Amazing Activities to Enjoy in Oka National Park and Nearby Areas

If you’ve ever wandered through the cheese section of a grocery store, chances are you’ve encountered Oka cheese. While this cheese may have gained fame, it’s Oka National Park that’s attracting many travelers to the region. Whether your reason for visiting is to enjoy the beautiful nature or to indulge in cheese, you’ll quickly realize that Oka offers a wealth of experiences. It’s an ideal destination for a day trip from Montreal or a weekend escape from Ottawa. Explore the fantastic activities available in Oka National Park and discover why it serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area!

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Must-See Activities in Oka National Park

Oka National Park (known as Parc national d’Oka in French) was established to preserve the ecological and historical significance of this unique area within the St. Lawrence Lowlands. Since its establishment in 1990, the park has welcomed over 700,000 visitors each year!

The park boasts 7 kilometers of shoreline along Lake of Two Mountains (called Lac des Deux Montagnes in French) and covers an area of 23.7 km². As a widening of the Ottawa River (Rivière des Outaouais), it showcases a diverse range of flora and fauna, particularly featuring various maple species within its silver maple wetlands. This area is not only one of the most biodiverse in Québec, but it is also home to some of the richest soils in the province!

NOTE: In Quebec, provincial parks are referred to as national parks, which can create some confusion. The national parks across Canada are managed by Parks Canada, while “Parc national” in Quebec falls under the management of SEPAQ (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec) and meets its high conservation standards, recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

This rich ecological environment supports over 340 wildlife species, making it common to see bats, beavers, Great Blue Herons, and more. After nearly facing extinction at the start of the last century, the Wood Duck has significantly repopulated in Oka National Park in recent decades. For a comprehensive list of amphibians, birds, mammals, and other species at risk found in the park, visit the Oka National Park website.

However, Oka National Park’s significance extends beyond its natural environments. This land has historically been home to Indigenous communities including the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) for thousands of years. The area also saw European settlers like the Sulpician missionaries create a religious trail, erecting four oratories and three chapels, establishing a distinctive historical infrastructure in North America. These developments have significantly impacted Indigenous life and continue to do so today.

While the remnants of the past are still visible within the park, nature is gradually reclaiming the land, providing a tranquil retreat from urban life throughout the year. This guide focuses on summer activities based on my recent visit, though I’m eager to return for a winter experience. Let’s dive into the wonderful things to do in Oka National Park during the warmest months!

Lindz Walking Along the Boardwalk of La Grande Baie

Hike the Trails of Oka National Park

Oka National Park features five hiking trails that vary in length from 1.3 to 6 kilometers. Most trails are easy, while The Summit is deemed difficult due to its terrain and elevation changes. You can expect to complete these hikes within 1-2 hours, depending on your speed and how often you stop for photos. Personally, I like to budget an extra 30 to 60 minutes since I tend to take lots of pictures!

If you’re short on time and can only tackle one trail, I highly recommend Sentier La Grande Baie. This 4-kilometer loop trail is situated right across from the Grande Baie reception area in the eastern part of the park. It showcases the stunning wetlands typical of Southern Quebec as well as its silver maple forests. While you can complete the entire loop, there’s also the option to follow the trail directly to the shores of La Grande Baie. Don’t forget to climb the lookout tower for breathtaking views of the marsh, and stroll along the floating boardwalk that leads into this serene lagoon.

Other trails in the park include Sentier L’érablière (Maple Grove Trail) and La Sauvagine (The Waterfowl), both conveniently near Sentier La Grande Baie. These trails are excellent for families as they are accessible to those with reduced mobility and accommodate strollers with large wheels. Sentier L’érablière spans 1.3 kilometers and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, while La Sauvagine is 6 kilometers long and will take at least two hours.

