Quebec Quebec’s West is the Best


(Wakefield's Kevin Kyer with a trophy Northern pike)

While most angling attention around our Nation’s Capital focuses on the mighty Ottawa River; there are some fantastic angling opportunities available just north in la belle province.  No matter what species you prefer to target, you can access a multitude of small lakes and rivers home to: trout, bass, pike, walleye and musky among several other options. Within an hour of leaving the downtown core, you will be battling landlocked salmon, lake trout and the giant sturgeon.
 
Camping is a popular way to spend quality time on many of Gatineau park’s lakes (check the NCC website regulations and restrictions).  The Gatineau River, which flows into the Ottawa River offers quality fishing close by.  As you venture north, the Outaouais region lakes are everywhere and so are the fish.  Angling pressure is minimal and standard presentations such as Texas rigged worms, crank baits and top water baits work great for bass and pike. For those looking for a serious fishing trip, the Outaouais has 86 outfitters to satisfy every angler’s dream!
 
For those traveling with family, the region has an annual fishing festival where children can catch stocked rainbow and speckled trout and maybe even win a prize while doing so. For those looking for a great way to spend the day with a spouse or partner, both Chelsea and Wakefield offer fine dining and quality spa services ( …so you may have to pay –to-play, but there is great fishing to be had while your significant other gets pampered !).  For the thrill seekers- try bungy jumping or zip-lining after a morning on the water and for dinner enjoy some of the regions fantastic restaurants and pubs. From casual dining to a full course meal. For those who enjoyed smoked fish , make sure to visit Le Boucanerie Chelsea Smokehouse  ( http://www.boucaneriechelseasmokehouse.com) on Highway 105- delicious smoked fish, you can even drop off your catch! ( …try the salmon jerky!)


The scenery is spectacular and so is the fishing! For more information check out: http://www.tourismeoutaouais.com/en-ca/default.aspx http://www.pourvoiriesoutaouais.com/english/pourvoirie_outaouais_region_outaouais.html 

Dining
For the best Fish ’N’ Chips and seafood dishes Le Resto in Chelsea- http://www.boucaneriechelseasmokehouse.com/leresto/index.html 
Pizza Chelsea - 501, Route 105, Chelsea, QC J9B 1L2 (819) 827-6666 http://www.wakefieldmill.com/en/home.aspx http://cheezyluigis.com/ http://www.oreeduboisrestaurant.com/
http://fougeres.ca/
http://www.chezeric.ca/english/menu.htm
 
For desert check out : http://lacigaleicecream.com/  

Spa’s
 http://www.lenordik.com/
http://www.wakefieldmill.com/en/home.aspx