Our perfect summer day in La Petite-Nation, from market to beach
Ripon's Saturday market, a Chénéville picnic, a lifeguarded beach on Lac Simon, mini-golf, the lookout at golden hour and soft serve to finish the day.
Seasons
Summer in La Petite-Nation
An easy 86 km three-wheeler loop through La Petite-Nation
Routes 323, 315, 321 and 148, nothing else. An 86 km loop for Spyders and trikes, with stops right on the route, gelato, lunch on a terrace and the 75th meridian.
Our road-bike day in La Petite-Nation, 82 km from Thurso to Saint-André-Avellin
Route 148 along the Ottawa River to Montebello, a detour up Route 321 for lunch in Saint-André-Avellin, and ice cream back in Thurso. 82 km, or 52 if your legs say no.
The best motorcycle loop in La Petite-Nation, 155 km from Montebello to Duhamel
Route 321 up to Duhamel, then the 315, the 317 and the 148 back. A loop of about 155 km with four places to fill up, maple-smoked barbecue and ice cream to finish.
The best day trip to La Petite-Nation from Ottawa
An hour of highway, a 35-metre waterfall, folk art, a sundial on the 75th meridian and Papineau's manor. Our hour-by-hour plan for a day out from Ottawa.
20 things to do with kids in La Petite-Nation
Bison outside the car window, a pirate ship, splash pads, trout in Lac Vert and sled dogs. Twenty ideas to keep the kids busy in La Petite-Nation, summer and winter.
The five golf courses of La Petite-Nation
A 1929 Stanley Thompson cut through old forest, an 18-hole course built without blasting a single rock, a 9-hole club running since 1963. The five golf courses of La Petite-Nation.
Farmers' markets in La Petite-Nation, from summer to Christmas
Saturday morning in Ripon, the little market huts in Bowman, Fridays in La Salette, then the fall and Christmas markets. Where to do your market run in La Petite-Nation.
The La Petite-Nation campground guide
Over 370 sites behind a 2 km beach, 22 no-hookup sites in the woods, yurts on the Ottawa River. Every campground in La Petite-Nation, sorted by the kind of trip you want.
Farms, farm stands and pick-your-own in La Petite-Nation
Blueberries by the bucket, saffron grown in Saint-André-Avellin, a self-serve stand on the back road, Swiss goat cheese in Papineauville. Where to buy straight from the farm.
Where to canoe and kayak in La Petite-Nation
Plaisance's marshes between the water lilies, an ochre-painted rock on Lac Simon, the Lièvre between two dams. Where to paddle in La Petite-Nation, and where to rent a boat.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in La Petite-Nation's villages
A potluck in Boileau, a country night in Bowman, a Guy Lafleur tribute in Thurso. Thirteen village parties for Québec's Fête nationale, each one its own thing. Here's where to go.
La Petite-Nation's summer festival calendar
An eleven-day rodeo, 120 wool and fibre vendors, an 11.5 km swim across Lac Simon and free outdoor shows nearly every night. Summer in La Petite-Nation, week by week.
Boat launches and marinas in La Petite-Nation, ramp by ramp
Lac Simon for $10 with a mandatory wash, the Ottawa River for free in Papineauville, the Lièvre from Val-des-Bois. Where to back in, what it costs and what to know first.
Where to swim in La Petite-Nation
Two kilometres of sand on Lac Simon, a village beach with lifeguards, gently sloping lake beaches for little ones. Our map of where to swim in La Petite-Nation.
Events
Culture
Manoir-Papineau National Historic Site season
MontebelloOn now until October 12, 2026Louis-Joseph Papineau's manor is open mid-May to Thanksgiving: Wednesday to Sunday in summer, weekends in the fall. A new outdoor…
Culture
Exhibitions at Centre d'exposition Napoléon-Bourassa
MontebelloOn now until November 15, 2026The MRC's art centre runs four exhibitions a year in visual arts and fine crafts, always free. Until November 15, 2026: Mishtamishk 2…
Market
Place du Marché Saturday Market
RiponSaturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Victoria Day weekend to ThanksgivingRipon's co-op farmers' market: seasonal vegetables, lots of organic, crafts, and brunch at the café-bistro. It's where the village runs…
Music series
Market Fridays
RiponFridays, show at 6:30 p.m.Supper at the market bistro and a concert on Friday night, with styles that change week to week. Saturday shows get added now and then.
Music series
Shows at Le Bankeur
MontebelloSeveral Saturdays a monthMontebello's microbrewery doubles as a music room: tributes, rock, duos. You drink beers named after the old Petite-Nation seigneury while…
Music series
Friday singer nights at Café Bistro Léo
ThursoEvery Friday at 6 p.m.A singer-guitarist every Friday night at Café Bistro Léo in Thurso. An easy way to end the week.
