Step out of your comfort zone with Échappée Bleue. Put on a dry suit and conquer the Petite Nation river on a paddleboard! And yes, in winter! In small groups, explore the waterways accompanied by an experienced and certified guide during the SUP des glaces. Discover the region from a whole new perspective and admire the snow-covered landscapes while enjoying an activity connecting you with nature.

Don't have your equipment? Don't let that stop you! Relais plein air offers cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals, so you can spend an enjoyable day in the park. A waxing room, free parking (P2) and a cafe serving food and drinks are also available to visitors.

Make the most of winter by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Sentiers Les Renards Blancs, a site of the Corporation plein air de la Lièvre. Discover 15 km of mechanically groomed cross-country ski trails and 10 km of snowshoe trails. Find a trail to suit your level, whether you're a beginner, intermediate or expert. On-site equipment rentals and baby carriers are also available.

One summit is great, but many is even better! Yes, the Outaouais has plenty of ski resorts for you to hit the slopes this winter. Whether you're an alpine skier or snowboarder, you'll find the slopes to meet your expectations. Perfect for the whole family, the Outaouais mountains will appeal to beginners and experts alike.

Perhaps, are you one of these people who swear by snowmobiling in winter? If your answer is yes, then a snowmobile getaway is a must to discover the Outaouais and its hundreds of kilometers of marked trails. A vast territory to explore!

Would you rather be at one with nature, but warm and cozy inside? Why not treat yourself to a stay in an unique accommodation in the Outaouais? A cabin surrounded by a pack of wolves, a fully equipped dome or a more rustic yurt, it's all possible for a successful glamping experience. The advantage of sleeping in nature: a restful night of sleep and a huge playground for your favorite winter sports!

There's more than one way to have fun indoors. For even more places to visit, here are some activities for the whole family to enjoy.

End your year in style at Pub Notre-Dame during the Bye Bye 2025 evening! On December 31, reserve your spot to celebrate the transition to 2026 in a festive and warm atmosphere. The duo Les Cousins will set the dance floor on fire from 7:30 p.m. until the big midnight countdown. Enjoy a cold buffet and a glass of bubbles at midnight. Want a good meal before the party? Opt for the three-course table d'hôte menu including soup, beef flank steak or stuffed chicken breast with side dishes and dessert. Buy your tickets directly at the pub!

Start the year off with panache at the New Year's Eve Party at Chelsea Pub, a festive evening organized in collaboration with Distillerie du Square, which promises to be a memorable one. Starting at 9 p.m. on December 31, let yourself be carried away by the electrifying atmosphere of this event presented in collaboration with Distillerie du Square. On the program: a DJ, live music, refined canapés, a mini bottle of bubbles, and memorable cocktails. Before toasting at midnight, stop by La Cocktailerie for a last drink in a cozy atmosphere. Put on your best clothes and get ready to start the new year in one of the most popular venues in the region!

Want to dive headfirst into the new year to the sounds of the 80's? The New Year's Eve Party at Bar de L'Encan is back with everything you need to rock December 31. Starting at 9 p.m., dance to the electrifying sounds of the 80's Tribute Band, toast the countdown with a glass of sparkling wine, and enjoy a cold buffet at the end of the evening. The surprises don't stop there: with the purchase of a selected 20 oz. drink, you receive a scratch card with instant prizes, including free drinks, Ottawa Senators tickets, exclusive items such as T-shirts, cooler backpacks, and gift cards. Break out your retro moves and celebrate the New Year in style!

Enjoy a memorable evening at the New Year's Eve 2026 Party at Bistro La Gargouille, where a festive atmosphere and fine dining come together to welcome 2026 in style! On December 31, treat yourself to an exquisite three-course dinner, then let yourself be carried away by the Namasté duo's performance. Continue the party on the dance floor with a DJ playing until late into the night. At midnight, raise your glass of champagne to celebrate the New Year together. Reserve your spot now, tickets are going fast!

On December 31, put on your finest clothes and experience Midnight in Paris without leaving the Outaouais! The Pub DéMonts invites you to a New Year's Eve party full of refinement, flavors, and ambiance. Starting at 5:30 p.m., enjoy a three or five-course dinner, with the option of adding a food and beverage pairing to enhance the experience. And if you'd rather save your energy for dancing, the dance party starts at 8 p.m. and admission is free! There will be prizes to win, a lively atmosphere, and a À la carte menu available until 12:30 a.m. Stay tuned, tickets for dinner will be on sale very soon!

