This is a public art trail in the heart of Downtown Gatineau showcasing a variety of works, ranging from murals and sculptures to interactive and light installations.

This year, a brand-new digital map highlights a main route that begins in front of the Canadian Museum of History and features approximately 40 works in the heart of downtown, to be discovered year-round, day and night. The route extends to the Maison du tourisme and includes 24 temporary art installations as well as 16 murals. This 10^th edition marks a new chapter for the Culture Trail. Explore two unique routes: one dedicated to sculptures, the other to murals, and let yourself be surprised by illuminated and winterized works. Thanks to a digital map, guided tours, and a route accessible to school groups, the experience can now be enjoyed in any season. Not only is it a free activity, but it will also appeal to everyone thanks to the diversity of its works!

Whether on foot, by bike, or even on a scooter, choose your preferred means of transportation. You can start anywhere along the trail, but to make sure you don’t miss a thing, we recommend beginning in front of the Canadian Museum of History, where the first artwork awaits you. The great thing is that you can explore the Culture Trail at your own pace, however you like. Guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. from June 20 to August 29. For more information, visit sentierculturel.ca.

From June 4 to August 30, free guided tours are offered all summer long, on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m., departing from La Maison du tourisme, and from June 20 to August 29, the artists’ and artisans’ market runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the beautiful pedestrian Laval Street. A wonderful way to rediscover downtown through the eyes of art lovers. The Culture Trail now offers a digital map as well as numbered markers—it’s up to you to find them. A mural tour you can follow using a QR Code! On each display stand near the artworks and on the paper map, a QR Code awaits you. Scan it, solve the riddle for each artwork, and collect a letter. Once you’ve completed the mystery phrase, head to La Maison du tourisme to claim your official T-shirt. Whether you want to combine this walk with a gourmet stop or take the time to admire each artwork, there are many ways to enjoy it.

The sun is shining bright in front of the Canadian Museum of History at La Maison du tourisme, the starting point of the Culture Trail. In my hand, I have my phone and the map I picked up here. A map is also available online via the QR Code found at each station. I follow the red dots on the ground and the interpretive signs along the way to find my next destination.

Throughout the walk, I explore each installation with wide-open eyes and a curious mind. Descriptions of the works can be found on the panels near each installation or on the digital map, where exclusive content allows for a deeper exploration of the works and artists.

I started with La Maison Allumette by l’Abricot, an artist duet. This work reinterprets this symbol of working-class heritage in the form of colorful blocks evoking building blocks and the city’s evolution.

A little further on, I spot a figure perched on the roof of the Maison du Citoyen, seemingly playing hide-and-seek. This playful work by Jonathan Fortier, Vocation citoyenne, reminds us of the importance of stepping out of the shadows to take part in community life.

At the foot of the building, the artist continues her exploration with Aléas de la cité. This time, figures seem to have fallen or stumbled, humorously evoking the unexpected events and challenges we encounter when living together in an urban environment.

I continue my stroll down Laurier Street, where the interactive work Les Maisons allumées by artist Stéfanie Lepage immediately charms me. I ring the bell: a chime sounds and the roofs of the houses light up. I’ll have to come back in the evening!

It’s impossible not to notice the large eyes that appear on the footbridges crossing the Hôtel-de-Ville Street. With Big Other, the duo Pierre & Marie watches us and winks at us throughout the route.

It’s at the corner of Laval and Portage streets that I spot the sculpture by artist PONY. Colorful, playful, and endearing, it instantly draws glances and smiles.

Laval Street is then nothing but a succession of discoveries. I stop in front of Firmin Falardeau’s Maison mobile des lutins and let myself be transported into this miniature world filled with details.

As I head toward Carré Vaudreuil, a strange installation catches my eye. A mysterious door, buttons, lights, a game... I’m suddenly swept up in a quest to discover the secret code! Éric Lord and Jean-Pierre Houde play with our curiosity through this Porte sans issue.

Then my gaze is drawn to a massive wooden structure. A snake? A tendril? A creature sprung from the imagination? With Vrille, French artist ELPARO has created a spectacular site-specific work that interacts with its surroundings.

My journey ends at the corner of Hôtel-de-Ville and Leduc streets. Or so I thought. The last station invites me to continue the adventure or come back to discover a whole new route: the murals. And on this side, Eddy Street is full of surprises.

Every corner holds its own surprises. Whether you’re passionate about literature, art, photography, or history, the Culture Trail has so much to offer! Audio and video clips, The Old Hull Chronicles are also available to enhance your visit. Several shows and events, including public readings, will take place in downtown Gatineau this summer. Check out the schedule so you don’t miss a thing!

Once you’ve explored the Culture Trail, your visit to downtown is far from over, as you’re right in the heart of a wide variety of attractions! Whatever your interests, there’s no shortage of options: visit a museum, sample local flavors on a patio, or browse the nearby shops and markets.

Make the most of your experience and share your favorites using the hashtag #Sentierculturel on social media! The works mentioned are just a glimpse of what awaits you. So, summer or winter, day or night, the Culture Trail invites you to enjoy a memorable experience with friends, family, as a couple, or on your own.

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