Oka Quebec – 8+ Amazing Things To Do in Oka and Surrounding Area On A Girlfriend Getaway

Gather your best girlfriend, get out those hiking boots and pretty heels and pack your bags because we’re heading to Oka, Quebec, for an outdoor-focused girlfriend getaway! Just a short drive from Montreal and Laval, where Lindsay and I just were (read all about our girlfriend getaway in Laval here), Oka is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the outdoors, some history, and the local flavours of this region. Stay on this page to learn about things to do in Oka and the surrounding area.

Oka, Quebec, is a town along the shores of the Ottawa River. You will find chocolate, cheese, wine, and small-town charm here. I feel like I’ve been on the hunt for small-town charm lately, and I’m finding it in all the right places.

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Montreal, this picturesque village and surrounding area of the Laurentians is an ideal spot for girlfriend getaways, where you can escape the city and find yourself in the tranquillity of the great outdoors. In Oka, we’re trading in escape rooms for mountain biking and flower picking for wineries. We’re not hitting up spas; we’re off exploring!

From sprawling vineyards to a serene national park, Oka is packed with attractions that showcase what this region has to offer. Oka has it all if you want to explore local heritage sites, indulge in the culinary scene (more cheese, please), or unwind in nature.

 

What Is Oka Known For?

The Laurentians are a vast and diverse region known for their forests, lakes, and outdoor recreational opportunities. While Oka is not in the heart of the Laurentian mountains, it still shares in the region’s emphasis on outdoor activities. For visitors travelling from Montreal, Oka can serve as a gateway to the broader Laurentians region, which stretches further north and includes popular destinations like Mont-Tremblant, Saint-Sauveur, and the Laurentian Mountains themselves.

Oka National Park is a major draw for visitors. The park is popular for activities like kayaking, hiking, bird watching, and cross-country skiing in the winter. With an extensive network of trails, including those in Oka National Park and around the Abbaye d’Oka, Oka is a popular destination for mountain biking and hiking.

Oka is characterized by gently rolling hills and fertile farmland. The region is known for its agricultural activities, including vineyards, chocolate, and the production of the famous Oka cheese, particularly the semi-soft Oka cheese, originally made by Trappist monks at the Abbaye d’Oka. The cheese is known for its distinctive flavour and is famous across Canada. I’ll show you the store and talk more about the cheese in depth below.

The Abbaye d’Oka, where the famous Oka cheese originated, is a historic site that attracts visitors interested in the region’s monastic and agricultural heritage. Though no longer a monastery, the abbey itself is an important part of Oka’s cultural identity, and this is where Lindsay and I stayed while in the region. I’ll show it to you below, so you should keep reading!

Finally, Oka is located in the Lower Laurentians, an area known for its vineyards and distilleries, like Vignoble Rivière du Chêne and Distillerie Côte des Saints, where visitors can enjoy wine and whisky tastings, adding a touch of gourmet experience to the region’s appeal. You can bet I paid a visit to them as well. Read on!

The Oka Crisis

Oka also contributes to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Laurentians, particularly through its ties to Indigenous history and the Oka Crisis.

I would be a total jerk if I did not acknowledge what I associated with Oka within my history of growing up in Canada and how important these issues are to moving Canada and reconciliation forward.

The Oka Crisis was a significant standoff in the summer of 1990 that involved the nearby Mohawk community of Kanesatake. The specific issue that triggered the crisis was the town of Oka’s plan to expand a golf course and build luxury condominiums on land that included a sacred Mohawk burial ground and pine forest.

Unfortunately, the land for the proposed development had been disputed for over 300 years. The Mohawk people asserted their rights to the land, while the town of Oka claimed their ownership through colonial titles granted to the Sulpician order, a Catholic missionary group.

Where Is Oka, Quebec?

Oka is a small town in the southern part of the Laurentians (Laurentides) region of Quebec, Canada. It sits on the northern shore of the Ottawa River, near the Lake of Two Mountains (Lac des Deux Montagnes).

The town is approximately 50 kilometres (about 31 miles) west of Montreal. Depending on traffic and your route, the drive typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.

You can get to Oka from Toronto by driving through Montreal or taking the ferry from Hudson, Quebec. If timed properly, either route will take approximately 7 hours to drive to or from Toronto.

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Do You Need To Know French in Oka?

