With the COVID-19 pandemic, travel hasn’t really been an option. Though there are bigger concerns right now, this was actually something REALLY disappointing to me. So when our province in Canada lifted the confinement restrictions and allowed for CAREFUL but ACCEPTABLE outdoor venturing, my partner (Gray) and I decided to take this opportunity to get out and explore! As much as it’d be great to visit a different country, there are still so many local and close places that are just as epic to explore!
Wakefield, Quebec is a cute little village full of character and adorable shops, surrounded by a lushes forest and a beautiful waterfront view of the Gatineau River. It’s a really popular tourist attraction around here! So for ANYONE who doesn’t speak French and is nervous no one will understand them … you can relax. Gray knows a little French and I know pretty much nothing (learning though), and we have had no issues during our visits to Wakefield.
The best thing about Wakefield? There’s ALWAYS something to do! During the warmer months (and even into fall), there’s a canoe and kayak rental store RIGHT near the docks so you can get a close encounter with the river and the forest scenery. They have the CUTEST Christmas Market during the winter, full of cute shops and yummy treats! But you really don’t NEED to have a specific reason or event as a reason to go. Gray and I went with no real plan in mind, and we had an amazing time! The colours alone were gorgeous, with that early fall glow yet still the vibrant greens from summer. At first, we simply walked around and enjoyed the serene vibes. But we found the CUTEST STORE EVER called Boutique Jamboree! The immense candle and mug selection was my favourite — they also have a lot of Canadian made products, which I appreciated even more.
Food was next on our list, and I CANNOT BEGIN TO RECOMMEND THIS PLACE ENOUGH! Nikosi Bistro & Pub’s seriously TO DIE FOR! The woodsy décor on the terrace and inside’s so cozy; we were lucky enough to have a table outside that faced the Gatineau River. I’m not a big drinker, so I have little knowledge of alcohol. But when I told the waitress the taste I was looking for, she brought out a glass of wine and it was EXACTLY what I was asking for — SORCERY! Gray can safely say that the beer was fantastic. And the food … oh my gosh, the food. I have SO MANY intolerances and I don’t eat most meat, yet I was still able to find food that tasted FANTASTIC! Gray and I both had burgers (mine vegetarian and his a maple bacon meat burger) … we literally made those “mmmmmm” sounds out loud without meaning to! In combination with the impeccable service and COVID friendly atmosphere, it was such a great time. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
After dinner, we obviously needed dessert. We found this cute bakery close by, Pipolinka. Again … there were so many options! They have classic, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, so Gray and I were able to get our own desserts at ease.
To end the day, we continued walking along the river and found some cute docks. OBVIOUSLY, we had to take some photos … we’ve been trying to get better at that. Looking out across the river, looking at the beautiful water and the colourful autumn leaves … it was simply the perfect way to end our adventure.
Discussion Time!
Thank you all so much for taking the time to read my adventures in Wakefield, Quebec! Have you ever been to Wakefield? Do you enjoy visiting small towns? What are some things you like to do when exploring a new place?
Bookmark Your Thoughts 
Such cute photos!! I have only been to Montreal. I would love to explore more of Quebec. Looks so pretty!
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I’ve explored a lot of the places close to the border of Ontario and it’s gorgeous!!!!!!
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Sounds like you had a great trip! It’s great that you were able to travel and have a blast 😊
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Thank you! I think they’re in the red zone now with COVID so glad we went when it was safe to. It’s been fun finding ways to settle my travel bug without leaving too far 😂
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Aw you guys are SO cute! 😍 I’m glad to hear you had a great time! I feel like a lot of people are starting to explore closer to home. I went to Georgina, Ontario this summer – I didn’t even know it existed beforehand but it was a cute little town, great for getting away for the weekend! 😊
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Awe! Thank you!!! I haven’t even heard of that place either! It’s great because I can still get out and travel, but save and be ready for when international travel is safe again!
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You’re welcome! 😊
That’s such a positive way of looking at it! I agree 100%! I can’t wait until things ease up and we can travel safely!
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You’re not helping my wanderlust here. As soon as I saw that there was a kayak rental store I knew I had to add this place to my must-visit locations. Sadly, my county is back in local lockdown, so there’s not a lot for me to do beyond my local woodland walks, but this place looks so picturesque, calming, and a foodie paradise. So happy you guys had a great time.
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I think we’re heading in that direction soon too. So we’re trying to get out as much as we can before that happens. Hopefully this is just a great item to add to your list when things get back to normal!
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Those pictures look so good!! It sounds like the perfect town for a little getaway. I hope I can visit it one day, I love exploring small town by foot and eat desserts 🙂 I’m glad you had a great time!
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Thank you so much!! It was such an amazing time!!! Especially during the fall season!
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I love this post! What a great place! I love small towns. My in-laws live in a town of 194 people! One of my all-time goals is to visit New England to experience the fall foliage.
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Thank you!!! I would love to go to New England! There are so many places I want to go!!!
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I have not been to Quebec, but my fiance has been to Bagotville and Montreal. He said that he would like to go to the Ice festival in Quebec City someday.
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I would love to one day as well! I’ve heard it’s amazing!
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One good thing that has happened during this pandemic is how many that has explored the area in their vicinity. That is also the case for us, as we for the first time decided to go on a road trip in Sweden instead of heading to some new country. There really is a lot to see Wakefield really seems like a great option for a short trip? 🙂
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It’s a great option for a short trip! I loved going to Wakefield! The shops are super cute AND you get to help support local businesses (which is always a plus).
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