The Gatineau Reels
Gatineau Reels: This collection of routes can be linked together in combinations of your choice to create longer routes. There are both accommodation and camping spots if you wish to try out your bikepacking gear and hone your overnighting skills. Click on a route on the map above see the full version.
QEW- Up and Over Eardley
This compact route packs a lot in for the distance. Gravel and paved road, a ferry ride, covered bridges, iconic historic views, Gatineau Park trails, coffee shops and restaurants, a steep hill or two, depanneurs and chip stands, two river valleys and an escarpment all make for a variety-packed tour. If you are looking for an introductory bikepacking route with the rhythm and variety of The Log Drivers Waltz this one's for you!
The QEW starts in the historic heart of the region where traces of the lumbering industry still linger. It follows the Ottawa River by path and mixed surface roads from Ottawa to near Fitzroy Harbour where the Quyon Ferry awaits to take you across to Quebec. From Quyon, quiet gravel roads, some unmaintained in winter, lead you to the Eardley Escarpment which is where you will encounter the longest climb on the route. Your reward for the climb is a peaceful ride through the forested trails in the northern end of the Gatineau Park past Taylor and Renaud Lakes to Lac Phillippe where you can camp. If more luxurious accommodation and dining is your preference continue on to the Village of Wakefield. While there take the short detour upstream on the Gatineau River for a photo op at the picturesque covered bridge over the Gatineau River.
As you leave Wakefield you will follow the river downstream for a bit before turning inland. The climb up from the river is short but punchy so be prepared to use your lowest gear! All climbs lead to a reward, this time it is a sweet section of rural road along the Meech Valley with a second covered bridge.
A mixture of pavement and gravel trail will get you to Old Chelsea for more coffee and baked goods or a well deserved repast. A few kilometers further on you will hop onto a shared pathway that will take you back down to where the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers meet. A short ride upstream will bring you once again to the stunning scenery of Parliament Hill, the Museum of History and Chaudiere Falls, famous as a meeting place since time immemorial. Here you will find a variety of food and drink to celebrate your QEW ride.
This compact route packs a lot in for the distance. Gravel and paved road, a ferry ride, covered bridges, iconic historic views, Gatineau Park trails, coffee shops and restaurants, a steep hill or two, depanneurs and chip stands, two river valleys and an escarpment all make for a variety-packed tour. If you are looking for an introductory bikepacking route with the rhythm and variety of The Log Drivers Waltz this one's for you!
The QEW starts in the historic heart of the region where traces of the lumbering industry still linger. It follows the Ottawa River by path and mixed surface roads from Ottawa to near Fitzroy Harbour where the Quyon Ferry awaits to take you across to Quebec. From Quyon, quiet gravel roads, some unmaintained in winter, lead you to the Eardley Escarpment which is where you will encounter the longest climb on the route. Your reward for the climb is a peaceful ride through the forested trails in the northern end of the Gatineau Park past Taylor and Renaud Lakes to Lac Phillippe where you can camp. If more luxurious accommodation and dining is your preference continue on to the Village of Wakefield. While there take the short detour upstream on the Gatineau River for a photo op at the picturesque covered bridge over the Gatineau River.
As you leave Wakefield you will follow the river downstream for a bit before turning inland. The climb up from the river is short but punchy so be prepared to use your lowest gear! All climbs lead to a reward, this time it is a sweet section of rural road along the Meech Valley with a second covered bridge.
A mixture of pavement and gravel trail will get you to Old Chelsea for more coffee and baked goods or a well deserved repast. A few kilometers further on you will hop onto a shared pathway that will take you back down to where the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers meet. A short ride upstream will bring you once again to the stunning scenery of Parliament Hill, the Museum of History and Chaudiere Falls, famous as a meeting place since time immemorial. Here you will find a variety of food and drink to celebrate your QEW ride.
“Up to Low”
“Up to Low”, the name inspired by the Brian Doyle book, starts and ends at the historic Wakefield Covered Bridge that spans the Gatineau River just upstream from the town. Starting in Wakefield you will climb north-west through town and will soon find yourself on quiet country roads. The paved roads will give way to gravel soon after Lecelles. The depanneur in Lecelles has great homemade sandwiches if you have already burned off your breakfast. It also happens to be the last store before you get to Low at about the halfway point of the loop. Farms and woodlots, lakes and streams will make for interesting scenery as Kallalla Rd unrolls before you. At Fieldville you will see the new bridge that kept this part of the Log Driver’s Waltz closed for most of 2020.