TLDR: Oka is a popular tourist destination. While French is dominant, you can usually get by without speaking French, as staff are usually accustomed to assisting English-speaking visitors.

First and foremost, Quebec is a French-language province. French is the primary language spoken in Oka and throughout Quebec. Most residents speak French, and signs, menus, and public information are typically in French. It’s rare to find an English menu or road sign. Google Translate on your phone will assist you along the way.

Many people working in the tourism and hospitality sectors, such as at hotels, restaurants, and attractions, speak a limited amount of English. In more casual or rural settings, you might encounter people who speak little or no English and do not wish to. So, it will get a bit bumpy if you don’t speak French.

It’s always appreciated if you make an effort to speak a few words of French, even if it’s just basic greetings or thank yous and then laugh that it’s all you can pronounce. This can go a long way in keeping things light while showing respect for the local culture.

Things to do in Oka

Are you ready to discover what to do in Oka? Let’s dive into our Oka itinerary and uncover the top places to see and things to do in Oka!

For our girl’s trip, we are exploring a lot of exciting things to do in Oka that mix excitement with pleasure. Our itinerary starts with a thrilling mountain biking experience at Sentiers with Cycles Tomahawk, indulging in dinner at Noire & Blanche Microbrasserie, having a peaceful kayak and hiking along the Grande Baie trail in Oka National Park. Then we’ll savour local wines at Vignoble Rivière du Chêne, have whisky tastings at Distillerie Côte des Saints and dine at Le Sacré – Bistro at the Abbaye d’Oka.

We’re also going to shop for chocolate and cheese, of course!

Cycles Tomahawk Mountain Biking

Here’s where the high influx of adrenaline comes in – mountain biking. Cycles Tomahawk in Oka is the go-to spot for an adrenaline-packed mountain biking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting started, they’ve got everything you need to hit the trails. The shop offers top-quality bikes and gear, plus expert advice to ensure you’re ready to tackle the rugged terrain of Oka’s scenic trails. We rented mountain bikes from here and were assigned a guide, Francis, who probably thinks he was being punked by spending time on the trails with Lindsay and me.

The Sentiers in Oka offers a range of mountain biking routes that cater to riders of all skill levels – some are listed as “easy,” but they are not. There was nothing easy about those trails, ha! I have done easy trails in North Bay and survived unscathed. I walked away with a few trophies from these trails. Don’t get me wrong, I’d do it again. When am I not up for a challenge?

Biking note from me: I’m a Toronto road cyclist and often joke that riding a bike in Toronto is like playing the game of Frogger we all played in the 1980s. The joke is that we are avoiding cars so we don’t die, much like a frog trying to cross the road—those who mountain bike think that cycling in Toronto is scary. I find immovable objects like trees and boulders scary. Perspective, I guess!

Winding through the beautiful Laurentian landscape, these trails take you through dense forests and some hills. You’ll find a mix of technical single tracks, smooth-flow trails, and some challenging climbs perfect for those looking to test their skills. The routes are well-maintained and marked, making it easy to choose a path that matches your experience level.

This is an unforgettable outdoor experience in the heart of nature and you can make your way up to a pretty spectacular look out point that features a building that was featured in scenes of the Amazon series Three Pines.

Cycles Tomahawk shop rents bikes with helmets. I would highly recommend you bring bike gloves.

Kayak and Hike in Oka National Park

An absolute must-do of things to do in Oka region is to spend some time in Oka National Park hiking and hanging out on the water. So funny that I’m doing exactly what I love doing here as well. I can’t wait to tell you about this place!

Hiking the Grande Baie trail in Oka National Park

Hiking the Grande Baie trail in Oka National Park is a perfect way to get deeper into nature and farther away from (other) people. As you hike this trail, you’ll find a mix of easy, flat sections and slightly more challenging parts, making it a great option for all skill levels, small children included. The trail is well-marked and maintained, so you can take your time enjoying the scenery, bird spotting and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

One of the trail’s standout features is the boardwalk, which takes you right over the wetlands, offering an up-close view of this environment. The day we visited, August 15th, some autumn hues were already in the leaves!

Don’t miss the lookout tower—climbing up will get you panoramic views of the entire area, making it a perfect spot for photos or just taking in the landscape.

The full Grande Baie trail in Oka National Park is approximately 6 kilometres long. It’s a relatively easy hike, with mostly flat terrain, suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels.

