6 Fall Drives from Gatineau Where the Corolla Cross Hybrid Shines
October 03 2025,
Autumn in the Outaouais region paints the landscape in shades of amber and crimson, and the roads that wind through Gatineau Park, along the Ottawa River, and into Quebec's countryside become destinations in themselves. The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is built for drives like these—compact enough to navigate narrow village streets, efficient enough to stretch a tank of fuel across hundreds of kilometres, and confident enough to handle whatever the road throws your way.
With 196 horsepower from its hybrid AWD powertrain and fuel economy rated at 5.6 L/100 km combined, the Corolla Cross Hybrid turns weekend drives into adventures without the guilt of burning through fuel. Here are six fall routes from Gatineau where this compact SUV really shows what it can do.
Gatineau Park Loop
Start your day with the classic Gatineau Park loop. Head north on Boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes, entering the park at Lac Leamy. Follow the parkway as it winds through forested trails and past lookout points like Champlain Lookout, where the Ottawa Valley stretches out below in a patchwork of colour.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid's 203 mm of ground clearance and all-wheel drive make it easy to navigate the park's paved roads, while the hybrid powertrain keeps things quiet and smooth. The compact size—4,489 mm long and 1,824 mm wide—makes it easy to pull over at scenic viewpoints without blocking the narrow parkway.
Why the Corolla Cross Hybrid works here:
- Compact dimensions for tight parking areas at lookouts
- 196 hp provides confident passing power on park roads
- Hybrid system operates quietly, letting you enjoy the surroundings
- 5.6 L/100 km fuel economy means more driving, fewer stops
Wakefield's Covered Bridge and Beyond
Take a short drive north on Highway 105 to the village of Wakefield. The red covered bridge over the Gatineau River is a must-see during fall, and the village itself is worth exploring on foot. Park the Corolla Cross Hybrid near the bridge and walk into town for coffee and pastries at one of the local bakeries.
From Wakefield, continue north toward Lac Philippe or Lac La Pêche. The roads narrow as you leave the village, but the Corolla Cross Hybrid's 5.8-metre turning circle makes it easy to navigate tight corners and turn around if you find yourself on a dead-end cottage road.
The hybrid system's electric motor assists with acceleration out of stop signs in town, while the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine provides steady power on highway stretches. Combined output of 196 horsepower delivers smooth, responsive acceleration that feels natural and easy to control.
Montebello and the Manoir Papineau
Head east on Route 148 along the Ottawa River to Montebello. This scenic drive follows the riverbank for most of the route, offering views of the water on one side and rolling farmland on the other. Stop at the Manoir Papineau National Historic Site to explore the 19th-century manor and its grounds, which are especially striking in autumn when the maples turn bright red.
Montebello is also home to Fairmont Le Château Montebello, a log hotel that's worth a visit even if you're not staying overnight. The Corolla Cross Hybrid's 609 litres of cargo space makes it easy to bring home local cheese, maple products, or other finds from the village shops.
The highway drive to Montebello is where the Corolla Cross Hybrid's fuel efficiency really shows. At highway speeds, the system balances power between the gasoline engine and electric motors to maximize efficiency, delivering 6.1 L/100 km on the highway. That's enough to get you there and back on a single tank with plenty of range left over.
Luskville Falls Trail
For a shorter drive with a rewarding payoff, head west on Highway 148 to Luskville Falls. The parking area is small and can fill up quickly on weekends, but the Corolla Cross Hybrid's compact size makes it easier to squeeze into tight spots or turn around if needed.
The trail to the falls is a moderate hike that takes about an hour round trip. The Corolla Cross Hybrid's all-wheel-drive system isn't designed for off-roading, but it handles gravel parking areas and unpaved access roads with ease. The 16-degree approach angle and 23-degree departure angle provide enough clearance for uneven surfaces without scraping the front or rear bumper.
After the hike, continue west to Quyon or Shawville for a drive through rural Quebec farmland. The roads are quiet, the views are open, and the Corolla Cross Hybrid's continuously variable transmission keeps engine noise low, making for a relaxing drive.
Route 366 to Ripon
Route 366 heads north from Gatineau into cottage country, passing through small villages and alongside lakes. The road is well-paved but winding, with plenty of hills and curves that show off the Corolla Cross Hybrid's handling.
The hybrid AWD system uses a rear-mounted electric motor to send power to the rear wheels when needed, improving traction on wet or uneven roads. During fall drives, when roads can be damp from rain or covered in leaves, the system provides extra confidence without any input from the driver.
Ripon itself is a small village, but the drive is the destination. Pack a lunch and stop at one of the roadside pullouts to enjoy the view. The Corolla Cross Hybrid's rear seats fold 60/40, giving you the flexibility to carry picnic gear or even a folding chair or two.
Plaisance National Park
Head east on Highway 50, then north on Route 148 to Plaisance National Park. The park is known for its wetlands and birdwatching, but in fall it's also a great spot for a quiet drive or bike ride along the park's trails.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid's 196 horsepower feels more than adequate on the highway, and the dual-zone automatic climate control (standard on the XSE trim) keeps both driver and passenger comfortable on longer drives. The 10.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes it easy to stream music or podcasts for the drive.
Once at the park, you'll find paved trails that are ideal for walking or cycling. The Corolla Cross Hybrid's low cargo loading height makes it easy to load bikes or gear, and the power back door (standard on XSE) opens hands-free with a wave of your foot under the rear bumper.
Key Takeaways for Fall Driving
|
Feature |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|
|
196 hp Hybrid AWD |
Confident acceleration and all-weather traction |
|
5.6 L/100 km Combined |
More kilometres per tank, fewer fill-ups |
|
609 L Cargo Space |
Room for picnic gear, shopping, or luggage |
|
203 mm Ground Clearance |
Handles gravel roads and uneven surfaces |
|
Compact Size |
Easy parking at scenic lookouts and village streets |
Learn More at Toyota Gatineau
Fall drives in the Outaouais region are better with a vehicle that balances efficiency, capability, and comfort. The 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers on all three, turning everyday drives into memorable trips.
Stop by our team right here in Gatineau to learn more about the Corolla Cross Hybrid and see how it fits your driving style. We're happy to answer your questions and show you around the vehicle.
