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Photo: Tourisme Outaouais
25 free activities in the Outaouais
Published on May 5, 2026
When it comes to free activities, the Outaouais is all about having fun. Thanks to the region’s vast natural spaces, museums, art galleries and must-see attractions, you can pack your calendar with things to do without spending a dime!
For Learning
Canadian Museum of History
Immerse yourself in 15,000 years of history and culture with a free visit to the Canadian Museum of History, one of Canada’s most popular museums.
Where
100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
When
Free admission on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
National museums in Canada’s Capital Region
Visit one (or more!) of Canada’s national museums in Gatineau–Ottawa: the Canadian Museum of Nature, the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian War Museum, the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, or the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.
Good to know
Free admission: National Gallery of Canada and Canadian Museum of Nature – Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.; Canadian War Museum – Thursdays until 7 p.m.; Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Canada Agriculture and Food Museum – daily from 4 to 5 p.m.
Parliament of Canada
The main Parliament Building, the Centre Block, is currently closed for restoration, but four fascinating guided tours are available to the public free of charge: a tour of the Senate, a tour of the House of Commons, a tour of the East Block, and an immersive experience featuring the Centre Block.
Where
111 Wellington Street (Parliament Hill), Ottawa
When
From 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Opening hours vary depending on the tour and the day of your visit.) Reservations required.
Symmes Inn Museum
Visit the Symmes Inn Museum to travel back in time and learn about local history and Charles Symmes, the founder of Aylmer.
Where
1 Front Street, Gatineau (Aylmer sector)
When
Off-season (March 1 - May 31, Sept. 16 - Oct. 31): Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Summer season (June 1 - Sept. 15): Tuesday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
ChocoMotive shop and economuseum
Visit the ChocoMotive chocolate shop, a popular stop in the village of Montebello, to learn all about the history of chocolate and how delicious chocolate treats are made. You can watch the chocolate makers at work in the open workshop.
Where
502 Notre-Dame Street, Montebello
When
Daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fairbairn House Heritage Centre
Delve into the history of the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau and the life of homesteader William Fairbairn on a guided tour or by participating in one of the many activities offered at the Fairbairn House Heritage Centre.
Where
45 Wakefield Heights Road, La Pêche
When
Open from May 2026, for 12 consecutive weeks at the heart of summer.
Parc de la Ferme-Dalton
The Parc de la Ferme-Dalton (Dalton Farm Park) heritage site includes a schoolhouse, a sugar shack and a farmhouse. It’s an ideal spot for a stroll and a picnic.
Where
199 Montée Dalton, Gatineau
White-Tail Deer Interpretation Centre
Learn about one of Canada’s iconic animals at the White-Tail Deer Interpretation Centre, and do some forest bathing on the site’s hiking trails.
Where
6 Chemin du Barrage, Sainte-Thérèse-de-la-Gatineau
When
June to August.
Heritage walking tours
Discover the places that have shaped our region’s history. Several free and fascinating walking tours are offered in the Outaouais’ various sectors.
When
Anytime!
Parc régional de Champboisé
Enjoy numerous free outdoor activities, such as disc golf, the Sentier des Arts, and hiking. Equipment rental is available on site. You can also check out their program of free events of all kinds.
Where
1521, Route 309, L'Ange-Gardien
When
Open year-round! Mondays and Fridays: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Saturdays and Sundays: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For Exploring
Gatineau Park
A true outdoor paradise, Gatineau Park has an extensive network of walking trails to explore, absolutely free.
Where
33 Scott Road, Chelsea
When
Opening hours vary depending on the park sector and access point.
Mont Morissette Regional Park
Hike the 13 km of marked trails in Mont Morissette Regional Park for free, and climb to the top of the 18-metre observation tower for breathtaking views.
Where
35 Chemin du Lac Long, Blue Sea
When
Anytime!
The PERO trails
The PERO trails manages a network of 12 accessible hiking trails that are very popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Consult the PERO’s interactive maps.
Where
295 Montée du lac des 31 Milles, Bouchette
When
Anytime!
La Route des Zingues
The Route des Zingues trail (a play on “route des Indes,” the fabled sea route to India) winds through the municipality of Duhamel and offers magnificent views of Lakes Gagnon and Preston.
Where
Chemin du Lac Gagnon, Duhamel
When
Anytime! Closed during hunting season.
Véloroute des Draveurs
Bicycle through beautiful landscapes along the free 72-km Véloroute des Draveurs (“log drivers’ bike path”).
Where
Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, from Low to Messines
When
Anytime! In winter, the trail is used for snowmobiling.
Sentier des Voyageurs
Stretching for 30 km along the north shore of the Ottawa River, the free Voyageurs Pathway recreational trail offers spectacular views of Gatineau and Ottawa. A great way to discover the area by bike, on in-line skates or on foot.
When
Anytime!
Gatineau, ville vélo
With 300 km of free recreational pathways, the City of Gatineau attracts cyclists of all abilities. Explore the city at your own pace!
Where
25 Laurier Street, Gatineau
When
Anytime!
Cyclopark PPJ
A 92-km bike path and natural park developed around an old railroad, the Cyclopark PPJ in the Pontiac crosses a varied landscape of farms, swamps, fields and forests, and goes through several charming villages.
Where
From Wyman to l’Isle-aux-Allumettes
When
Anytime!
City of Gatineau outdoor centres
Admission to the City of Gatineau’s outdoor centres, parks and beaches is free, and there are lots of free outdoor activities to choose from.
When
Opening hours vary from site to site.
For admiring
Centre d’exposition Art-image
View unique works at the Centre d’exposition Art-image and broaden your appreciation of contemporary visual art through exhibitions open to the public.
Where
855 De la Gappe Blvd., Gatineau
When
Monday–Friday: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Espace Pierre-Debain
Located in the Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer, the Espace Pierre-Debain gallery presents free arts and crafts exhibitions with an emphasis on multidimensional work.
Where
120 Principale Street, Gatineau (Aylmer sector)
When
Monday–Friday: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday: 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Galerie Montcalm
The Galerie Montcalm’s varied exhibitions of work by local, Canadian and international artists make for a rewarding free cultural outing.
Where
25 Laurier Street, 1st floor, Gatineau
When
Monday–Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Saturday: Closed. | Sunday: 12 noon to 5 p.m.
Centre d’action culturelle de la MRC Papineau
The Centre d’action culturelle de la MRC de Papineau hosts a variety of exhibitions showcasing local artistic talent.
Where
548 Notre-Dame Street, Montebello
When
Friday–Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Gatineau Culture Trail
Enjoy urban art and discover the city for free on the Culture Trail through downtown Gatineau.
Where
Downtown Gatineau
When
June to September.
La Fab sur Mill
Several free exhibitions are held throughout the year at La Fab sur Mill, a historic church converted into an arts cooperative where performance and visual arts meet.
Where
8 Mill Road, Chelsea
When
Friday–Sunday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Whether you want to get back to nature, enjoy works of art, or browse through a museum, you can do it all for free in the Outaouais!
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For more ideas on what to do in the region, read our blog.
Annie-Pier Legault
A proud native of the Petite-Nation, I devour (and savour) anything that has to do with history, culture ... and good food. Fortunately, the Outaouais offers all that and more! From visiting the heart of our heritage to attending an outdoor show or sampling new products and flavours, I enjoy discovering and rediscovering my native region.
