Where does the tour meet and depart?

Primary boarding is at 35 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A2; some materials may list 327 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 2P1 as an alternate check‑in.

How long is the hike and the overall tour?

The Sugarbush Trail portion is about one hour; the full Taste and Trails Tour runs approximately four hours.

Is this tour suitable for children and older adults?

Yes—this is an easy, family-friendly outing with a relaxed pace and short distances, but bring sturdy shoes for uneven sections.

What is the cancellation policy?

There are no cancellations allowed within 72 hours of the tour start time.

What languages do guides speak?

Guides are fluent in English and French.

How large are tour groups?

Groups can include up to 60 participants; the format is social but paced for small-group cohesion.

Taste and Trails: Sugarbush Hike and La Terrasse Lunch in Gatineau Park

Set out from downtown Ottawa and spend a restorative half day on the Taste and Trails Tour, a four‑hour pairing of a gentle hike in Gatineau Park and a chef’s lunch at La Terrasse in historic Old Chelsea. The adventure begins at 35 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A2, with boarding and check‑in recommended 15 minutes before departure; once you cross the river the landscape shifts to the rolling ridges and exposed Canadian Shield of Gatineau Park. The walk itself follows the Sugarbush Trail, a well‑graded, tree‑lined route that winds through a sugarbush stand of mature maple and birch. In spring you can feel the sap‑fresh air and in autumn the corridor becomes a corridor of red and gold; beneathfoot are patches of moss and glacially scoured granite that hint at the region’s Precambrian bedrock. The hour‑long hike is unhurried, designed for all ages and abilities, with opportunities to pause at small viewpoints where the forest opens onto shallow ledges and distant valley slopes. After the trail, the group gathers at La Terrasse in Old Chelsea for a seasonal lunch—local charcuterie, fresh salads, and regional desserts are typical highlights—paired with a relaxed, communal vibe that makes this more than a transport-and-eat outing. Guides fluent in English and French provide context about Gatineau Park’s ecology and the local food producers whose menus appear at La Terrasse. The tour accommodates up to 60 guests, making it social but not overwhelming. Why book this? Taste and Trails compresses two of the region’s strongest draws—accessible trails through classic maple woods and approachable, farm-forward cuisine—into a single morning or afternoon. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience Gatineau Park without navigating logistics, or for locals looking for a taste-forward way to introduce visitors to the Ottawa‑Gatineau outdoors. Practical notes: the tour runs about four hours total; wear sturdy shoes for mixed rock and soil surfaces; bring a light waterproof jacket. Cancellation policy: no cancellations within 72 hours of start. Meeting arrangements may list 327 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 2P1 as an alternate check‑in. Owner/operator details are not provided. This half‑day trip makes a compact, satisfying escape—equal parts low‑effort forest walk and convivial Quebecois lunch—perfect for foodies, families, and time‑pressed explorers. Expect bilingual commentary throughout the outing—guides speak both English and French—and a relaxed pace that suits families and older adults. The route crosses short sections of rooty singletrack and compacted gravel, with occasional gentle climbs that reward you with open views; bring water, sunscreen, and a small daypack. If you have dietary restrictions notify the operator when you book through the referral link, and remember that gratuities for guides and restaurant staff are appreciated but not required. Bring insect repellent.