebec, includes 24 exciting trails
spanning two mountain peaks, the region's best Half Pipe, best parks, two high
speed detachable quad lifts, state of the art grooming and snowmaking equipment
and excellent après amenities. Lessons and rentals are available and cross
country ski trails are also provided. Phone (819) 467-5200.
Take the 15 minute drive to Gracefield and the The
Gatineau Valey Linear
Park Trail with its 57 km. of bicycle trails. Along the way, take in the
beautiful views of lakes, mountains and farmland. Lookouts and rest stops
along this former railroad bed are dotted along the route.
Back to Recreation
Experience the wilderness landscape, the haunting cry of the wolves, the northern
lights, brilliant sunshine reflecting in the snow, moonlit snowscapes, stars, stars and
more stars. Learn how to handle your own dog sled. Experience true freedom; become one
with your dogs. Wilderness trips by
Expéditions Radisson are designed to meet
your ambition and skill level whether that be cozy inn to inn accommodation or an
under-the-stars winter camping experience. Gourmet hearty meals by "Cafe sans
fontierès" will never leave you cold or hungry on the trails. Each person, novice
and expert, will be inspired by the unforgettable experience of vast winter wilderness
adventures with cross country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Expéditions
Radissons, 721 Ch. de la Rivière, Wakefield, Quebec. Tel. (819) 459-3860 or
(888) 459-3860 (toll free). Day and
overnight trips available; reserve in advance.
Located on an enchanting site,
Eco-Odyssée is a water maze
that comprises an estimated 60 intersections spread out over more than 6km.
Choose the adventure that suits you and enjoy the splendor of the marsh
environment from your paddle boat. Learn to identify the numerous animal and
plant species that live in the marsh, concealed within the forest's greenery.
You will be charmed by this journey of discovery.
For a good look at autumn colours,a trail in the Eagle Forest (Forêt
de L'Aigle) near Maniwaki puts you right at the level of the changing leaves.
All it takes is a stomach for heights, since this trail consists of plank
walkways strung high above the ground between towering eastern white pines.
At one point, hikers are 20 metres above the forest floor. The Eagle
Forest Trail is promoted as an "extraordinary way to connect with the trees and
step up to the sky."
The Gatineau Hills Equestrian Centre, situated in the picturesque Gatineau
village of Kazabazua and 1/2 hour from the cottage, offers a full range of activities.
This includes trail riding (english or western), riding lessons (english style), riding
day camps for young people, full day rallies, hay or sleigh rides and other group events.
Trail rides pass through beautiful wooded areas, open fields and beside lakes and streams
in the rolling Gatineau Hills. Amble along and enjoy the scenery or thrill to a gallop
along a disused railway line. Rides can be varied to meet your needs. All rides are
accompanied by experienced guides. Trail rides are $20 per hour or $50 per half day and
riding lessons are $30 for semi-private and $40 for private lessons. For trail rides call
(819) 467-2589 and (819) 467-3333 for riding lessons or day camp reservations.
Pick up a movie on the way to the cottage at Depanneur Chez Luc in the
village of Lac Ste-Marie (Shell station). They have a fair selection of recent releases.
Rentals are $3.50 and returns must be in by 6:00 P.M. the following day (or
negotiate longer!).
Dining
Relax and enjoy French Canadian ambiance in the beautiful Gatineau Hills. This new
auberge (i.e., lodge) called
Auberge des
Deux Rives is located on the banks of the Gatineau
River, 6 km. from the Mont Ste-Marie Ski Area and Golf Club and 20 minutes from the
cottage. Located on Chemin
du Lac-Ste-Marie between the village of Lac-Ste-Marie and highway #105. Tel. 467-3797.
Located 30-45 minutes away from the cottage in the village of Messines, the
Maison La Crémaillère is among one of the best restaurants in the Outaouais region. During
your visit, you will be greeted by the proprietors, Andrée and André Dompierre, who will
welcome you into their home. Mrs. Dompierre prepares the culinary feast while your host,
Mr. Dompierre, recommends the best wines to complement your meal. Those who
appreciate a fine cuisine will be charmed by the exquisite dinner, the cordial
and courteous service as well as the decor of this dining room. The dining room is open in the evenings
for dinner and for Sunday
brunch. Reservations required. Located at 24 Chemin de la Montagne, Messines.
Tel. (819) 465-2202 or (877) 465-2202 (toll
free).
Too far for a round trip visit from the cottage, this restaurant is often
used by the knowledgeable cottage crowd on the way home or to the cottage. The restaurant,
situated along highway #105 in the village of Low, is noted for its excellent homemade
meals and its varied menu. Enjoy a meal in its cozy, friendly atmosphere or select
desserts to take out. Good value for money. Open seven days a week, 6:00 A.M. to 10:00
P.M.
Crafts, Gifts and Antiques
Look inside this charming shop in a century log house in the village of
Lac-Ste-Marie and discover a treasure chest of antiques, artisan's wares and gift items at
the Beggar's Bench or the Banc du mendiant. Visitors always receive a
warm welcome from the proprietors, Bob and Linda Faith. Open seven days a week during July
and August, 9:00 A.M. to 5 :00 P.M. Tel. 467-2735. Twenty minutes from the cottage.
Kazabazua Pottery, owned and operated by Gilles Grand-Maître, is well worth a
visit. The store produces high quality stoneware pottery. There are over 70 different
products in six different colours. Weekend pottery courses are also available. A great
place for that different gift. Located in the village of Kazabazua on highway #105. Tel.
(819) 467-2182.
This establishment, owned by Jim Duffy, builds and sells cedar and pine products and
exterior furniture such as tables, chairs, swing sets, gazebos, cabanas and floating
docks. Smaller items such as flower boxes and bird feeders are also available. An
interesting place to visit and check out the high quality merchandize. Located on highway
#105 in the village of Kazabazua. Tel. (819) 467-3452.
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