EXPLORE THE OUTAOUAIS IN QUAD MODE!

The Outaouais, with its vast forests, multitude of lakes and rivers, and network of well-maintained trails operated by ATV clubs, is a prime destination for four-wheeled enthusiasts. The region offers the perfect combination of wilderness and welcoming infrastructure for memorable motorized adventures.

Quad riders who want to discover the Outaouais regularly ask questions about where to ride and maintain ATVs, what access rights to hold, which routes to take, where to park trailers and which ATV clubs to contact in the Outaouais. Follow our guide to answer all these questions and make the most of this immense playground.

Where to ATV ride in the Outaouais?

That’s a big question, considering the region’s surface area of 33,442 km²!

MRC Pontiac

In the MRC Pontiac, the Club VTT Pontiac maintains a vast network of trails in areas such as Shawville, Campbell’s Bay and Fort-Coulonge. These trails run through forests, farmland and along beautiful little rivers.

Among the must-see attractions, the Parc des Chutes Coulonge is well worth a visit, especially for its impressive waterfalls. Although ATV access is not permitted to the site, you can reach Mansfield via the marked trails, park in an authorized area nearby, and then visit the falls on foot.

The ZEC Pontiac offers privileged access to wilderness quad trails. These trails are free for FQCQ trail pass holders. If you don’t have a trail pass, you can still use them for a daily fee.

In the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, which encompasses Maniwaki and part of the northern Outaouais region, quad enthusiasts will be delighted by the spectacular scenery of lakes, mountains and forests, including the vast Vérendrye wildlife reserve that stretches between the towns of Grand-Remous and Montcerf-Lytton.

The Club Quad Vallée de la Gatineau maintains a vast network of trails, including the famous Route des Draveurs. This renowned route requires advance planning, as some sections are reserved for cyclists.

Maniwaki is an excellent starting point. You’ll find a trailer parking lot just behind Auberge des Draveurs, which also houses Resto Pub Le Rabaska, two must-see addresses for quad -riders.

Don’t miss the observation towers at Mont Cayamant and Mont Morissette, where you can park directly at the foot of the mountain. Nearby, the L’Huile d’Olive restaurant in Bouchette offers local menus.

A little further north, the Baskatong Reservoir awaits you with its wide beaches and endless waters. The Pointe à David tourist camps and Chez Rainville outfitter in Grand Remous are accessible by ATV, and offer fishing, lodging and hiking in the heart of nature.

Petite Nation sector

In the Petite Nation sector, the Club Quad PetiteNation is headquartered in Saint-André-Avellin, an excellent starting point for quad touring. You’ll find all the amenities you need: gas, grocery stores, trailer parking and several restaurants, including La Toquade, renowned for its varied cuisine. If you’re passing through Duhamel, stop off for a meal at Carbo Barbecue.

A popular route is to make a long loop towards Chénéville, passing through the popular Lac Simon. The trail skirts the lake and runs along a magnificent two-kilometer sandy beach, where swimming is supervised from June 21 to August 17.

Further south, Montebello is another excellent place to start a ride. You can park your trailer on rue Bonsecours, then walk to Resto Pub Le Zouk or visit Chocmotive, an artisan chocolate factory and economuseum. Although quad access to the Fairmont Le Château Montebello is not permitted, a short walk will allow you to admire the world’s largest log castle. 

An interesting route links Montebello to Thurso, via Plaisance. This section of the Outaouais trails is generally well-maintained, easy and pleasant to ride, with varied scenery. The direct distance by trail is approximately 30 to 40 km, depending on the detours taken.

In Plaisance, you’ll want to make a stop to discover the Chutes du Moulin, accessible on foot. You’ll also pass close to Parc national de Plaisance, where you might spot migratory birds. 

Finally, you’ll reach Thurso, a small industrial town with a rich forestry past, best known as the birthplace of Guy Lafleur. Located on the banks of the Ottawa River, it offers superb views of the water

The Club Quad de l’Outaouais mainly serves the southern sectors, with trails accessible from Gatineau and the surrounding area. You can leave your trailer at the club’s parking lot 1, in L’Ange-Gardien, before setting off for Val-des-Bois.

On the way, stop off at the Relais Charland, a well-known stop for quad riders. Once at your destination, the Pourvoirie du Lièvre (outfitter) welcomes you for accommodation and several activities. To vary your itinerary, you can take the Bowman loop, which offers a pleasant alternative route.

From L’Ange-Gardien, it’s also possible to reach Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, another great option for extending your quad adventure.

Where to service your ATV in the Outaouais?

During your stay, if you need maintenance or repairs for your vehicles, you can count on reliable partners in the region. 819 Motosports Inc. in Gatineau is a sales center for ATV and side-by-side parts and equipment, ready to assist you when needed. Further north, Équipements Maniwaki also offers complete maintenance services and sells new and used quads.

Is a right of access required for quad biking in the Outaouais? 

