There’s something special about a fall drive through the Gatineau Hills. The roads wind between forests and open farmland, the hills glow with autumn colour, and small villages invite you to slow down instead of rushing towards the next destination. Just north of Ottawa, Wakefield, Quebec, offers exactly that kind of escape, with a distinctive mix of heritage, art, food and beautiful countryside. Founded in 1830 by Irish immigrants, the village has developed a lively artistic community alongside its historic character.
For this edition of The Great Canadian Road Trip, we’re heading to Wakefield and the surrounding Gatineau Hills for a day of scenic backroads, covered bridges, local food and small-town discoveries. It’s a route best enjoyed without a strict schedule: leave room for a spontaneous photo stop, a bakery you hadn’t planned to visit or a riverside walk that turns out to be the highlight of the day.
One note before setting out: autumn colours change quickly, and late October can bring anything from brilliant foliage to mostly bare trees. Check current conditions before you go, and treat the scenery as part of the adventure rather than a guaranteed peak-colour display.
Stop 1: Take the Scenic Route Through Meech Creek Valley
Before settling into village life, make time for Meech Creek Valley in the northeastern part of Gatineau Park. Tucked between Chelsea and Wakefield, this quieter corner of the park offers a lovely introduction to the region’s rural landscape, with forested hills, hayfields and a historic covered bridge.
The Meech Creek covered bridge was built in 1932, and the surrounding agricultural landscape gives the area a distinctly pastoral feel. It’s a wonderful place to pull over, take photographs and appreciate the countryside before continuing towards Wakefield.
If you’re in the mood for a short walk, the National Capital Commission describes a 5.6-kilometre round-trip route along Cross Loop Road, with a wide gravel path and gentle slopes. You can keep the stop shorter by simply enjoying the scenery and taking photographs. Check the National Capital Commission’s guide to Meech Creek Valley for trail information and current conditions before setting out.
Stop 2: Discover Wakefield’s Famous Red Covered Bridge
The village’s best-known landmark is the Wakefield Covered Bridge over the Gatineau River. It’s an essential photo stop, but there’s a good story behind it, too. The original bridge was destroyed by fire in 1984, and members of the community rallied to rebuild it. The reconstructed bridge reopened in 1997 and remains a powerful symbol of local pride.
Take a stroll across the bridge on foot, pause to admire the river and look back towards the village. The surrounding landscape is particularly attractive when the trees are turning colour, although the bridge is worth visiting in any season.
Just nearby is the Fairbairn House Heritage Centre, a historic property with exhibits about the Gatineau Valley and its communities. The centre also offers information about a self-guided walking tour of historic sites around Wakefield. It’s a useful addition for anyone who likes to understand the stories behind the places they visit, rather than simply taking a photograph and moving on. Check the official website for seasonal opening dates before planning an indoor visit.
Stop 3: Wander Through the Village and Its Independent Shops
Wakefield is a place to park the car and explore on foot. Its village centre has cafés, bakeries, boutiques, galleries and restaurants, with an artistic atmosphere that sets it apart from a typical highway stop. Founded by Irish immigrants in 1830, the community has retained a strong sense of its history while developing a reputation for arts, music and independent businesses.
Follow Riverside Road, browse the shops and look for locally made artwork or crafts to take home. This is also a good opportunity to support small Quebec businesses, whether you’re buying a gift, picking up something from a bakery or stopping for a coffee.
If you enjoy walking, the Sentiers Wakefield Trails offer another way to appreciate the Gatineau River and the surrounding landscape. Keep the pace relaxed. Part of the appeal of Wakefield is that you don’t need to rush from one attraction to another to have a satisfying day.
Stop 4: Make Time for a Proper Brunch or Lunch
No road trip is complete without a good meal, and Wakefield has several independent cafés and restaurants worth considering. Rather than committing to a single stop, choose the one that suits your day and check its current menu and hours before leaving home.
Bluebarn Coffee Roasters is a good option for coffee, pastries and a relaxed café stop. Bluebarn roasts specialty coffee and serves food, making it a natural place to begin the village visit or take a break between walks.
For a more substantial meal, Café Le Hibou is a riverside bistro serving globally inspired dishes. Its location beside the Gatineau River makes it an appealing choice for a leisurely lunch.
If you’d rather put together a casual picnic or take a few treats home, look into Pipolinka Bakery for artisan breads and pastries. It’s especially well suited to a road trip built around independent local businesses.
Another option is Café Earle, where you can check for breakfast, coffee, pastries and lighter fare. If you’re hoping to sit outside, confirm whether its seasonal terrace is still open when you visit.
For a simple plan, start with coffee and something from a bakery, explore the covered bridge and village, then sit down for lunch. You can reverse that order depending on when you arrive and which businesses are open.
Stop 5: Finish With a Waterfall and a Little More Gatineau Scenery
Before heading home, consider a final stop at MacLaren Falls, beside the historic Wakefield Mill. The falls and old stone mill make a memorable end to the day, particularly if you enjoy photographing heritage buildings in a natural setting. The mill has been restored as an inn and spa, with a restaurant on the property.
If you have time for a meal with a more special-occasion feel, check out La Muse at Wakefield Mill. Its setting beside the falls makes it an appealing choice for a leisurely meal, although it’s worth checking menus, opening hours and whether reservations are needed.
Alternatively, simply enjoy the view, take a few final photographs and begin the drive home. You don’t need to fill every moment with an activity to make this trip worthwhile.
A Little Autumn Escape Worth Taking
Wakefield is a reminder that a memorable Canadian road trip doesn’t have to involve hundreds of kilometres or a packed itinerary. Sometimes the best days are built around a beautiful country road, a historic landmark, a walk beside the river and a meal at a local café.
The Gatineau Hills offer all of that, with the added pleasure of discovering a Quebec village with its own character and history. Whether you catch the hills at peak autumn colour or arrive after most of the leaves have fallen, Wakefield is a destination where the journey can be just as rewarding as the stops along the way.
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