The Outaouais is a region in western Québec located next to Canada’s capital, Ottawa. Within its 12,000 square miles are a number of activities and experiences that operators can add to an Ottawa or Montréal itinerary. Courier posed three questions to Emerson Velasco, sales manager for Tourisme Outaouais.
What can groups do when they come to your region?
Velasco: We are a four-season culture/nature destination. On the cultural side, the (NTA-member) Canadian Museum of History, the most visited museum in Canada, is a must for groups to discover the people and events that shaped our country. On the nature side, Omega Park is a unique attraction, where you can interact with the authentic Canadian wildlife.
2. What do you recommend to returning visitors?
Velasco: For groups, Manoir Papineau National Historic Site (closed until 2020) is a great place to learn about 19th-century French-Canadian history through the lens of Louis-Joseph Papineau, a leading figure in Canadian politics. The manor is located in Montebello, halfway between Ottawa and Montréal. Or how about relaxing in North America’s largest spa? Nordik Spa Nature is a paradise of thermotherapy and massage therapy, overlooking the region’s natural scenery.
3. Is there a season when groups should visit?
Velasco: The beauty of our region is that there are things to do all year long. You can enjoy the Winterlude festival in February, one of the world’s biggest tulip festivals in spring, summertime rafting on the Ottawa River or the beautiful fall foliage at Gatineau Park, only 15 minutes away from downtown Gatineau/Ottawa.
To ask your own questions, email Velasco or go to visitoutaouaisgroup.com.
Top photo: Nordik Spa Nature
Photo by Nordik Spa Nature
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