Local wonders: Naturally spectacular Pontiac awaits discovery

If you're looking to take a trip where you can truly enjoy nature, visit Pontiac, a vast region of lakes, rivers, undulating farmland and forests in the Outaouias (Ooo-tah-way) region of West Quebec. This natural gem is only an hour's drive northwest of Ottawa, along picturesque Route 148 West.

Here, ecotourism – travel which conserves the environment while supporting local communities – is the real deal.

Here are the top seven reasons to visit Pontiac.

1. Wildlife watching
Summer birders might be lucky enough to spot bald eagles, meadowlarks, catbirds and common loons. Wood ducks, great blue herons and nuthatches are also very common. Looking for mammals? Pontiac boasts moose, deer, otters and more (http://www.ofnc.ca).

2. Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park's 363 square kilometres embrace forests, lakes, campgrounds – and more than 180 km of trails.

In Pontiac, the park's Luskville Falls offers a shady picnic ground, plus a hike up the Eardley Escarpment's 300 metre cliffs. The trail flirts with the falls: sometimes you catch your breath by their cascade, other times you'll sit on outcrops of Canadian Shield, overlooking the Ottawa River and pastoral farmland below. Climbing further connects you to an old forestry tower, then Ridge Road. It leads into the heart of the Park to destinations such as Lusk Caves.

3. Wild rapids and serene flatwater
Villages "up the Ottawa" such as Portage-du-Fort remind us that early explorers portaged around boiling rapids.

Today's thrillseekers embrace whitewater, choosing to shoot rapids in kayaks or rafts. Enter Esprit Rafting, a white- and flat-water outfitter which provides hostel and camping lodgings – and promises exhilarating trips where you'll ride the Ottawa in 14-foot, 7-person rafts.

4. Art happenings (http://artpontiac.com)
Nurturing  culture is central to the concept of sustainable ecotourism and during mid-June's Pontiac Artists' Studio Tour, visit artists in their home studios. In July, take classes at Pontiac School of the Arts (http://www.pontiacschoolofthearts.com) where writers, photographers, and artists teach poetry, watercolour, oil techniques and much more.

Also in July, gardeners and art enthusiasts can take the July 12 Gardens and Gifts Tour, where private homeowners open their gardens for viewing. Meet regional authors, artists, and producers who will be selling their creations at the gardens.

Can't make the events? Studio L'Artizan (http://studio-artizan.com), an artist's co-op in Shawville specializing in regional artisans work such as quilts, beeswax candles, and rustic furniture, it's open year-round.

Page 1 of 2 -- Horse or bike? Learn which travel methods are best to see Pontiac on page 2.