Outaouais cultivate agritourism roots, Pontiac at the lead

Tashi Farmilo

Pontiac is helping drive a growing agritourism movement across the Outaouais, connecting visitors to the land through immersive food, farm, and drink experiences that showcase the region’s rural richness and local pride.

Through initiatives like the Pontiac Land and Flavours Route, the cross-border Tap & Cork Route, and the region-wide Circuit Croquez l’Outaouais, Pontiac and its partners are offering visitors a diverse taste of the Outaouais agricultural landscape—from vineyard tastings and cider mills to yak farms and seasonal markets.

“We currently offer a Pontiac-specific agritourism route called the Pontiac Land and Flavours Route,” said Francis Beausoleil, Strategic Communications Advisor at MRC Pontiac. “It’s a great way to see all the Pontiac has to offer in agritourism, from beef, ostriches and yaks to cider, wine and beer and everything in between.”

The Pontiac Land and Flavours Route guides visitors through farms, vineyards, and local markets across the region, offering a chance to meet producers and sample a wide range of products—maple syrup, fresh vegetables, artisanal pastries, and more. One vibrant stop on the route is the Marché de Chapeau in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, a seasonal market where local farmers and artisans gather weekly to sell fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted products. It offers both residents and visitors a hyperlocal taste of western Pontiac’s farm economy and community spirit. The full route is available online at: destinationpontiac.ca/en/tourism/pontiacs-route-du-terroir/

Complementing this initiative is the Tap & Cork Route, a cross-border partnership between MRC Pontiac, SADC Pontiac, and Renfrew County. This trail includes more than 15 wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries on both sides of the Ottawa River. Featured Pontiac stops include Coronation Hall Cider Mill in Bristol, Domaine du Pontiac Village in Quyon, and Brauwerk Hoffman in Campbell’s Bay. For a full list of participating businesses, visit: www.tapandcork.ca

Expanding the culinary journey even further is the Circuit Croquez l’Outaouais, which highlights agrotourism and food destinations across the greater Outaouais region. The circuit brings together producers, processors, and restaurateurs who invite visitors to explore local flavours and craftsmanship. An interactive map of destinations is available at: www.croquezoutaouais.com/en/interactive-map/

These initiatives are supported by the recently adopted Plan de développement de la zone agricole (PDZA), a strategic framework for developing Pontiac’s agricultural potential. “There will be projects to further develop this part of agriculture in the Pontiac that will be developed over the coming months, based on the needs of the businesses,” Beausoleil said.

Looking ahead to World Agritourism Day 2025, MRC Pontiac plans to amplify its promotional efforts. “Given our farms are just getting started for the summer season this time of year, the MRC will promote our route and the importance of checking out and supporting local farms and businesses this coming growing season,” Beausoleil said.

Beyond tourism, these initiatives signal a wider shift toward economic resilience and localism. “The biggest trend that we hope remains a priority for our community is the desire to support local, Québec and Canada during the current economic trade war with the United States,” Beausoleil added. “We hope that, whenever possible, consumers try their hardest to support their local businesses, which in turn helps develop a thriving community.”