Outdoor Adventure

This February, Wakefield, Quebec is full of events to warm you up and get you excited about culture and outdoor adventure this winter.

10^th Annual Wakefield Doc Fest

The 10^th Annual Wakefield Doc Fest kicked off on February 2 and runs for four consecutive weekends throughout February.  The festival, which began as the Wakefield International Film Festival, offers though-provoking documentary films from Quebec, Canada and around the world. This year’s line-up also features five feature-length films, as well as a number of shorts. The event takes places every weekend in February at the Wakefield-La Pêche Community Centre. Get your tickets early, you don’t want to miss out!

Gatineau Loppet

The Gatineau Loppet also returns to the Gatineau Park this year from February 15-17, 2019. An international cross-country ski competition which brings over 2500 competitors from all over the world, the Gatineau Loppet hosts 8 cross-country ski races of varying lengths, as well as snowshoe and fat bike races.  Catch the start of the races at parking lot 17 (P17) at the top of the village of Wakefield both Saturday and Sunday morning. Competitors will ski their way across over 50km of the Gatineau Park’s groomed Nordic ski trails as they wind throughout the Munipality of La Pêche from Wakefield to Masham and onto neighbouring Chelsea. Whether you’re competing or spectating, there will be fun for everyone!

Expeditions Wakefield is offering all Gatineau Loppet competitors and visitors a 10% discount on cross-country ski wax, accessories and service at their store in Wakefield. Simply visit Expeditions Wakefield at 721 Chemin Riverside located in the heart of the village and mention the promo code: LOPPET2019.

Valentines Day in the Village of Wakefield

Nothing spells romance like an outdoor adventure or a cultural experience in the romantic town of Wakefield, La Pêche. Book stay at one of Wakefield’s many BnB’s, reserve a fat bike, snowshoe or cross country ski rental with Expeditions Wakefield, visit Skating in the Forest in Lac des Loups or book a dogsled adventure in Ladysmith. Follow up your adventure with a spa treatment at the Wakefield Mill, and top it off with an evening at one of our many fine restaurants and music venues. No matter what you decide, Wakefield will set your heart on fire.

Don’t let the February blues get you down, take the day or spend the weekend and visit some of the fine activities Wakefield, Québec has to offer this February.

Looking for that perfect birthday party idea, wedding party event or just want to get a group of friends together for some fun in the village of Wakefield?

Rent “The Whale” from Expeditions Wakefield this summer and get out on the water! With plenty of warm weather remaining, this is the perfect opportunity to cool off in the beautiful and pristine Gatineau River.

“The Whale” inflatable SUP is 17’ long and 6’ wide. It holds up to 6 people and is great for parties and small group activities.

Rentals are available at Expeditions Wakefield in blocks of 3 hours ($200) or for the entire day ($350).  Minimum group size is 4 people and maximum group size is 6 people. Life jackets, paddles and parking are provided with your rental.

Reserve your “Whale” experience at Expeditions Wakefield by calling 819-459-2225 or booking online.

Itching to get out on the fat bike trails this winter and looking for a place to ride in the Gatineau Park? The National Capital Commission has responded to increasing demand and expanded it’s fat bike pilot project to include trails 70, 71 and 72 in the Gatineau Park. These trails are accessible from parking lots P17 and P15, minutes away from the village of Wakefield.

Fat Biking has increased in popularity in the last few years and is now among one of the fastest growing winter sports in Canada!

Where to Rent Fat Bikes in Wakefield

Expéditions Wakefield rents Fat Bikes all winter long. They are located in the heart of Wakefield village at 721 Chemin Riverside and you can ride straight from the shop onto the trails at P17. Their rates are $40 for 3 hours or $55 for the full day. Weekend rates are also available. You can also join a group ride on Saturday mornings, departing from Expéditions Wakefield. Rides are free for people who have their own bikes, or you can rent one from the store. Helmets and snowshoe passes are required.

Fat Bike Rules Observed in the Gatineau Park

Only winter bikes, also known as “fat bikes”, equipped with tires at least 9.4 cm (3.7-in.) wide will be permitted.

The 28-km long trail network varies from moderate to difficult, and is for cyclists accustomed to rough terrain. The main trailhead are P1 (Asticou), P15 and P17 parking lots.

You’ll need a pass to access the trails. The rates are the same as snowshoe pass rates. You can purchase a daily or season pass. The season pass entitles you to exclusive benefits and discounts. Cross-country ski passes are also accepted.

Rules and Code of Ethics

• Wear your pass in plain view.
• Yield to snowshoers. You have them to thank for the hard trails you use.
• Keep off cross-country ski trails, except at designated crossings, and yield to skiers.
• Avoid locking your rear wheel (skidding) on downhill runs; the ruts left behind can damage the trails.

Recommendations

• Required outdoor temperature: 0 °C or less
• Required depth of snow cover: 5 cm (2 inches) or more
• Recommended tire pressure: 10 PSI or less
• Get off the trails:
  • If your tracks are deeper than 2.5 cm (1 inch);
  • If you have trouble steering in a straight line;
  • If you have to walk your bike up small, easy hills.

Be courteous, and respect other Park users.

Learn More about Fat Biking

Find out more about fat biking, maps and trail conditions in the Gatineau Park by visiting the National Capital Commission, OMBA or Expéditions Wakefield for more information.

With over 60km of snowshoe trails in the Gatineau Park, it’s no wonder Wakefield is located only steps away from some of the best snowshoe trails the region has to offer.

Visitors often come to Wakefield during the winter and ask where is the best place to go snowshoeing. Here are our favourite snowshoe trails around Wakefield:

Trail #72:  Access the trailhead from the P17 parking lot. Follow the trail through the field and make your way up into the trees and up the hill. You will presented with a challenging climb but it will all be worthwhile once you hit the cabin at Brown Lake. The cabin is closed when it is not being rented, but you can still start a fire in the firepit outside. Warm up by the fire and make your way back to Wakefield. Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Level of difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate.

Wakefield Trails behind the MacLaren Cemetery- For a shorter snowshoe adventure, make your way up to the MacLaren Cemetery, behind the Wakefield Mill. When you are looking at the cemetery, take the trailhead to the left and follow it up to the summit. You will be greeted with a spectacular view of Wakefield and the Gatineau River. Continue along the trails to make your way back down to the cemetery. Duration: Approximately 30 minutes. Level of difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate.

If you don’t have your own, snowshoes are available for rent at Expéditions Wakefield.

Enjoy the snow!