The trail usually takes about 2 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views, the boardwalk, and the lookout tower. You can also tackle the section with the boardwalk and look-out tower that is approximately 2 kilometres from the parking lot. This section can be easily handled by those who are slowing down a bit.

Kayaking in Oka National Park

Kayaking in Oka National Park is a peaceful way to explore the park from the water. As you paddle through the bay’s calm waters, you’ll glide past wetlands, forests, and open spaces while observing the Laurentian landscape.

Kayak and paddle board rentals are available at the Visitors Centre at the beach.

Warning: The Laurentian landscape includes a large area of the beach that is a nude beach. If you choose to paddle towards La Grande Baie, you will kayak pass a nude beach—a very long beach. No one alerted us or let us know; allow me to tell you.

The water is generally calm, making it a relaxing experience whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned kayaker. You might spot wildlife like herons, turtles, and other animals that thrive in the park’s natural habitats. I really like seeing the different places I travel to and explore from the water, and here was no different. You see things from an angle not seen from land.

 

Vignoble Rivière du Chêne For Tasting and Tour

I’m always keen on tasting at a winery. I mean, how else will I know what to buy to support the local business? The tagline on Vignoble Rivière du Chêne’s website is “Wine Tourism at its best in the heart of the Lower Laurentians”. There is no question that this is a gorgeous winery. It was established in 1998 in Saint-Eustache on the Chemin du Terroir des Basses-Laurentides.

Chemin du Terroir des Basses-Laurentides is a foodie’s dream come true! This trail takes you through the Lower Laurentians, where you can indulge in the best local flavours. It’s all about celebrating the region’s rich agricultural roots, from charming farms and vineyards to orchards and artisan producers. If you’re into fresh produce, fine wines, and handcrafted treats, this is for you to explore the authentic taste of Quebec.

Back to the tasting and tour. As this was a more rural area, a large audience of people on the tasting and tour spoke no English, or if they understood it, they did not desire to acknowledge it. Our tour guide, who started the tastings, was initially not very quick to translate to English. No doubt she heard my broken translations, got sick of how I was bungling it up and started speaking in English for Lindsay and me.

If you read down further under the section of where to eat in Oka, you’ll read about the lunch we had there and the Gabrielle Rose wine I enjoyed and ended up buying to take home with me.

Distillerie Côte des Saints Tasting and Tour

At Distillerie Côte des Saints, you’re in for more than just a taste—you’re in for an experience. We had to drive some dirt roads to get to this distillery, so I knew it would be good. Located in Mirabel, this distillery offers a unique opportunity to explore the art of whisky-making in the countryside. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast (like me) or just curious, a tasting at Distillerie Côte des Saints gives you a true taste of the Laurentians, making this a must-visit stop on your Oka getaway.

So, here’s what’s cool about Distillerie Côte des Saints, they’ve seemingly mastered the art of blending sustainability with craftsmanship when it comes to water. The distillery taps into a natural aquifer beneath the property, drawing pure, cool water that is perfect for whisky-making and keeping the surrounding landscape untouched so those turkeys in the field can continue to run free.

During the tour, you get to see where the mash and the distillation process happens. Copper stills are the unsung heroes of whisky-making, playing a huge role in shaping the flavour and quality of the final product.

For our tasting, we tasted three single malt whiskys that are part of their prestige series.

The first was a ruby-coloured Porto Tawny. It smelled like chocolate and tasted like candied fruits.

The second was a Sherry Oloroso that was bronze in colour and had the aroma of fruit but the flavour of nuts, figs and raisins.

The third was a Pedro Ximenez. It had a lovely taste of spice and dates.

My favourite was the Sherry Olorose. It had a big, full, back-of-your-mouth finish. Because I’m all about supporting local producers, I bought a bottle to take home.

 

Shop for Oka Cheese

Steps away from our accommodations is the Abbaye d’Oka Agropur store. This is like stepping into a treasure trove of local flavours and artisanal delights. The huge product draw, of course, is the famous Oka cheese—crafted using the original recipe developed by the monks but modified by Agropur over recent years.

You’ll also find other gourmet items, including locally produced cheeses, jams, honey, wines and specialty foods that reflect the area’s rich agricultural heritage. It’s a perfect stop for food lovers looking to bring home a taste of Oka. Spoiler: I bought cheese to take home and more than just the beer cheese pictured here.