As elsewhere in Quebec, you need an FQCQ trail pass to ride on federated trails. These trails are managed and maintained by local clubs that are members of the Fédération Québécoise des Clubs Quads. They are often old logging roads or exclusive routes negotiated with landowners. 

You can also take your trailer-mounted quad to a ZEC. A ZEC is a public area managed by a non-profit organization, which has its own trails.

Access is often free with an FQCQ pass. Without this pass, a daily entry fee is charged. There are four ZECs in the Outaouais region:

• ZEC Pontiac: Located near Gracefield
• ZEC St-Patrice: Mansfield, near Fort-Coulonge
• ZEC Bras-Coupé-Désert: Accessible from Maniwaki
• ZEC Rapides-des-Joachims: West of the Outaouais, near the Ontario border.

How do I find my quad route?

The iQuad app is a mobile application (iOS and Android) designed for FQCQ members. It lets you navigate, plan and explore federated quad trails throughout Quebec.

You can also use a GPS. Bear in mind that cellular coverage may be limited in some remote areas.

Where to park a quad trailer in the Outaouais? 

Quad clubs have set up a number of landing sites for your cars and trailers. More than 25 communes offer at least one parking area. 

What quad clubs are there in the Outaouais?

Quad clubs are the backbone of the trail network. They maintain the trails, make sure they’re well marked and provide invaluable local information. We strongly recommend that you contact them before you leave. 

Club Quad de L’Outaouais:

• Area: L’Ange-Gardien, Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, Val-des-Bois, Bowman
• Head office: 8, ch. Henri-Chartrand, L’Ange-Gardien
• Their trail network covers the southeastern Outaouais region, with several parking lots and relay stations.

Pontiac ATV Club

• Area: Shawville, Campbell’s Bay, Fort-Coulonge, Mansfield
• Head office: 1758 route 148, Litchfield
• Their network of trails crosses forests, farmland and rivers, with access to the Pontiac ZEC.

Club Quad PetiteNation

• Area: Saint-André-Avellin, Chénéville, Namur, Montebello, Thurso
• Head office: 20, chemin du Lac-Vert, Montpellier
• Their varied network offers access to Lac Simon, Montebello and the tourist attractions of the Petite Nation.

Club Quad Vallée de la Gatineau:

Maniwaki, Duhamel, Cayamant, Montcerf-Lytton area

• Head office: 157, Route 107, Déléage
• Their trail network includesthe Route des Draveurs and trails in the Forêt de l’Aigle, with access to the Bras-Coupé-Désert ZEC.

You can find all these clubs on the FQCQ website: https://fqcq.qc.ca/

For suggestions on accommodation, restaurants and activities for your excursion, visit the Tourisme Outaouais website.

List of parking lots and landings by city

Saint-André-Avellin

• Parking, La Toquade – 618 Route 321
• Parking, Complex Whissell – 274 Rue Rossy

Duhamel

• Parking, Hôtel de Ville – 1890 Rue Principale

Chénéville

• Parking, Restaurant-Bar La Villa Du Bifteck – 58 Rue Principale
• Parking, Route 315

Lac-des-Plages

• Municipal Parking – 1991 chemin Tour-du-Lac, Lac-des-Plages

Namur

• Parking, Pétro-T – Route 323
• Parking, Au Moulin Du Temps – 519 Rte 323

Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix

• Parking, Garage Municipal – 311 Route 323

Maniwaki

• Parking, Auberge Du Draveur – 85 Rue Principale Nord

L’Ange-Gardien

• Parking lot 1 (Club Quad de l’Outaouais) – Chemin Industriel / Chemin Henri-Charland

Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette

• Summer parking lot 3 – Chemin du Golf (Club de Golf Royal Papineau)

Val-des-Bois

• Grill 309 Restaurant 484 route 309, Val-des-Bois

Plaisance

• Parking, Bar La Baie Noire – 202 Rue Principale

Thurso

• Parking, Customers of Bistro Chez Léo – 169 Rue Galipeau

Montpellier

• Parking, Hôtel de Ville – 4 Rue du Bosquet

Poltimore (Val-des-Monts)

• Parking – Route 307 near chemin Paugan

Montebello

• Parking, Marina – 101 Rue Laurier
• Parking, Fabrique Notre-Dame de Bonsecours – 545 Rue Notre-Dame

Relais du Lac Croche

• Parking – 464 chemin St-Guillaume, St-Donat

Waltham

• Parking, Municipal Office – 69 Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville

Campbell’s Bay

• Parking, Cycloparc PPJ – Rue McLellan

Shawville

• Parking, Arena – 215 Rue Lang

Luskville

• Parking, Café Resto Karim – 1866 Route 148, Luskville

Otter Lake

• Municipal Parking – Rue Tessier

Lac-des-Loups (La Pêche)

• Parking – 7 Chemin Lionel Beausoleil