Day 4 - Monday July 3 - Gatineau/Wakefield, QC

Hiking in the Gatineau Hills

If only we had experienced the Gatineau Hills like this. But when the gods have a plan who are we mortals to stand in the way. 

There was some sick in the night. And general unrest among the crew. We had to use more water than expected cleaning and hydrating, and with our friends scheduled to leave today, leaving us locked inside a lovely but lonely cabin due to bugs, low on water, we began a search for a new stay in nearby Wakefield. 

And like a sign from the heavens, we found it, the Belle de Nuit Inn, a new but lovely BnB just minutes away on the lovely Gatineau river. 

Our first stop was a roadside eatery - a bus, with a deep fryer and a playground. Carlo's. The poutine was rich and the cheese sticks delish!

Next we found Wakefield. What a gem nestled along the winding Gatineau River. Our first stop was Wakefield bakery, who's treats we enjoyed on the shore of the river. The wide ribbon of water was full of paddle boarders, kayaks and the occasional rafting crew.

We walked along the riverside as we enjoyed the dry sunshine and scenery. Our room wasn't available until 4:00, so we made the most of the day. Eventually we found a depanuer (sp?) where we bought a pair of cold beer for the adults and a water and choc cookie for G. The walk back was daunting so I left the Fam on their hands while I went to fetch the car. G was soundly asleep when I returned not 10 mins later. 

The view from the depanuer.

Our oasis! The Belle De Nuit inn. Incredibly reasonable rates for an unforgettable experience.

We arrived at the Belle de Nuit Inn a little early and were uncertain if we could check in, but a welcoming and gracious pair of hosts, Lucie and Claude, quickly let us in and showed us our space. We were blown away.

The Inn is new, but lacked nothing in charm. The room was big. The amenities refined. The joy we felt was palpable.

Gord and Hannah liked the beds, and soon discovered a special treat just for him.

A tunnel. He went in here. 

Walked down the narrow but lit passage. 

And reemerged over here, thrilled with his accomplishment! As evidenced here. 

After a few hours to clean up and refuel we headed out for dinner. We could walk the whole way!

There are many family friendly, river side options in Wakefield, we went to the first one with room - le Hibou (the owl).

The outside looked fun and lively.

The inside delivered.

The view left nothing out.

Once we were fed we headed back to our lovely room for a restful night with no mosquitoes, black flies or horse flies.

The next day we were headed for old Quebec City and the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. What could have been a gigantic step up will be mitigated by our luxurious night in Wakefield. An unexpected but very pleasant gem. 

Getting closer and closer to the Ocean!