Getting there
Wakefield is part of the municipality of La Pêche, Quebec, on the Gatineau River north of Chelsea. From downtown Ottawa, cross into Gatineau and take Highway 5 north. Plan on roughly 30 to 35 minutes without traffic. There's no regular transit that makes a day trip practical, so you'll want a car or a bike (the route is popular with road cyclists in summer).
What to see
The covered bridge
The red covered bridge over the Gatineau River, just north of the village, is the photo everyone comes for. The bridge you see today was rebuilt by the community after the original burned in 1984. Walk across it, then follow the riverbank for the view back toward the village. Late September and early October are peak for colour.
The mill and the falls
At the edge of the village, a 19th-century grist mill sits on the falls of the La Pêche River. It's now the Wakefield Mill hotel and spa, and you don't need to be a guest to walk the grounds and watch the water. Lunch or a drink overlooking the falls is the easy upgrade to your day.
Riverside Avenue and the village
The main street runs along the Gatineau River, with cafés, a bakery, galleries and small shops. It's a 20-minute stroll end to end, longer if you stop. On a warm day, sit on the riverbank and watch the paddlers.
The Black Sheep Inn
A small, much-loved live music venue that books touring and Canadian acts in a room that feels like a friend's barn. If there's a show on the night you visit, it's worth staying for. Check the calendar and buy ahead for popular acts.
Lac Philippe (Gatineau Park)
About 15 minutes west of Wakefield, Philippe Lake is the north end of Gatineau Park: sandy beaches, canoe rentals, campgrounds and Lusk Cave, a marble cave you can wade through in summer. It turns a village visit into a full day outside. See our Lusk Cave tips.
Swimming in Wakefield
On hot days, locals swim in the Gatineau River off the village shoreline. There are no lifeguards, the current can be strong after rain, and conditions change, so swim only where you can see others safely in the water. For supervised swimming, drive to the Lac Philippe beaches.
Wakefield by season
| Season | Best for |
|---|---|
| Summer | Swimming and paddling the Gatineau River, Lac Philippe beaches, patio lunches, evening shows. |
| Fall | Peak colour on the drive up Highway 5 and Route 105, the covered bridge with the hills behind it. |
| Winter | Cozy cafés, a soak at the mill spa, cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park and the small local ski hill, Vorlage. |
| Spring | Quieter streets and high water at the falls. Some places keep reduced hours, so check ahead. |
A simple day plan
- Morning: leave Ottawa around 9. Stop at a lookout in Gatineau Park on the way if the leaves are turning.
- Late morning: walk the village and the riverbank, then out to the covered bridge.
- Lunch: eat on Riverside Avenue or at the mill overlooking the falls.
- Afternoon: swim or paddle at Lac Philippe in summer, or ski or snowshoe in winter.
- Evening: catch a show at the Black Sheep, or drive back through Chelsea for dinner.
Want someone else to drive? Guided tours of the Gatineau Hills and Gatineau Park leave from downtown Ottawa.
Wakefield restaurants
For a small village, Wakefield eats well. Riverside Avenue has cafés, a bakery and casual spots with river views, and the pub fare at the Black Sheep is a good pre-show dinner. For a special occasion, book a table at the mill's restaurant overlooking the falls. Many places keep shorter hours midweek and in the shoulder seasons, so check before you drive up.
Where to stay in Wakefield
Wakefield is close enough for a day trip, but a night at the mill or a riverside B&B makes it a proper getaway, especially in winter when it's dark by 4:30. Book early for fall colour weekends.
Is the Wakefield Mill hotel and spa worth it?
For an occasion, yes. You're paying for the setting: a restored stone mill on the falls, with a spa and a dining room overlooking the water. Choose a room facing the falls, and book spa treatments when you book the room, since weekends fill first. For a cheaper night, the village's B&Bs and cottages put you within walking distance of everything.
FAQ
How far is Wakefield from Ottawa?
About 35 km, or roughly 30 to 35 minutes by car from downtown Ottawa via Highway 5.
Does the Wakefield steam train still run?
No. The Hull–Chelsea–Wakefield steam train stopped after a track washout in 2011 and has not resumed.
Is Wakefield worth visiting in winter?
Yes. It's quieter, the cafés and the mill spa are cozy, and Gatineau Park's ski trails and the small Vorlage ski hill are close by.
Can you swim near Wakefield?
Yes. People swim in the Gatineau River in summer, and Lac Philippe in Gatineau Park, about 15 minutes away, has supervised sandy beaches.
When are the fall colours best in Wakefield?
Usually from late September to mid-October. The covered bridge and the drive up Highway 5 and Route 105 are the classic spots.
Where should I stay in Wakefield?
The Wakefield Mill hotel and spa for a special occasion, or one of the village's B&Bs and cottages for a cheaper, walkable stay.
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