Want to end the year on a high note and start 2026 with a shower of festivities? Head to the Hôtel-Casino du Lac-Leamy - Loto-Québec owned Entertainment Resort! On December 31, enjoy a marathon of festivities until 5 a.m. Let yourself be carried away by the intoxicating musical atmosphere, marvel at dazzling surprises, and take part in a simply unforgettable midnight countdown. Choose from two options: the Experience ticket, which includes one drink and access to the festivities, or the Experience with Buffet ticket, which includes a meal at Banco Bistro, one drink, and access to the event. This ticket is also included with any room reservation at the Hilton Lac-Leamy or buffet dinner at the Arôme restaurant on December 31. Would you rather dance until dawn at the Club Aléa – The Nightclub? Purchasing your ticket for the evening automatically gives you access to the Casino.

On January 11, take your seat at the Salle Odyssée for a breathtaking cinematic experience with the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Celebrating 50 years of passion and achievement, this legendary tour presents inspiring films in which exceptional adventurers push the limits of what is possible. There are two showings with assigned seating, at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., so you can choose the time that suits you best. Expect three hours of thrills, including an intermission and a raffle. The movies are presented in their original version with French subtitles and they feature breathtaking images you don't want to miss.

On January 26, treat yourself to a good dose of laughter to start the year off right with La route du rire, a comedy show presented in a cabaret format in the foyer of the Salle Odyssée. In an intimate and warm atmosphere, let yourself be surprised with a great lineup including up-and-coming comedians on the emerging scene. From familiar faces to rising stars, each performance is well worth the detour.

On January 30, get out of the house with your baby and take part in Mamatinée Gatineau, an event designed especially for moms, but where the whole family is welcome! Between a mom/baby fair and a local market, Mamatinée allows you to discover businesses, artisans, and services that meet the needs of today's moms, whether they're expecting a little miracle or already in the midst of family life. Admission is free for shopping, and you can even book a photo shoot with a professional photographer to take home a beautiful souvenir.

Treat yourself to an inspiring and enlightening evening on January 9 at the Dinner & Vision Board Workshop, presented by Astéria Événements at Jenni Tea in Gatineau. For $65, enjoy a moment of connection, creativity, and sweetness, perfect for starting the year off right. Start the evening with a comforting meal, then let your intuition guide you as you create a personalized vision board. Between heartfelt discussions and shared laughter, recenter yourself on what inspires you. This is an enriching activity during which you will be invited to visualize your intentions for 2026!

From January 30 to February 1, take a well-deserved break and start the year with clarity thanks to La traversée intérieure, a weekend of rejuvenation offered at the Centre de vie in Ripon. Accompanied by hypnotherapist Guylaine Ducharme and psychologist Dr. Michèle Corbeil, explore your inner resources through mindfulness meditation practices, NLP exercises, and guided workshops that promote balance and refocusing. Treat yourself to this moment to slow down, reconnect with what matters most, and start 2026 with full presence.

On January 2, the Cross-Country Ski Club Les Chèvres de montagne is coming to the Outaouais this winter. Join them for structured skating-style training sessions on the trails of Gatineau Park. This activity is perfect for learning or perfecting techniques while enjoying an exceptional natural setting.

From January 5 to 11, 2026, attend one of the biggest sporting events of the winter: the 2026 Canadian National Skating Championships presented at the Centre Slush Puppie. Thrill to the spectacular performances of the country's best skaters, junior and senior, in singles, pairs, ice dancing, and synchronized skating. The atmosphere promises to be electric, don't miss your chance to see Canada's figure skating elite shine in the spotlight. Book your tickets now and experience a week of thrills with athletes who push the boundaries of elegance and technique!

On January 17, put on your hat and mittens and take part in Les jeux du froid, a frosty and festive event that takes over Place Laval in the heart of Old Hull. On the agenda: crazy winter Olympics, such as tug-of-war and snowshoe races, plus a few icy surprises to discover on site. Between events, warm up by the fireplaces, bite into a melted marshmallow, or take a gourmet break at the food trucks.

In January, catch a game with Les Olympiques de Gatineau at the Centre Slush Puppie. Introduce your family to the world of hockey at this new sports complex and share unforgettable moments while supporting the local team. Before or after the game, sit down at Le 1973 Resto Bar Loft to enjoy a delicious pizza or sip on a good cup of coffee at Café Bistro Pat-Burns.

For more suggestions, check out the full schedule on our Festivals and Events page.

Escape to the heart of nature with Pimishka Domaine Nature, a true oasis of peace located on the shores of the magnificent Grand Lac Rond. The Domaine offers a selection of unique accommodations, including 6 studios and 8 four-season cottages, providing all the comfort you need for an unforgettable stay.

Explore nearly 30 km of fat bike trails with the Montebello Mountain Bike. Observe majestic landscapes through century-old pine forests and enjoy panoramic views of the Ottawa River. Trails are accessible to all levels, whether you're a beginner or more experienced, and are meticulously groomed.

For more suggestions, check out the official Outaouais tourist guide for 2025–2026! Explore the region's activities and plan your itinerary based on the area you want to visit.

Cover photo credit: @Red Equipment