Destination Pontiac

Explore Pontiac’s many secrets

Welcome to the Pontiac! The naturally beautiful Pontiac…..just 45 minutes away from Aylmer.  Often referred to as a “Well Kept Secret”, the Pontiac has so much to offer to visitors. Take a day; take a couple; stay for a week or a month! Come and discover what secrets the Pontiac has in store for you!

Heading west along Hwy 148, you may feel the need to stop and refresh yourself. Why not stop at Patates des 4 As, in Breckenridge, for a great snack.  There’s always a line-up of cars in their parking lot, which is a true testament to the quality of their burgers, fries and poutine. 

Just before you reach the Pontiac, you pass by the first adventure activity along your route. Circuit Quyon Karting is located on chemin Proven, just before the village of Quyon. It has state-of-the-art Go Karts for rent and a unique track for all skill levels. 

At the intersection of Hwy 148 and chemin de Wyman, in Bristol, you officially enter MRC Pontiac; you’ll notice an old log cabin with a large tourist information panel nearby, filled with brochures and maps, to help guide you to many of the attractions and services that await you further up the highway.  

This small park area is also the start of the Jewel of the Pontiac:  the Cycloparc PPJ. Those with a passion for cycling or hiking can park their car here and ride up chemin Wyman for about a kilometer to access the 92 km trail;  you pass through many villages, including Shawville, Campbell’s Bay, Fort Coulonge and Waltham as well as beautiful farmlands, wetlands and alongside the mighty Ottawa River. 

Need supplies?  The village of Shawville is the main shopping centre for the area. If you’ve forgotten any health essentials be sure to stop at Marc Aufranc’s Familiprix, right on Hwy 148.

Looking for delicious meat for your BBQ?  Look no further than Rolling Acres farm, located on the Heath Rd, just south of Shawville; they have an on-site farm store selling chicken and many cuts of beef, with their hamburger available at the Giant Tiger on Hwy 148. 

Do you love camping? Leslie Lake Park, north of Campbell’s Bay, just off  Hwy 301, is one of the best campgrounds in the area. There are over 200 sites located in a forest setting, as well as two pine log cabins for rent.  A sandy beach and shallow waters make it an ideal swimming spot for children.  

More cabins are available for rent at Cabines de la Chute, located alongside the Coulonge River, just outside Fort-Coulonge, half a kilometre above the magnificent Chutes Coulonge Park.   Visitors can enjoy historic trails, ride a raft down the river, or just watch a glorious sunset.  

Next day, be sure to visit the Chutes Coulonge Park – your destination for adventure.  You can walk the trails and enjoy the view over the Coulonge River Falls, or you can test your mettle with the zipline over the river, or by climbing the Via Ferrata on the canyon wall.  

There are more historic sites to visit in the area, including the George Bryson Heritage House, located on Hwy 148, in the Municipality of Mansfield-et-Pontefract.  A tea room awaits to refresh you after your many adventures.   And, don’t forget to come back in October for the annual Oktoberfest Ladysmith celebrations, where all things German are on tap. 

If, during your trip, you’ve fallen in love with the Pontiac, you can always contact one of the local real estate agents, such as those from the Remax Direct, to help you find your perfect escape into the many secrets of the Pontiac.