Best Things To Do In Wakefield

If you’re looking for a quick getaway from Ottawa, the picturesque village of Wakefield is just 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa. You’ll come across some unique and colourful shops and restaurants that you’ll want to explore. It’s a nice spot to escape without going far at all. Here are the best things to do in Wakefield:

Things To Do In Wakefield: Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Wakefield Covered Bridge

This bridge is an icon in Wakefield. It was built in 1915 and was the first bridge to link the two shores of the Gatineau River. The bridge burned down in a fire in 1984 but the community raised money to restore it in 1998. Now it’s a pedestrian-only bridge. You can learn about the history through plaques inside the bridge. Last time I visited there was a wedding party taking photos inside 🙂

Below the bridge, you’ll find some rocks that are perfect for camping out for the day and swimming. This is one of my favourite thing to do in Wakefield. 

Lazy Ride Down the River

Enjoy a lazy ride on the river. Soak up some sun and relax while taking in some great views. This activity will take a few hours so make sure to budget lots of time.

*Always be safe and wear a life jacket. I don’t recommend this activity if you aren’t a strong swimmer. You will be going over currents. Read tips on water safety from Ottawa Public Health here.

*Always be respectful of the area while visiting

Here’s what to bring with you for this adventure:

• Life jackets, Tubes, and rope. You can tie all the tubes together and float down the river as a pack with your friends. Some people get a giant group tube. 
• A dry bag full of snacks, sunscreen, and water. Make sure to be respectful and bring all garbage with you.
• Bonus: we had mini paddles with us to speed the journey up

You’ll need two cars for this adventure. One parked where you start and another parked where you end.

You can enter the water at Chemin River but there is no parking allowed here. You’ll need to park your car somewhere else and walk over.

The current will take you past the main bridge and to the main street of Wakefield. You’ll want your car parked somewhere along here. We had one person go get the car and the rest of us stayed with the tubes. There’s a dock near the main street that you can get out of the water.

You can also break up the route:

• Chemin River to the Red Bridge: get off here if you don’t want to go over the bumpy current.
• Red Bridge to the main street of Wakefield: you’ll go over some bumpy currents and then the ride smooths out. This was the shortest part of the journey. If you choose this option you’ll need to park somewhere near the Red Bridge. Make sure you’re parked somewhere that parking is allowed.

Walk along the old train track

There’s a train track along the water that an old steam train used to be on. My mom took our family many years ago while it was still running. Although the train is no longer there, the path is still nice to walk along. Follow it towards Café Pot a Feu. This restaurant is in the old Wakefield train station.

Eco-Odyssey

Located in Wakefield, explore this unique water maze and see how much wildlife you can spot. There are more than 60 intersections spread out over 6km. I loved navigating the maze and taking in this amazing view at the same time! I chose the canoe option but they also have paddle boats available. Choose from over 30 Eco-Odyssee adventures.

Edelweiss

If you’re a skier or snowboarder, hit the slopes at Edelweiss in the winter.  They have 20 trails ranging from easy to difficult. You can get to this mountain in 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa.

Things To Do In Wakefield: Stop for a Bite

You’ll find lots of cute restaurants, many with a beautiful view of the water. Here are some highlights:

Le Hibou

Head to Le Hibou for a bite and enjoy a view of the water at the same time. If you can sit on their patio for a view of the water. If it’s packed, the inside is nice and cozy with bright colours and an eclectic look. They have a diverse menu so you’re sure to find something to catch your eye. I’ve enjoyed their mussels and fish and chips. Head here for lunch, dinner or brunch on the weekend.

Nikosi Bistro Pub

You’ll find Nikosi right beside Expeditions Wakefield.  Grab a bite on their patio. I loved their nachos, nice and crispy. They have some unique items like their Nikosi mac n cheese or Nikosi poutine. You can also head here for brunch on Sundays.

The Village House

Take in a view of the water while you enjoying their menu including short ribs, deep fried eggplant and more. Head here for brunch, lunch or dinner. To keep the creative juices flowing they offer a small plates menu on Sundays from 12pm-8pm.

Aries

Head to Aries for specialty coffee, cocktails, breakfast, and lunch. Many of their menu items are farm to table. They also support other local business’ like Wakefield Bakery.

Get Active with Expeditions Wakefield

Head to Expeditions Wakefield to rent a canoe, paddle board, or kayak. Rentals start at $45 for 3 hours. You can head into the water directly across from their shop.

In the winter you can rent snowshoes and go on one of the trails.

Juniper Farm

Juniper Farm has been around since 2006 and there is plenty you can do here. Head here on the weekends to walk around the farm and enjoy self-guided tours. Visit their store for organic veggies, meat, eggs, coffee, tea, granola, cheese and more. You can also get food boxes from the farm through a CSA (Community Shared Agriculture) with pickup locartions in Ottawa, Gatineau, Chelsea, Cantley or on-site at the Farm.  Juniper Farm also partners with some great restaurants in the capital like Feast and Revel, Whalesbone and more.

Things To Do In Wakefield: Explore All The Shops

Pop in an out of all the cute shops and see what you’ll find. Here are a few highlights:

Boutique Jamboree

At Boutique Jamboree you’ll find plenty of unique home goods from candles, kitchenware, prints and more.

Wakefield Confectionery

The Wakefield Confectionary has been around since 2003. They offer plenty of gourmet products. You’ll find everything from preserves, fudge, chocolate, candies, fine foods and more.

Wakefield Bakery

All baked goods are made from scratch at this local bakery.

Wakefield Farmers Market

You can visit the Wakefield Farmers Market every Saturday from 9am-1pm from the 3rd week of June until the 3rd week of October. You’ll find it at  38 Chemin de la Vallée de Wakefield. Enjoy everything from fresh produce, baked goods, books, maple goodies, wine and more.

Get Fresh Water at the Spring

Get free water from the spring in Wakefield. The spring is dedicated to La Peche councillor Lorne Shouldice, who acted to save the spring when it was about to be buried by road construction in 1986.  Take route 105 towards, turn right onto Chemin Valley and you’ll find the spring immediately on your right.

Learn about the history of the area at Fairbairn House Heritage Centre

Fairbairn House belonged to William Fairbairn, who immigrated to Wakefield from Scotland in 1834. The house now showcases the history of the area. Inside you’ll find a tourist office, exhibitions on local heritage, guided tours, heritage log cabin, heritage barn, access to walking trails and more. You’ll find it near the covered bridge.

Things To Do in Wakefield: Have a Staycation

Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa

Make it a staycation at the Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa. I haven’t been yet but it’s on my list of places to stay. It looks like the perfect escape from the photos I’ve seen and has plenty of history. It was first built in 1838 and is now a four star country boutique hotel.  Indulge in one of their luxury spa treatments and fine dining menu. You can also end your day in a hot tub with a beautiful view of the river. Swim under the stars at their outdoor pool.

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