The last two trails, Calvaire d’Oka (Calvary of Oka) and Le Sommet (The Summit), are located on the northern side of the park, across from the main entrance. Both of these trails are longer, measuring 4.4 and 6.7 kilometers respectively, and lead you to explore Calvaire Hill. This historic site features the three chapels built by the Sulpician missionaries between 1740 and 1742. You’ll also enjoy sweeping views of the area, including Lake of the Two Mountains. While Calvaire d’Oka is classified as easy, Le Sommet is the park’s most challenging trail.

Views of Oka National Park Beach

Relax at Oka Beach

During the summer months, Oka National Park is incredibly popular, and for good reason! Oka National Park beach draws both locals and visitors alike thanks to its expansive, shallow beaches. These vast sandy shores were formed during the glacial period, as the Ottawa River deposited a significant amount of sand into Lake of Two Mountains!

Much of the beach is supervised, particularly near the visitor center. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, beach umbrellas, and a packed picnic for a fun, sun-filled day! Swimming areas are marked off in the water, making them safe for younger kids. While swimming outside these areas is allowed, be mindful of boat traffic, especially on scorching summer days!

NOTE: Oka National Park features 7 kilometers of beach, including a clothing-optional section. If you find yourself facing the water with the building behind you, head to the left to eventually reach the nude beach. If that’s not your scene, I suggest sticking to the right side.

Lindz Paddling on Lake of the Two Mountains

Paddle on the Lake

Paddling is a must-do activity when visiting Oka National Park, whether you stick around the main beach area or venture on an exciting trip towards La Grande Baie. You can rent kayaks by the hour, half-day, or full day at the nautical equipment rental center conveniently located on the beach. They provide everything you need to explore Lake of Two Mountains and can offer recommendations if you’re unsure where to go. While reaching La Grande Baie can be a bit of a journey (especially if there are waves!), there’s plenty of joy to be had on the water, regardless of how long you paddle.

If you’re an experienced kayaker looking for a new challenge, stand-up paddleboards and paddleboats are also available for rent. If you’re visiting with someone, consider trying out a tandem kayak for a fun adventure together! You can check the rental equipment prices through their website.

Example of a Ready-to-Camp Site (Taken at Parc National d’Opémican)

Overnight Camping Options

Although many visitors enjoy Oka National Park as a day trip, you can enhance your experience by camping for a night or two. The park offers several camping options, including traditional tent camping, RV sites, and several glamping choices.

Three “ready-to-camp” options are available in Oka National Park. These accommodations come fully furnished with beds, heaters, and all necessary cooking equipment. Originally styled like large safari tents, they feature two rooms, including a spacious living area. The “étoile” or star-shaped ready-to-camp units (as shown above) are cubic with an internal kitchen and dining area.

The final option is compact chalets, which offer amenities similar to the previous options but feature indoor plumbing—yes, private indoor toilets and showers. No outhouses necessary! Plus, they include a fireplace or wood stove to keep you warm on chilly nights.

Check out the camping reservations page on Oka National Park’s website for availability during your stay.

Accommodations Near Oka National Park

If camping isn’t your thing, or if you’d prefer to avoid the hassle of packing gear and dealing with mosquitoes, consider the charming Auberge de l’Abbaye d’Oka for your stay!

Known in English as Oka Abbey, it was founded in 1881 by Trappist monks from the reformed branch of Roman Catholic Cistercians. Originally a monastery, this beautiful site is now a welcoming inn that includes a restaurant and a range of rooms suitable for private events and weddings. Even as someone who isn’t typically drawn to religious sites, I must admit that l’Abbaye d’Oka is stunning!

The accommodation offers a variety of room options to fit different budgets, from basic rooms with shared bathroom facilities to those with private ensuites. My room was a hybrid, featuring a sink and toilet, while the shared facilities were available for showering. Everything was spotless, and I appreciated the thoughtful touches like bathrobes—always a favored amenity! Each room has its own air conditioning unit, so you can stay cool on those sizzling summer days.

There are several common areas in the Oka Abbey, including spaces near the breakfast nook and a cozy lobby. However, my favorite spot is on the second floor, which features plush couches and a breathtaking view of the chapel! Since my room was also on this floor, I spent plenty of time admiring the beautiful architecture.