On pavement you will drop down to Low where there are several food options to choose from. Fill your pockets and bottles here as there are no resupply points until you get back to Wakefield.
The steep climb up to the top of the Paugan Dam will be rewarded with aerial views to your right as you cross the river. From the dam to Wakefield you will follow gravel roads past old school houses, farms, open fields and forested ridges. The climbs up the side of the valley are preludes to wide open vistas of the river and undulating fields on both sides of the river.
Descending the last time from the ridge to River Rd you will turn left and follow the river back to the bridge, Wakefield and welcome refreshments.
“Up to Low” is a great stand-alone one day route for a remote start. If you are looking for a longer trip you might want to link it to the “Up and Over Eardley” -QEW to the south or/and the Trans-Outaouais, KAZ and other routes to the north.
“Up to Low”, the name inspired by the Brian Doyle book, starts and ends at the historic Wakefield Covered Bridge that spans the Gatineau River just upstream from the town. Starting in Wakefield you will climb north-west through town and will soon find yourself on quiet country roads. The paved roads will give way to gravel soon after Lecelles. The depanneur in Lecelles has great homemade sandwiches if you have already burned off your breakfast. It also happens to be the last store before you get to Low at about the halfway point of the loop. Farms and woodlots, lakes and streams will make for interesting scenery as Kallalla Rd unrolls before you. At Fieldville you will see the new bridge that kept this part of the Log Driver’s Waltz closed for most of 2020.
On pavement you will drop down to Low where there are several food options to choose from. Fill your pockets and bottles here as there are no resupply points until you get back to Wakefield.
The steep climb up to the top of the Paugan Dam will be rewarded with aerial views to your right as you cross the river. From the dam to Wakefield you will follow gravel roads past old school houses, farms, open fields and forested ridges. The climbs up the side of the valley are preludes to wide open vistas of the river and undulating fields on both sides of the river.
Descending the last time from the ridge to River Rd you will turn left and follow the river back to the bridge, Wakefield and welcome refreshments.
“Up to Low” is a great stand-alone one day route for a remote start. If you are looking for a longer trip you might want to link it to the “Up and Over Eardley” -QEW to the south or/and the Trans-Outaouais, KAZ and other routes to the north.
The "KAZ"
The “Kaz”,named for Kazubazua, the northernmost point on this route and was once the home of the longest bar in the Gatineau Valley. Starting in Low, the route shares the Chemin Martindale start with the Trans-Outaouais loop. A gentle gravel ascent up the Martindale Road passing the Martindale Pioneer Cemetery along the way, will take you to the paved chemin Lac Ste. Marie where you will turn left towards highway 105. A short section on the shoulder of the 105 will get you up the hill into Kazubazua where there is a chance to get some food (check availability due to current restrictions), water, and perhaps a coffee from the depanneur. The club sandwich at Restaurant Lachapelle has been known to please at least one hungry bikepacker! Ensure that you resupply in Kaz as there are no other opportunities to buy food or drink until you get back to Low.If you want to overnight consider the Chalet Solistera or campground.The return trip starts with a few kilometres of straight level pavement before you turn south on the gravel of the Veloroute des Draveurs. The historical railway station at Venosta is definitely a photo op and there are several rest stops with benches and toilets should you want to have a stretch or picnic along the way.
Parking in Low on Veloroute des Draveurs
The “Kaz”,named for Kazubazua, the northernmost point on this route and was once the home of the longest bar in the Gatineau Valley. Starting in Low, the route shares the Chemin Martindale start with the Trans-Outaouais loop. A gentle gravel ascent up the Martindale Road passing the Martindale Pioneer Cemetery along the way, will take you to the paved chemin Lac Ste. Marie where you will turn left towards highway 105. A short section on the shoulder of the 105 will get you up the hill into Kazubazua where there is a chance to get some food (check availability due to current restrictions), water, and perhaps a coffee from the depanneur. The club sandwich at Restaurant Lachapelle has been known to please at least one hungry bikepacker! Ensure that you resupply in Kaz as there are no other opportunities to buy food or drink until you get back to Low.If you want to overnight consider the Chalet Solistera or campground.The return trip starts with a few kilometres of straight level pavement before you turn south on the gravel of the Veloroute des Draveurs. The historical railway station at Venosta is definitely a photo op and there are several rest stops with benches and toilets should you want to have a stretch or picnic along the way.
