17 December, 2024

Trail Profile: Sentiers Wakefield Trails

Two children stroll across the covered bridge on Wakefield Trail, surrounded by nature and sunlight. Deux enfants se promènent sur le pont couvert du tronçon de Wakefield, entourés par la nature et baignant dans la lumière du soleil.

Nestled at the edge of Gatineau Park, the Town of Wakefield boasts a 4-kilometre-long section of the Trans Canada Trail that takes you along the shores of the Gatineau River, right through town and onwards. With great options for hiking and walking year-round, this Trail section offers something for everyone, from families to dog walkers to outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s easily accessible as part of a day trip from the Ottawa region. 

What we love about this Trail section

A serene view of Wakefield Trail, featuring a winding path through the woods, surrounded by rocks and tall trees. Une vue sereine du tronçon de Wakefield, avec un sentier sinueux à travers les bois, bordé de rochers et de grands arbres.

• It’s the site of the oldest wooden bridge in the Gatineau Valley

• It’s operational year-round

• It runs right through the village, ideal for grabbing a picnic lunch or stopping to enjoy a warm drink or snack

• It’s the gateway to hundreds of kilometres of incredible trails in Gatineau Park 

A restored, century-old covered bridge

Originally built in 1915, the famed Wakefield covered bridge provides a pop of bright red to its surroundings. The bridge was destroyed by fire in 1984 and rebuilt in 1998 after a solid community effort raised funds to restore and rebuild it. A definite must-see for the area, you can find it right on the Trans Canada Trail.

Activities abound, year-round

A signpost indicating a scenic trail along a river, inviting visitors to enjoy a storybook walk in nature. Un poteau indicateur signalant un sentier pittoresque longeant une rivière, invitant les visiteurs à une promenade bucolique en pleine nature.

In addition to walking, hiking and cycling, trail enthusiasts can try geocaching and orienteering along the Trail. The Trail is suitable for walking, even in the winter months, and interpretive panels can be found along the Trail that share information about the region’s history and Indigenous culture. Adventure enthusiasts may want to continue along the Trans Canada Trail through Gatineau Park, or stop at the Centre Vorlage, which offers a ski hill, mountain and fat tire biking trails, alpine hiking and more.

Also of interest along the Trail: start out at the Fairburn Heritage House and follow a walking tour of historic Wakefield, which takes you through the town’s history and heritage.

Cafés, restaurants and shops: yum!

A woman perched on a rock with her two dogs, enjoying a serene moment in a natural setting, with greenery in the background. Une femme assise sur un rocher avec ses deux chiens, savourant un moment paisible dans un cadre naturel, avec de la verdure en arrière-plan.

After your Trans Canada Trail outing, head into Wakefield to explore its charming cafés, restaurants and shops. Stop to warm up with a hot chocolate or coffee on a cold day, or pick up a picnic lunch from a local café and stop at one of the benches you can find along the Trail and enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful river views.

Thank you to Sentiers Wakefield Trails

A wooden bridge with a Trans Canada Trail sign, surrounded by walking and biking trails, inviting outdoor exploration and adventure. Un pont en bois orné d’un panneau du Sentier Transcanadien, entouré de sentiers pédestres et cyclables, invitant à l'exploration et à l'aventure en plein air.

We’d be remiss not to thank Sentiers Wakefield Trails for their dedication and passion for the Trail in Wakefield. The group has been going strong for over 20 years, and their love for trails and the outdoors is plain to see through the popularity of the Trail in town: over 100,000 users use it annually in the area!