Major city · Canada
Wakefield
Base yourself in the village for one night, two if you want a full Gatineau Park day: from Ottawa it is a 35–40 min drive, so a day trip also works.
Wakefield is a small English-speaking village in La Pêche on the Gatineau River, in the Gatineau Hills about 35–40 min north of Ottawa by car. It is a base for Gatineau Park trails, river swimming and paddling, a covered bridge, a live-music inn and a handful of good kitchens. One night covers the village; two nights let you add a park hike or a ski day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Oct for river and trails; late Sep–early Oct for fall colour; Jan–Mar for skiing
- avoid Nov and early Apr (mud season, trails and lifts closed)
- Airports
- YOW · YUL
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Wakefield911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Sûreté du Québec (non-emergency)310-4141
- Info-Santé health line (24 h, French/English)811
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Wakefield, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a village of this size; the real risks are winter driving on Highway 105, cold fast river water and unlit back roads after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 310-4141 Sûreté du Québec (non-emergency) · 811 Info-Santé health line (24 h, French/English)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYOW Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International (About 1 h by car to Wakefield; no direct bus, so rent a car or take a taxi/rideshare.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: the village is compact and walkable, but Gatineau Park trailheads…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and pastry at the bakeryC$5–9 (≈ US$4–7)
- Sit-down mealBistro main courseC$20–32 (≈ US$15–25)
- Budget bedB&B room, a night, per roomC$120 (≈ US$90)
- Mid-range bedB&B room, a night, per roomC$160 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedB&B room, a night, per roomC$210 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YOW Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International (About 1 h by car to Wakefield; no direct bus, so rent a car or take a taxi/rideshare.) · YUL Montréal-Trudeau (About 2 h 45 min by car; train or bus to Ottawa first, then drive north.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Feb
Best
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Mar
Best
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Apr
Avoid*
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best*
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Best*
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Dec
not flagged
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct. Avoid: Apr, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C) low), wettest Dec (14 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Wakefield: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
12 rd
Feb
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
10 rd
Mar
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
10 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
11 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
12 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
12 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Nov
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
13 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: the village is compact and walkable, but Gatineau Park trailheads, ski hills and the bungee site are spread along Highway 105 and Route 5. Autobus Gatineau runs a limited coach from Ottawa and Gatineau; bicycles can be rented in the village in summer. In winter, snow tires are required on Quebec roads.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Gatineau Park
goDoor to door: 20–40 min
Drive Route 5 or Highway 105 to a trailhead; park shuttles run in fall
Hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails; go early on fall weekends.
Chelsea
goDoor to door: 15 min
Drive south on Highway 5, about 15 min
Village cafés and the south gateway to Gatineau Park.
Gatineau
goDoor to door: 30–35 min
Highway 5 south to the city, about 30 min
Canadian Museum of History and the casino; pair with an Ottawa crossing.
Montebello
cautionDoor to door: 1 h 15 min
Highway 105 north, about 1 h 15 min
Worth it only if you are already heading north or staying overnight.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Village centre (chemin Riverside)
Walk to the bridge, bakery, shops and most restaurants; inns and B&Bs sit on the side streets a few minutes up the hill.
Mill Road / La Pêche River
Quieter, next to the old mill and waterfall; a 5–10 min walk to the main street.
Highway 105 corridor
Motels and larger inns with parking; you need a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B room1 × 1 night × C$160 | C$160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Car rental, one day1 × C$70 · check | C$70 |
| Gatineau Park day pass, one vehicle1 × C$15 · check | C$15 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$62 |
| Trip total≈ C$339 per person per day, bed included | C$677≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and pastry at the bakery | C$5–9 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Bistro main course | C$20–32 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Table d'hôte dinnercheck | C$32–45 (≈ US$25–35) |
| Live-music cover at the Black Sheep Inncheck | C$7–20 (≈ US$6–15) |
| Ski lift day ticketcheck | C$41 (≈ US$30)+ |
| Bicycle rental, half daycheck | C$30–50 (≈ US$25–40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Village restaurants and shops keep short hours and close some weekdays: check before you drive out for dinner.
- Gatineau Park parking lots fill on fall weekends; arrive before 10:00 or use the shuttle.Gatineau Park parking lots fill on fall weekends; arrive before 10:00 AM or use the shuttle.
- The Gatineau River is cold and has current: swim near the covered bridge only where locals do.
- Cell coverage is patchy on the back roads north of the village.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Sûreté du Québec (non-emergency)
- 310-4141
- Info-Santé health line (24 h, French/English)
- 811
Pocket card
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WakefieldWakefield
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Sûreté du Québec (non-emergency)310-4141
- Info-Santé (24 h)811
Embassy
No embassies in Wakefield; the US embassy and most others are in Ottawa, about 40 min south.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ottawa → Wakefield, car: about 35–40 min via Highway 5, exit 28 (check)
- Autobus Gatineau, Ottawa → Wakefield: limited daily coach, about 1 h (check)
- Taxi or rideshare, Ottawa airport → Wakefield: C$90–130 (≈ US$70–95) (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît — The bill, please (la-dee-SYON seel voo PLEH)
- Où est le sentier ? — Where is the trail? (oo eh luh sen-TYAY)
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-YAY par KART)
Village is mainly English-speaking, but Quebec signage and services are in French.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Wakefield. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Oct for river and trails; late Sep–early Oct for fall colour; Jan–Mar for skiing · avoid Nov and early Apr (mud season, trails and lifts closed) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YOW: car rental desks, taxi and rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: village centre, covered bridge and river, Mill Road, Highway 105 strip.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Black Sheep Inn, Fairbairn House, covered bridge, Pearson gravesite) and eat pages with last orders.
- Fall-colour and winter-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialTourisme Outaouais
- officialMunicipality of La Pêche
- officialGatineau Park (NCC)
- officialAutobus Gatineau
- secondaryWikivoyage: Wakefield (Quebec), revision 5294516 (CC BY-SA 4.0)