Presqu'ile

A private island community
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Local Attractions

Presqu'ile lies in the Prescott-Russell Tourist Region, (the western part of the electoral district of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell).

Web sites at www.prescott-russell.on.ca and www.relaxornot.com provide extensive listings of attractions and events in the area.  These are well expressed by maps and directions, along with costs and hours of operation.  Even a brief tour of either site will demonstrate just how rich in history, environment, social activities and tourist features this area is.  Quality of food and accommodation is high, prices are very reasonable and folks are congenial in both languages. 

Travel guides, maps and specific information on fishing, water activities, hiking and environmental activities are available in print at the Ontario Information centres in Ottawa from the west and just across the Quebec-Ontario border, as Quebec Highway 40 becomes Ontario's 417 from the east.

Access to Quebec is free over the Hawkesbury bridge and $7 per car/ or $2 if you come on board as a pedestrian or with a bicycle at the Lefaivre ferry.

Unit 6
Ferry

The area offers a number of nature trails, local attractions, and golf courses. You can hike on one of the trails, visit the zoo or play a round of golf while visiting the area.

Below are a few of the available activites in the area.

The Alfred Bog Walk

You can take a walk along the Alfred Bog, which is designated as a Class One Provincially Significant Wetland - the highest possible rating for a sensitive protected habitat. Alfred Bog is the largest and highest quality peat bog found in Southern Ontario. This domed peat bog has been enlarging for 10,000 years. More than 10,400 acres provide a refuge for at least 52 species of birds and 117 species of plants. Many rare and endangered plants and animals in the region and province can be found here. Common sitings include the Bog Elfin Butterfly, Fletcher's Dragonfly, Spotted Turtle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Golden Eagle, White Fringed Orchid, Atlantic Sedge and Rhodora.

The bog and much of the surrounding area is home to other wildlife such as fox, deer and moose. In fact, the nearby town of L'Orignal is the French word for moose. Another neighbouring village is Moose Creek. So drive carefully and follow the warning road signs indicating moose.

The bog is also a candidate to be recognized under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. This is an international treaty, signed in Iran in 1971, which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

For more information call:
1-877-984-2948
(613) 984-2948

bog walk

Atocas Bay Trail

Atocas Bay is an impressive wetland restoration area, which Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) took steps to restore in 2001.  Many species of waterfowl now use this property for breeding.  You can find the mallard, American black duck, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, wood duck, gadwall and northern shoveler here.  This area contains many shrubs and trees that provide shelter for a number of bird species. 

Walk on a one kilometre interpretation trail featuring marshes and ponds.  Deer and moose browse on the speckled alder and birds feed on the seed.

Papanack Park Zoo

150 County Road 19
Wendover, Ont.
This zoo is a family-owned and operated retreat for wild animals. The Eastern Ontario zoo has has been breeding exotic animals and birds since the early 1980s.  Some famous inhabitants include the African White Lion, Alaskan Wolf,  American Black Bear, Arctic Wolf, Canadian Lynx, Hamadryas Baboon, Snow Leopard,  Snow Monkey, Striped Hyena, Siberian Tiger, Western Cougar , Ring-neck Pheasants, Wild Turkey and Blue Slate Turkey.
(613) 673 - 7275
www.papanak.com

Golf

Several golf courses are in the area, including the historic Montebello Golf Club just across the Ottawa River to other challenging fairways set against the rustic local countryside. The closest golf courses include:

Nation Golf Club
Family owned and operated since it opened in 1994, the National Golf Course is located along the mature woodlands of Prescott-Russell. The course was renovated in 2004, providing a challenge to every level of golfer. Economical packages and promotions are available.
(613) 673-3333.

Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello Golf Club
Designed in 1929, the course was once part of the prestigious Seigneury Club until 1970. The Montebello course was ranked the Second Best Public Course in Quebec and recently awarded the Double Platinum Award by Canada's Golf Ranking Magazine. The course was also designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 1998.
(819) 423-4653

The Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello

Here's an example of the kind of event that occurs frequently in this area:

Montebello Escape 

International Winemakers Weekend at Chateau Montebello, Nov 10-12

Wine seminars, meetings with winemakers Paul-Andre Bosc, Lucio Cavuto and Christophe Truin, among others.  Executive Chef Serge Jost has created special menus to showcase seasonal fare from the Outaouais Region.  Package includes a 2-night stay, welcome wine reception, a 5-course dinner, with selections from participating wineries, a wine-tasting lunch and seminars, a $30 credit for a spa treatment and more.

There are regular events throughout the year. You can find more information at the The Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello Resort Website.