Mattawa means “Meeting of the Waters” in the Algonquin language. One visit to Mattawa and you’ll understand how true the name is. Mattawa is known to be one of Canada’s leading sustainable outdoor recreation regions. This is the place to escape to for folks who are looking to spend more of their time experiencing the great beauty of this country, rather than just dreaming about it. The Ottawa and Mattawa rivers converge here on the border of Quebec and Ontario, and that convergence creates a richness of culture and experience unmatched by anywhere else in the world. The people who live in Mattawa know this intimately, and are happy to show newcomers how great living in this place can be; you can count on your neighbours to be friendly and welcoming in Mattawa!
People have been living in and visiting Mattawa for centuries, from indigenous peoples to the voyageurs travelling between Montreal and the Great Lakes. It is home to three provincial parks (Samuel De Champlain, Mattawa River and Sid Turcotte) so you’ll never be short of breathtakingly beautiful destinations for your daily hike. No matter where you go, within seconds you’ll be taking in the sweeping landscapes and breathing the brisk outdoor air in this idyllic corner of the world. The people who live here are fiercely proud of where they live, and celebrate it yearly with the Mattawa Voyageur Days Festival, which is held the last weekend of July. Many events and attractions are featured in the festival, with Canadian musical legends April Wine, Trooper, Loverboy and Tom Cochrane making appearances in the past. The festival culminates in a traditional choreographed firework show and you’ll be sitting in the front row!
The cultural richness of Mattawa is also reflected in the culinary options available in town. Enjoy an authentic Québecois poutine at Turcotte’s Chip Stand, a third-generation institution in Mattawa; it’s the perfect meal to refuel after a long nature hike. If you’d prefer to sit-down and take a load off, check out Myrt’s Restaurant, an iconic family restaurant right in the heart of town. And if you’re really looking for something different, check out the Thai restaurant in the Voyageur Inn, an authentic Thai spot which is a favourite among residents.
You never know who you’re going to see where the rivers meet. Escape to the wilderness and live in Mattawa.