Parking in Low on Veloroute des Draveurs
Trans-Outaouais Loop
The TOL leaves Low and climbs gently up the Martindale Road towards Lac Ste. Marie. There is a monument to the early settlers of the region a few kilometres along the route that explains some of the history of the area and is a good excuse for a stretch. Your road will turn to pavement when you reach the end of Chemin Martindale and turn right on Chemin Lac Ste Marie. The Gatineau River is so small and still here that you will barely register that you are crossing it, but the rest of your ride will be on the east side of the river until you cross the Paugan Dam at Low and drop down the steep hill into the village.
If you are making a weekend of the TOL or have linked it with another route there are several options for accommodation in and around the village of Lac Ste Marie. It is best to reserve in advance. There is the municipal campground which is a popular stopping point for riders doing the Log Driver’s Waltz Bikepacking Route that you might want to use to hone your bikepacking camping skills. With food available at several restaurants and the grocery store, washrooms and an ample picnic shelter it is a low stress location.
When you leave Lac Ste Marie be sure to have full bottles and plenty snacks as the second half of the route has 3 significant climbs. The first and last will be on pavement but the middle one which has the steepest grade just happens to be on the Trans-Outaouais, a “use at your own risk” road. The descent is also on gravel so as always ride according to conditions.
Expect to find a lot of new pavement after reaching the Ch. Lac Poisson Blanc which will take you much of the way back to the Paugan Dam.
A less taxing option of similar distance is the KAZ which returns to Low by railtrail.
The TOL leaves Low and climbs gently up the Martindale Road towards Lac Ste. Marie. There is a monument to the early settlers of the region a few kilometres along the route that explains some of the history of the area and is a good excuse for a stretch. Your road will turn to pavement when you reach the end of Chemin Martindale and turn right on Chemin Lac Ste Marie. The Gatineau River is so small and still here that you will barely register that you are crossing it, but the rest of your ride will be on the east side of the river until you cross the Paugan Dam at Low and drop down the steep hill into the village.
If you are making a weekend of the TOL or have linked it with another route there are several options for accommodation in and around the village of Lac Ste Marie. It is best to reserve in advance. There is the municipal campground which is a popular stopping point for riders doing the Log Driver’s Waltz Bikepacking Route that you might want to use to hone your bikepacking camping skills. With food available at several restaurants and the grocery store, washrooms and an ample picnic shelter it is a low stress location.
When you leave Lac Ste Marie be sure to have full bottles and plenty snacks as the second half of the route has 3 significant climbs. The first and last will be on pavement but the middle one which has the steepest grade just happens to be on the Trans-Outaouais, a “use at your own risk” road. The descent is also on gravel so as always ride according to conditions.
Expect to find a lot of new pavement after reaching the Ch. Lac Poisson Blanc which will take you much of the way back to the Paugan Dam.
A less taxing option of similar distance is the KAZ which returns to Low by railtrail.
Saving Grace
This is a fun, relatively short loop that starts the Halte de Kazubazua parking lot on the Veloroute des Draveurs. This loop makes up the northern tip of the Log Driver’s Waltz so if you are planning to do that route in the future it is a sneak preview.
The first segment takes you north on the Veloroute des Draveurs with several rest stops and a picturesque bridge over the Picanoc River as potential stops for snacks or a picnic. If you opt to wait for your lunch in town, continue on your way to Gracefield where you will find several options for food and drink. There is camping in town and a few kilometres north on Lac Edja if you want to make this a very chill two-day trip.
It is advisable to top up your water bottles and replenish your stash of snacks before leaving Gracefield.
After crossing the bridge over the Gatineau River you will turn south and immediately be on gravel road. A series of linked roads, the names change, but the navigation is not difficult, will give you some vistas of the river. Other highlights as well as picturesque historical farms, views south down the valley and flowy curves. The price of admission is a couple of significantly steep hills with matching downhills as compensation. Most people will use the lowest gear on their bike at least once on this day, however easy it is, so don’t try to muscle your way through unless of course that is your thing!After several nice stretches or road along the river you will go almost right through a farmyard and end up on the Chemin de Mont Ste Marie. A pleasant detour to the left will take you to Lac Ste Marie where you might want to buy a shawarma and enjoy it on the boardwalk or at the picnic shelter by the municipal campground. If you are intent on getting home, turn right here and ride to Hwy 105 and up the hill into Kazubazua. Camping or the chalets at Solisterra on Chemin Willoughby are a potential jumping off or landing spot.