Market
Bowman Farmers' Market
BowmanSaturdays 9 a.m. to noon, June to late AugustLittle market huts in Parc du Centenaire, local growers, a booth of Outaouais products and a covered games corner for kids. Each Saturday…
Music series
Summer evenings in Saint-André-Avellin parks
Saint-André-AvellinJune to September: drum circles, 7 p.m. concerts, 9 p.m. moviesThree summer formats: drum-circle nights at Parc des Générations (bring your own drum), a few 7 p.m. concerts, and outdoor movies at the…
Music series
Place du Citoyen music nights
ThursoA few evenings a month, June to AugustOutdoor music nights at Place du Citoyen, listed on Thurso's town calendar.
Music series
Music Wednesdays
PapineauvilleWednesdays at 7 p.m., July through AugustFree shows in Parc Henri-Bourassa, a different style every week: blues, disco, folk, singer-songwriters. The 2026 season, the ninth…
Music series
Music Sundays
MontebelloSundays at 1 p.m., mid-July to late AugustFree outdoor shows in front of the church, right in the village. 2026 had French chanson, operetta, a trad jam and call-and-response…
Music series
Relax Thursdays
ChénévilleThursday evenings, late July and early AugustFree music nights on the church grounds with a bar on site: country, Latin and percussion, duos. Rain moves it to the Danny-Legault room…
Holiday
Saint-Jean in Thurso
ThursoJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedThe Optimist Club's Saint-Jean party on June 23. In 2026 the province-wide theme honoured Guy Lafleur, a Thurso native.
Holiday
Saint-Jean potluck in Boileau
BoileauJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedA bring-a-dish potluck at the park: pétanque, the ball field, games, and musicians are welcome to bring an instrument.
Holiday
Saint-Jean in Bowman
BowmanJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedBowman marks the Fête nationale with a village party; 2026 included a country night.
Holiday
Saint-Jean in Chénéville
ChénévilleJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedChénéville's Saint-Jean party in the village. The lineup is posted each year on the Facebook event.
Holiday
Saint-Jean in Duhamel
DuhamelJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedDuhamel celebrates Saint-Jean in the village. Details posted each year on the Facebook event.
Holiday
Saint-Jean at Lac-des-Plages
Lac-des-PlagesJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedLac-des-Plages' take on the Fête nationale, in the village. Lineup on the Facebook event.
Holiday
Saint-Jean in Lac-Simon
Lac-SimonJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedLac-Simon marks the Fête nationale. Details on the municipality's Facebook event.
Holiday
Saint-Jean in Montebello
MontebelloJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedMontebello's Saint-Jean party in the village, run with the recreation committee.
Holiday
Saint-Jean in Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix and Namur
Notre-Dame-de-la-PaixJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedA shared party for Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix and Namur. Lineup on the Facebook event.
Holiday
Saint-Jean in Papineauville
PapineauvilleJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedPapineauville marks Saint-Jean in the village. Details on the Facebook event.
Holiday
Saint-Jean in Plaisance
PlaisanceJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedSaint-Jean in Plaisance. The town posts the lineup on its Facebook page.
Holiday
Saint-Jean in Ripon
RiponJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedRipon celebrates Saint-Jean. The lineup goes up on the municipality's Facebook page.
Holiday
Saint-Jean in Saint-André-Avellin
Saint-André-AvellinJune 23 or 24 · 2027 dates to be announcedThe MRC's biggest town celebrates Saint-Jean. Details on the Facebook event.
Festival
Saint-André-Avellin Western Festival
Saint-André-AvellinEleven days, mid to late July · 2027 dates to be announcedPetite-Nation's big summer blowout: IPRA pro rodeos that count toward the Coupe Canada in Saint-Tite, shows under the big Desjardins tent…
Festival
Namur Lumberjack Festival
NamurLate July or August · 2027 dates to be announcedCompetitions, demos and family activities built around logging, in a village that long lived off timber. In 2025 the stilt-walkers from…
Festival
Namur Festivities
NamurRoughly every three years in summer (2013, 2016, 2019, 2025) · 2027 dates to be announcedThe party that brings together Namur, Quebec, Namur, Belgium, and Namur, Wisconsin. Walloon stilt-walkers and folk characters land in the…
Outdoors
Knights of Columbus Fishing Days
ThursoLate March on the ice, then early August on the river · 2027 dates to be announcedThurso's Knights of Columbus run two fishing days a year, one on the ice and one on the river in summer.