Another fantastic perk of staying at the Abbey is the complimentary buffet breakfast! This is available every morning from 8:00 to 11:00 am and features a wonderful array of choices, including fresh fruit, hardboiled eggs, cheese, yogurt, cereal, bread, jams, and delicious, freshly baked croissants. I particularly loved the croissants when paired with a vanilla latte from their espresso machine, which is accessible throughout your stay. And yes, you’ll definitely find Oka cheese in the breakfast spread!

In addition to the breakfast offerings, l’Abbaye d’Oka houses Le Sacre Bistro, the on-site restaurant led by Chef Ian St-Pierre. Here, you’ll experience seasonal local flavor at its finest. Enjoy your meal in their regal, medieval-inspired dining area or outdoors on their beautiful patio. While the menu changes throughout the year, the current selections (August 2024) are exceptional. If you’re in Quebec, you must try their poutine topped with curds and Oka cheese! I also recommend the escargot and their duck breast served with sweet potato puree and garden vegetables, all drizzled with a rich white wine and sage sauce.

Honestly, this is one of the coolest places I’ve had the pleasure of staying in. If you don’t mind being a short drive from the park, I wholeheartedly recommend booking a night or two at Auberge de l’Abbaye d’Oka, which you can do online here.

Activities Near Oka National Park

While Oka National Park offers numerous attractions, there are also fantastic activities available nearby! I had an amazing time exploring, so I highly recommend checking out these exciting things to do around Oka National Park.

Explore l’Abbaye d’Oka

L’Abbaye d’Oka isn’t just a place to stay; it’s also a hub for adventure! Guests at the Abbey, as well as visitors to Oka, can book guided tours of the grounds. You’ll discover the history of the monastery during the time of the Trappist Monks, their daily lives, their impact on agriculture, and much more. The knowledgeable guides will also share recent developments within the Abbey, including collaborations with local businesses and appearances in films. If you have Arnaud as your guide, rest assured—you’re in great hands! Be sure to ask about the mysterious tunnels below! Tours last approximately one hour and should be booked in advance.

If you’re a cycling enthusiast, especially into mountain biking, don’t miss out on the Abbey’s extensive biking trails. With 30 kilometers of well-maintained routes and 31 trails to choose from, there’s something for every rider. I’m not an avid mountain biker myself, yet I managed to navigate a few of the easier trails! You can rent bikes from Tomahawk Cycles, located just a few hundred meters from the Abbey, which happens to occupy the building that once served as l’Abbaye d’Oka’s chicken coop!

Check Out Noire & Blanche Microbrewery

Head to the neighboring town of Saint-Eustache for a refreshing pint at Noire & Blanche Microbrewery. Nestled in a historic district, this microbrewery operates out of a charming 200-year-old home along the Rivière du Chêne (Oak River). With over 20 brews on tap, you’ll find flavors ranging from Czech-inspired pilsners to imperial stouts. I loved their unique flavored Berliner Weisse beers, including kiwi and vanilla as well as guava, which are perfect for sipping on their outdoor patio.

Beyond drinks, they have a delicious food menu inspired by local Quebec flavors, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or lighter fare. I couldn’t resist sampling their wall-dressed ceviche, which features Quebec walleye combined with pico de gallo, grilled pineapple, and tajin—so fresh and bursting with flavor. Their fish and chips also stole my heart, offering crispy haddock fillets coated in Moulin Légaré breadcrumbs, served with homemade fries, coleslaw, and a squeeze of lemon drizzled with Milles-Îles sauce. It’s rare for me to clean my plate of fries, but they were too delicious to resist!

Delight in a Tasting at Distillerie Côte des Saints

Many great stories start with good company and shared spirits, which is precisely how Distillerie Côte des Saints came to be. With dreams of crafting the finest single malt scotch outside of Scotland, six friends collaborated to turn this vision into reality back in 2020, despite the challenging global climate at the time. Their resilience has already earned them several awards in just a few short years!