This is a fun, relatively short loop that starts the Halte de Kazubazua parking lot on the Veloroute des Draveurs. This loop makes up the northern tip of the Log Driver’s Waltz so if you are planning to do that route in the future it is a sneak preview.
The first segment takes you north on the Veloroute des Draveurs with several rest stops and a picturesque bridge over the Picanoc River as potential stops for snacks or a picnic. If you opt to wait for your lunch in town, continue on your way to Gracefield where you will find several options for food and drink. There is camping in town and a few kilometres north on Lac Edja if you want to make this a very chill two-day trip.
It is advisable to top up your water bottles and replenish your stash of snacks before leaving Gracefield.
After crossing the bridge over the Gatineau River you will turn south and immediately be on gravel road. A series of linked roads, the names change, but the navigation is not difficult, will give you some vistas of the river. Other highlights as well as picturesque historical farms, views south down the valley and flowy curves. The price of admission is a couple of significantly steep hills with matching downhills as compensation. Most people will use the lowest gear on their bike at least once on this day, however easy it is, so don’t try to muscle your way through unless of course that is your thing!After several nice stretches or road along the river you will go almost right through a farmyard and end up on the Chemin de Mont Ste Marie. A pleasant detour to the left will take you to Lac Ste Marie where you might want to buy a shawarma and enjoy it on the boardwalk or at the picnic shelter by the municipal campground. If you are intent on getting home, turn right here and ride to Hwy 105 and up the hill into Kazubazua. Camping or the chalets at Solisterra on Chemin Willoughby are a potential jumping off or landing spot.
The Ottawa Jigs
Ottawa Jigs: These routes cross the Ottawa River or are entirely within Ottawa city limits. Incorporating parts of or intersecting with the Log Driver's Waltz they have a distinct Ottawa Valley vibe. See the description of the QEW above. Click on a route on the map above to see the full version.
One Day in the Pontiac*
When you want to do a bikepacking trip but only have one day consider this ride. It is long enough that most of us on arriving home will feel that we have been away longer than one day. Though “One Day in the Pontiac” starts and ends in Ottawa there are significant portions of the route that are on remote virtually untravelled gravel roads without cell service. The backbone of this route consists of some portions of the Log Driver’s Waltz done in reverse combined with segments of some of our other favourite rides. Predominantly on gravel, with time also on bike paths and paved roads, this mixed surface ride offers nice variety and challenge.
Leaving Ottawa the route heads north through Chelsea and to Wakefield. This is paved and gives you an opportunity to warm up. Chelsea might be too soon for a stop, but make sure that you take advantage of the services in Wakefield (coffee, food, water) as the next place to stock is in Ladysmith. From the point where you hit dirt on Kallala Rd just north of Wakefield you will have gravel over most of the next 100 km to Campbell’s Bay. Part way through, Bretzlaff’s store in Ladysmith is a reliable source of drinks and snacks. Depending on the time of year and day of the week the restaurant and chip stand may also be open.
At Campbell’s Bay where you can refuel. Leaving the village follow the PPJ Rail Trail east before turning south through some picturesque farmland towards Portage du Fort.
Crossing the Ottawa on the Chenaux Dam will bring you back into Ontario. The section from the dam and up Storyland Rd is busy in terms of cars and trucks so take care to make yourself visible. River Rd along the shore of Ottawa River is generally well paved and a great place to make time to Arnprior which offers many options in terms of food and drink and an opportunity to get off the bike for a stretch.
Careful as you leave town, the road is busy especially until the turnoff to HWY 417. After that it calms down and the shoulder is good. Soon you will get onto the gravel roads that will take you all the way to Carp, which is almost, but not quite the end of the route.
*This route, despite its name, could easily be a two day trip if you either camp at the Mill Dam Park in Shawville or take a room at the Motel Bryson.
When you want to do a bikepacking trip but only have one day consider this ride. It is long enough that most of us on arriving home will feel that we have been away longer than one day. Though “One Day in the Pontiac” starts and ends in Ottawa there are significant portions of the route that are on remote virtually untravelled gravel roads without cell service. The backbone of this route consists of some portions of the Log Driver’s Waltz done in reverse combined with segments of some of our other favourite rides. Predominantly on gravel, with time also on bike paths and paved roads, this mixed surface ride offers nice variety and challenge.