Shop for Oka Chocolate

Fay’s Terroir Chocolate in Oka is heaven for chocolate lovers. For real. This cozy store is where you’ll find some of the best artisanal chocolates, all made with the best ingredients of the area and a lot of care. They’re famous for their smooth, rich chocolates that melt in your mouth.

Their hand-crafted truffles, bars, and other sweet treats make for the perfect indulgence. Trust me, if you’re in the town of Oka, this is a stop you don’t want to miss! I did buy chocolate here, but not much of it made it home. It was a 7-hour car ride!

 

Where to Eat Around Oka, Quebec

Just like in Laval and the Eastern Townships (you can read about the trip my kids and I took in the Eastern Townships here), food is an experience, and I didn’t eat one bad meal or anything undesirable in Oka. The food of Quebec is outstanding. I am not a foodie, but I would spend the rest of my life eating in Quebec if I could.

Here’s where Lindsay and I ate and what we enjoyed in the Oka region.

Noire & Blanche Microbrewery

Noire & Blanche Microbrewery is in a stunning 200-year-old building in the heart of Vieux-Saint-Eustache, a district bursting with history and culture and a very short drive from Oka. I’m a sucker for historic buildings and from the outside, it looked like something really cool as we were walking up.

This restaurant is a microbrewery, so you know I had to try some of the brews—all in the name of research, of course! The beers I tried and are pictured below are:

2 Yaourt weisse fraise and basilic – Berliner Weisse (sour wheat ale) with lactose, strawberry and basil puree

20 Besdames Bessieurs – Guava Berliner Weisse, German-inspired wheat sour ale with guava

15 Ste-Moustache – Eustace blond ale

7 Litchi-Tchin – Witbier (Belgian Blanche) with white tea, lychee, rose petals and ginger

My beer palette always tends to include pale ale and lager. In summer, I like fruit and sour beer, so I indulged there clearly.

Beyond the craft beers and mouthwatering menu, what sets this place apart, aside from being built in 1811, is its beautiful riverside location. With the Du Chêne River flowing nearby, you can hear it while you sit on the terrace and soak in the serene, country-like views while you taste the brews and enjoy your meal.

I had tartare de boeuf for dinner, but we shared Ceviche de Dore for an appetizer. I liked both equally!

Vignoble Rivière du Chêne Winery Bistro

As I mentioned above, one of the places we visited was Vignoble Rivière du Chêne for a tasting and tour. This winery has a lovely bistro with a terrace on the second floor. We were treated to a view of the winery from here while we sipped rose wine and dined.

I tried some of the orange wine, which is the winery’s specialty, but their Gabrielle rose wine really made my taste buds sing. It inspired me to make a purchase to support the local economy.

The lunch we had was just amazing. It was really spectacular. Our appetizers were oysters, duck drumsticks in a honey BBQ sauce, and ham and cheese croquettes – those are like arancini balls. My mail was the cheeseburger (no one should be surprised how I default to a beef dish).

Le Sacré – Bistro

To be completely transparent, I am going to tell you that this restaurant has two strikes with me. One was uncontrollable: We were eating outside on the terrace, and the mosquitos came out once the sun went down. They were relentless, and the repellent with deet did nothing to deter them. We could have moved to an inside table had we not been mid-meal.

The second strike was the server, and the service we received was quite terrible. Sorry. Without getting into the finer details of the experience, know that I generally don’t complain, as I once worked in the service industry, and I know how tough it is, but I can’t pump up how amazing this place is and not be honest with my readers and followers.

Anyway, this meal was good. The food is the redeeming factor. After four nights in Quebec exploring all there was to do in Laval and Oka, Lindsay and I finally had poutine (with Oka cheese). I went for a carpaccio for my main. Yes, I can survive on meat and cheese alone! So if you want to come for the food, awesome and I hope your overall dining experience is better than ours was.

Where to Stay Around Oka, Quebec

We stayed at Auberge de l’Abbaye d’Oka. Once a monastery, it’s now a hotel and multi-use building for events and functions, and it’s definitely one of the more unique accommodations I have ever been in. While I have stayed in guest houses, hostels, and themed hotels before, I’ve never stayed somewhere with such religious significance. No, I didn’t burn it to the ground by walking in.