If you’re a connoisseur of whisky or gin, I highly recommend scheduling a tour of their facility in Mirabel. You’ll receive a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at their production process, learning the care and passion that goes into every bottle—right from growing the grains to the final bottling. Hearing about their open-air fermenter, which captures natural airborne yeast from the region to create Distillerie Côte des Saints’ signature flavor, was particularly intriguing! Tours last about an hour, and you can check their website for availability.

Savor Wine at Vignoble Rivière du Chêne

For the past 26 years, Vignoble Rivière du Chêne has been sharing the flavors of the Laurentians with visitors. Being from Niagara, I’m always thrilled to visit wineries while exploring different regions. I was eager to sample the offerings at Vignoble Rivière du Chêne, located in both Saint Eustache and Oka. Though only 15 minutes apart, these locations present distinct microclimates that create diverse wine profiles! My top pick was their Gabrielle Rose, closely followed by their Red Phoenix.

While tours are available, language can be an issue with English options depending on staff availability. Enjoying a glass of wine while exploring their picturesque gardens is highly recommended. Grab a seat in one of their Muskoka chairs or meander through the vineyards. Be sure to reserve a table on the bistro patio, which offers stunning vineyard views and fantastic dishes—possibly the best in the area!

Start with their planche apéro, featuring a delightful selection! Indulge in rich oysters with a mignonette sauce made from their red William wine, local honey BBQ duck drumsticks, and ham-and-cheese croquettes. This platter alone could serve as a meal, but I couldn’t resist their beef tartare, where AAA Angus beef is topped with truffle oil, shallots, old-fashioned mustard, and parmesan, complemented by a marinated quail egg and a side salad.

Oka Beer Cheese from the Oka Abbey Store

Pick Up Some Oka Cheese Souvenirs

Don’t miss the farm store at Oka Abbey, where you will find an enticing selection of flavors, including limited-edition cheeses. I was tempted to buy one of everything! If you’re indecisive, consider a sample pack featuring four signature flavors: original, classic, ashed, and truffle. I cannot endorse their beer cheese enough—it disappeared within two days of purchase!

Views of Oka from the Pier

Stroll Through the Town of Oka

Just a short 15-minute drive from the Abbey, the charming town of Oka awaits. Spend some time by the waterfront, exploring the beautiful architecture, especially the impressive Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, which stands out among the town’s other buildings. Numerous benches are available for sitting and enjoying views of Oka Quay and the marina. You’ll also find riverside restaurants where you can savor a meal or drink while watching the Hudson-Oka ferry in operation. Don’t forget to take a picture with the Oka picture frame!

NOTE: Oka may sound familiar due to the 1990 Kanehsatà:ke Resistance, also known as the Oka Crisis. This conflict arose when plans were announced to construct a golf course over a Kanyen’kehà:ka (Mohawk) burial site, causing tensions between Indigenous peoples and settlers to culminate in a 78-day standoff. The ongoing relationship remains strained for many Indigenous communities forced onto reserves for generations. I encourage you to read more about this significant event.

The community of Kanehsatà:ke lies just a few minutes west of Oka. Though I couldn’t visit this time, there are various businesses like restaurants and shops where you can support the local community. If you can’t make it to the reserve, there are shops in Oka that carry Indigenous-owned products from Kanehsatà:ke. This is how I supported the community by picking up a bag of Moccasin Joe coffee from FAYS Terroir Chocolaté—a must when you’re in Oka!

Bag of Moccasin Joe Coffee in front of FAYS Terroir Chocolaté in Oka

Take a Short Trip to Laval

What you may not know is how close Oka is to Laval! It’s only a 30-minute drive, making it easy to combine both destinations in one visit. If you’re looking for a more urban experience, I recommend making the trip. Laval offers a variety of unique experiences, from outdoor escape rooms to flower festivals, along with many delicious dining options and cocktails. Check out my guide to Laval for ideas on how to easily create a weekend itinerary!

Disclaimer:
This article was created in partnership with Tourism Laurentians; however, all opinions and content here are entirely my own based on personal experiences.

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