Wakefield is a village on the western shore of the Gatineau River, at the confluence of the La Pêche River in the Outaouais region of Quebec. The village, named after the town of Wakefield in West Yorkshire, England, is now the southern edge of the municipality of La Pêche, and was founded in 1830 by Irish, Scottish, and English immigrants. It is approximately twenty minutes from Ottawa, Ontario driving north on Autoroute 5 and Route 105 at Route 366.

 

The village's primary industry is tourism. The main attractions, in addition to a picturesque setting, are the covered bridge spanning the Gatineau River, the Maclaren Mill built in 1838 and named after an early family in the region, now restored and operated as the Wakefield Mill Inn and Spa and the Black Sheep Inn (or Auberge Mouton Noir, as its sign reads to conform with Quebec language laws.) The village also provides an access point to Gatineau Park at Lac Philippe. Recreational activities in and around the village include horseback riding, skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, golf, canoeing, and kayaking. It is also known for having the highest bungee jump in the Americas at 61 metres (200 ft).

The village has developed a reputation for a somewhat bohemian lifestyle and boasts a number of small cafes, pubs and galleries. Many young families live in the area, enjoying the lifestyle, services and resources of the area. Many artists live in the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Public buildings include a hospital, elementary school, police station and library. A weekly regional newspaper, The Low Down to Hull and Back News (a play on the Gatineau River communities from Low downstream to Hull) is also published in the village.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson is buried in MacLaren Cemetery in Wakefield.

Municipalité de La Pêche / Municipality of La Pêche
1, rue Principale Ouest
La Pêche (Qc)
J0X 2G0
Tel : (819) 456-2161
Fax : (819) 456-4534