The Auberge de l’Abbaye d’Oka has deep roots in Quebec’s history, dating back to its founding in 1881 by Trappist monks from the Abbey of Bellefontaine in France. These monks were devoted to their spiritual practices and committed to transforming the land into a thriving agricultural centre. Their hard work and skills led to the creation of Oka cheese in 1893, a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese developed by Brother Alphonse Juin.

This cheese became famous for its distinctive flavour, symbolizing the abbey’s agricultural abilities. The monks also established an agricultural school, playing a big role in educating local farmers and advancing agricultural techniques in the region.

By the mid-20th century, the abbey faced challenges as the number of monks dwindled and the need for the building changed. Eventually, the property was sold in 1989. The production of Oka cheese was transferred to Agropur. This commercial company continues to produce it according to the “traditional recipe,” although I’ve been told that the cheese was softer and runner before Agropur took over. Despite these changes, the abbey’s impact on the region’s cultural and agricultural landscape remained significant.

Today, the Auberge de l’Abbaye d’Oka is a preserved historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into its past. The former monastery has been transformed into a cultural and tourist attraction, complete with guided tours (you must book in advance), accommodations like where we stayed, a restaurant and event spaces.

Now, let me tell you about the room I stayed in. My room was on the second floor of the hotel wing, and I learned on the tour that the area where I was specifically was once part of the infirmary wing. That meant that my room was a little bit larger than some of the others to accommodate wheelchairs and medical staff, and it had its own toilet, which was unusual for the accommodations that the monks inhabited. They were very simple people who did not surround themselves with anything fancy.

Most of the living quarters that the monks lived in were smaller rooms, and they shared the shower and toilet facilities. There wasn’t a shower in my room, but I did have a sink to wash my face and brush my teeth.

I had to go down the hall to shower. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you stay there and enjoy a touch of privacy or have to use the washroom in the middle of the night, opt for a room like mine.

My room had an electric air conditioner connected to the window. The air hose blocked the window covering from closing completely, so I took a blanket and covered it up. It’s interesting to note that you were asked not to use other electrical items if you were running the air conditioning, so I imagine the electric system in the Abbaye is quite basic.

The continental breakfast served on the first floor was pretty good: Oka cheese of course, toast, cereal, and fruits. If you would like to check out accommodations in the Oka area, I think Auberge de l’Abbaye d’Oka is a great place to base yourself for adventures there.

 

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Tour The Abbaye d’Oka

One of the cool things to do in Oka? Taking a tour of the Abbaye d’Oka is like stepping back in time and uncovering some cool stories. The Trappist monks were sober, yet one monk wanted to make wine badly. Rumour has it that the wine was terrible, but he was so passionate about the process of winemaking that he was buried in the wine cellar when he passed.

As you explore the abbey with your guide, you’ll see where the monks lived, worked, and prayed. A nice room to visit is the library, which has books preserved from a long time ago.

The monks didn’t just focus on religion—they also started an agricultural school that helped shape the farming, electrical and construction practices in the area. It’s amazing to see how its legacy is still alive today as a preserved cultural and historical site. Also, look for the picture of the monk who looks just like Jim from The Office.

Some of the rooms now have been repurposed for yoga instruction, and much of the basement is a prison movie set and looks like a German wartime interrogation room.

Although locals claim the Abbaye is haunted, staff on-site assured us it is not. Once, a graveyard was on the property’s grounds, but all the bodies were moved to the Trappist monks’ new home. There is so much to see and explore through the Abbaye d’Oka; you really should head there yourself someday!

Wrapping up a girls’ trip in Oka, we are leaving with a belly full of great food, some new French phrases in the memory bank and some cheese and wine for the road. From a thrilling mountain biking afternoon at Sentiers with Cycles Tomahawk to peaceful kayaking and hiking in Oka National Park and indulging in local flavours at places like Distillerie Côte des Saints and Fay’s Chocolate, every moment is a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Oka turned out to be the magic blend of nature, history, and delicious dishes, making it a getaway with one of my best friends that we’ll remember for a long time.

Whether you’re planning your next escape or researching the region and things to do in Oka, Oka is a destination that you’ll want to revisit again and again. For me, it’s time to recharge at home with the kids for a bit.

Tourisme Laurentides paid Lindsay and me to document our regional experience. I thank Tourisme Laurentides’s partners for providing us with such a lovely time. Team Jean Jacket might not be hot girls from Quebec (we are certainly hot girls from Ontario though!), but we came and left our mark on Oka with our girl getaway.