Leaving Ottawa the route heads north through Chelsea and to Wakefield. This is paved and gives you an opportunity to warm up. Chelsea might be too soon for a stop, but make sure that you take advantage of the services in Wakefield (coffee, food, water) as the next place to stock is in Ladysmith. From the point where you hit dirt on Kallala Rd just north of Wakefield you will have gravel over most of the next 100 km to Campbell’s Bay. Part way through, Bretzlaff’s store in Ladysmith is a reliable source of drinks and snacks. Depending on the time of year and day of the week the restaurant and chip stand may also be open.
At Campbell’s Bay where you can refuel. Leaving the village follow the PPJ Rail Trail east before turning south through some picturesque farmland towards Portage du Fort.
Crossing the Ottawa on the Chenaux Dam will bring you back into Ontario. The section from the dam and up Storyland Rd is busy in terms of cars and trucks so take care to make yourself visible. River Rd along the shore of Ottawa River is generally well paved and a great place to make time to Arnprior which offers many options in terms of food and drink and an opportunity to get off the bike for a stretch.
Careful as you leave town, the road is busy especially until the turnoff to HWY 417. After that it calms down and the shoulder is good. Soon you will get onto the gravel roads that will take you all the way to Carp, which is almost, but not quite the end of the route.
*This route, despite its name, could easily be a two day trip if you either camp at the Mill Dam Park in Shawville or take a room at the Motel Bryson.
Down to Fitzroy Harbour
This mixed surface route starts in Kanata and does a loop on the quieter roads through Fitzroy Harbour. It can be done as a one day loop or over two days it is a nice bikepacking loop with camping available at Fitzroy harbour. A ferry ride to Quyon for fries or beer at the depanneur makes for a nice side trip. Gravel or hybrid bike recommended as gravel roads can be loose or soft.
This mixed surface route starts in Kanata and does a loop on the quieter roads through Fitzroy Harbour. It can be done as a one day loop or over two days it is a nice bikepacking loop with camping available at Fitzroy harbour. A ferry ride to Quyon for fries or beer at the depanneur makes for a nice side trip. Gravel or hybrid bike recommended as gravel roads can be loose or soft.
The Miller's Way
A Highland FLing/Lanark county
The Miller's Way
As it winds through Lanark County the route crosses and follows in turn the Mississippi, Tay, and Clyde Rivers at Carleton Place, Perth, and Lanark. Each community that you pass through has its own unique character but their common feature is that historically their water powered mills led to growth and economic development in the region. You will notice that the location of the railway and the Trans-Canada Highway has had an affect on the relative growth of the three original villages.
Starting in Carleton Place (see map for parking) the route follows flatter rail-trail and predominantly gravel roads to the historic town of Perth, where it is worth taking the time to explore Stewart Park. Once you leave Perth there is more relief (hills) and it is here that you will encounter a few sections of "unmaintained road". Spoiler Alert- Just after the 105 kilometre mark you will happen upon the eponymous Miller Road.
The length of the route and the availability of services make this route a great introduction to bikepacking. Taking two days will allow you to savour the experience and take advantage of the accommodation, fine eating, cafes, bakeries and microbreweries found in the two larger communities . With all the services concentrated in the three communities be certain to stock up on supplies at every opportunity. It is certainly feasible for some riders to complete "The Miller's Way" in a day. Regardless of your approach you will be happy to see the chip stand in Lanark!
As much of the route is on gravel a gravel or hybrid bike with 35c to 40c tires is recommended.
As it winds through Lanark County the route crosses and follows in turn the Mississippi, Tay, and Clyde Rivers at Carleton Place, Perth, and Lanark. Each community that you pass through has its own unique character but their common feature is that historically their water powered mills led to growth and economic development in the region. You will notice that the location of the railway and the Trans-Canada Highway has had an affect on the relative growth of the three original villages.
Starting in Carleton Place (see map for parking) the route follows flatter rail-trail and predominantly gravel roads to the historic town of Perth, where it is worth taking the time to explore Stewart Park. Once you leave Perth there is more relief (hills) and it is here that you will encounter a few sections of "unmaintained road". Spoiler Alert- Just after the 105 kilometre mark you will happen upon the eponymous Miller Road.
The length of the route and the availability of services make this route a great introduction to bikepacking. Taking two days will allow you to savour the experience and take advantage of the accommodation, fine eating, cafes, bakeries and microbreweries found in the two larger communities . With all the services concentrated in the three communities be certain to stock up on supplies at every opportunity. It is certainly feasible for some riders to complete "The Miller's Way" in a day. Regardless of your approach you will be happy to see the chip stand in Lanark!
As much of the route is on gravel a gravel or hybrid bike with 35c to 40c tires is recommended.