Festival
Twist Fibre Festival
Saint-André-AvellinSecond weekend of August · 2027 dates to be announcedMore than 120 wool and fibre vendors at Complexe Whissell, workshops on spinning, knitting and dyeing, and sheepdog demos. Organizers bill…
Sports
Lac Simon Crossing
DuhamelEarly August, a Saturday · 2027 dates to be announcedAn 11.5 km open-water swim from the Sépaq beach in Duhamel to the Lac-Simon beach, plus 500 m, 2 km and 4 km races and a family relay. It…
Festival
Petite Nation en fête
ThursoFour nights in mid-August · 2027 dates to be announcedA big outdoor stage at the soccer field, food trucks and bouncy castles. 2026 had Roxane Bruneau, Souldia, France D'Amour, JF Pauzé and…
Culture
Our Lady of Knock Pilgrimage
MayoThe Sunday closest to August 15 · 2027 dates to be announcedSince 1955, Mayo's shrine, a replica of the one at Knock in Ireland, has drawn a pilgrimage every summer around the Feast of the…
Festival
Outaouais Health & Wellness Festival
RiponSecond-to-last weekend of August · 2027 dates to be announcedThree days of talks, workshops (yoga, qi gong, forest bathing) and booths at the Centre de vie in Ripon. 2026 was the fourth year, with…
Sports
Petite-monnaie Triathlon
RiponLate August, a Sunday · 2027 dates to be announcedA sprint triathlon: 800 m swim in Lac Viceroy, 20 km bike through Ripon's back roads, 5 km run. Solo or as a team. Proceeds go to the…
Festival
Val-des-Bois in Music
Val-des-BoisThree nights at the end of August · 2027 dates to be announcedThe town runs this festival itself, capped at 4,000 people, with free shuttles and campsites for festivalgoers. 2026 had Éric Lapointe…
Culture
Guy Lafleur exhibit
ThursoSummer 2026, until August 30 · 2027 dates to be announcedA free exhibit at town hall tracing Guy Lafleur from Thurso's rink to the Canadiens. Pair it with the bronze statue out front.
Culture
In Situ Art Symposium
MontebelloEvery two years; 2027 edition in Montebello, dates to come · 2027 dates to be announcedSeven to nine professional artists build permanent outdoor works in public, in a different village of the MRC each time. Past editions…
Things to do
IllustrationCafé
La Crémerie 321
Saint-André-AvellinIce cream shop opened in 2021 in a fully renovated house: soft serve, hard scoop, slush, and a small lunch menu. Seasonal, from late March into the…
IllustrationFarm
Ferme aux pleines saveurs
Saint-André-AvellinCertified organic fruit and vegetables (Québec Vrai), sold as weekly baskets you order online.
IllustrationFarm
Ferme La Récolte
Saint-André-AvellinFamily market garden growing vegetables and herbs picked as much for flavour as for colour.
IllustrationFarm
Ferme Vianney et Marguerite Turcot
Saint-André-AvellinPotatoes, cabbage and sweet corn, grown by the same family for generations.
IllustrationFarm
Écoferme Paprika
Saint-André-AvellinA small farm growing garlic using permaculture. Their garlic tastes strong, which is the point.
IllustrationShop
Paysages Rossignol – Centre Jardin
Saint-André-AvellinGarden centre and landscaper with flowers, trees, garden décor and staff who know their plants.
IllustrationCampground
Camping Saint-André-Avellin
Saint-André-AvellinCampground right in the village on the Petite Nation River, with a pool, splash pad, mini golf and canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals, no booking…
IllustrationCampground
Camping au Petit Lac-Simon
Saint-André-AvellinBig family campground with 291 sites, a beach, pool, water slide and splash pad.
IllustrationCampground
Domaine du Grand Calme
Saint-André-AvellinLow-impact forest camping on the Petite Nation River, with five sites, a prospector tent and two rustic cabins.
IllustrationLodging
Aquaventure Petite-Nation
Saint-André-AvellinRiverside outdoor base offering canoe, kayak and paddleboard lessons, with lodging on site.
IllustrationIllustrationFarm
Ferme aux Colibris
RiponOrganic baskets and a farm stand on the 317, with seasonal fruit and vegetables.
IllustrationIllustrationFarm
Ferme Oréflore
RiponPick-your-own highbush blueberries, with a crêpe stand on site. Check their Facebook before heading out to see if picking is on.
IllustrationWinery
Domaine Mont-Vézeau
RiponA 75-acre vineyard at the foot of Mont Vézeau, with more than 14,500 cold-hardy vines and pick-your-own strawberries and raspberries in summer.
IllustrationMarket
Coopérative Place du Marché
RiponRipon's farmers' market, Saturday mornings from May to October, with produce, local foods, crafts and brunch. Plus Friday 5-to-7s and game nights.