With over 365 km of bike paths, including 150 km accessible year-round, Gatineau is a true paradise for cyclists! Whether you’re exploring its parks, riding along the river, or simply getting around to tourist attractions, biking is a pleasant, eco-friendly, and practical way to discover the city. Take advantage of the 6 repair stations and secure bike lockers for a hassle-free experience. This May, let the wind carry you … on a bike! On May 1^st, Babine-Pies and Ice cream parlor will open their second location in L’Ange-Gardien! This new spot will be open year-round and will be exclusively offering their delicious pies. If you’ve never tried their pies, now’s the time! They are decadent and entirely homemade. Starting May 9, explore the capital safely and eco-friendly with the NCC Weekend Bikedays. Whether by bike, inline stakes, wheelchair, or by foot, scooter, or even with a stroller, take a car-free route along the Ottawa River for nearly 15 kilometers. Also in May, the new season will officially kick off at Camp Fortune! Summer activities will be back in full force! The mountain bike trails will reopen, as will their famous zip-line course and the aerial park. You can also try mountain sledding on their 1-kilometer monorail track. A stay at an Outaouais outfitter means unforgettable stories, an escape into nature, shore lunches, and wonderful moments with family or friends. Get ready for the fishing season ahead and book your stay at an outfitter. The Outaouais is full of beautiful waterfalls to discover with good company, and their beauty is at its peak in the spring. Grab your hiking boots and set out to explore the splendid and unexpected landscapes of the Outaouais. After a busy day playing outdoors, grab a table on one of the downtown restaurant terraces. Choose from dishes to suit every taste and enjoy the charming, lively atmosphere of Old Hull.

A friendly reminder: Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10! Looking for the best way to treat your mom? Check out our suggestions to find the perfect gift. On May 9, join a creative workshop at Studio Crudo where you can make your own candle and room spray. You’ll learn the basics of candle-making and get to take your creations home with you. A Mother’s Day brunch is a great way to celebrate this special occasion! Maison O’Brien opens its doors on May 1^st! For Mother’s Day on May 10, you can discover this magnificent venue during the afternoon tea service at its Adèle restaurant, named in honor of Ambrose O’Brien’s wife. You’ll enjoy a selection of about fifteen teas from Cha Yi, a local tea house, as well as scones and sweet and savory bites. For a more classic brunch, opt for the Mother’s Day brunch at the Chelsea Pub. They offer a brunch buffet in a friendly atmosphere, perfect for families. On May 10, the the Thurso Golf Club will serve a Mother’s Day Brunch for the occasion. A buffet-style meal, the brunch is available at $18, for guests 13 and older. Here are some other suggestions for a delicious brunch to make this day memorable! On May 10, bring your mom to a quiz night at Pärlé - Bistro Ludique. Form a team of 2 to 6 players and get ready to tackle general knowledge questions. Prizes are up for grabs! On May 10, spend a day of sports with your mom at the Festival BougeBouge Outaouais et cultures du monde 2026. You’ll be able to try a wide variety of sports activities, as well as participate in running races of various distances (1 km, 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km). Enjoy the live performances on site, too! Your mom also deserves a relaxing day at a local spa. For example, offer her a gift certificate for massages, facials, and other relaxing treatments, for she’s always taking care of everyone else. Share a unique moment of relaxation with your kids and create wonderful memories. If the weather permits, plan a day outdoors for her. You could go for a hike in one of the region’s natural parks or a bike ride along the bike paths. Are you a dog mom? Here are some great ideas for a hike with your dog. Give the gift of sweaters featuring the Outaouais, illustrated by Rémi Allen, an artist native to the Outaouais. Check out the different styles available at one of our retail locations or order them directly online. Ultimately, the most important thing is to spend quality time together and show your mom just how much she is appreciated and loved.

The Minotaure will host numerous performances on their stage. On May 1st, catch a show by the band En Pleine Face, who will pay tribute to Harmonium. On May 2, the Montreal artist Robert Robert will take on the stage. On May 3, dance to the sounds of Kobo Town, performing Caribbean dance music. On May 6, come hear the new album from the band CHANCES with their experimental folk style. On May 9, the band Groovy Aadvark will get the party started. Get your tickets now! From May 21 to 24, attend the fourth edition of the Saucette en Showssettes festival to kick off the summer season in style in Downtown Gatineau. Lots of fun, shows, and more awaits you. Dreaming of wearing flip-flops or sandals with socks elsewhere than in your home, out of sight? Here’s your chance, no judgement! It’s all about having a good time!

From May 15 to 17, Centre d’art populaire du Québec will host the L’Art pop en folie event. Immerse yourself in the world of folk art, discover fascinating creatures, and meet artists. On May 23, head to the Château Logue Hotel and take part in the 27^th edition of the Outaouais Heritage Fair. An event not to be missed for history buffs and anyone wishing to discover our region’s rich heritage. This year, the event celebrates the 200^th anniversary of the first trading post in Maniwaki, and will highlight its founding role, its influence on Indigenous cultural heritage, and the various perspectives on regional history. On May 23, Heroe’s Day will be held in Chénéville. Bring the whole family to an event where various safety, health, and prevention experts will provide demonstrations, activities, and educational sessions. Catch a performance by a local band and take photos with superheroes like the Ninja Turtles and Spider-Man, as well as the famous DeLorean DMC-12, from the popular Back to the Future trilogy! On May 30 and 31, feel the rhythm of traditional drums and songs at the Kitigan Zibi Traditional Pow-Wow, a landmark event celebrating Anishinabeg culture and spirituality. Attend meaningful ceremonies, discover the art of Indigenous dance in all its splendor, and let yourself be carried away by the spirit of healing and sharing that pervades this gathering. On the unceded lands of Kitigan Zibi, experience a moment of reconnection with the land and traditions, in the company of a proud and welcoming community.

On May 2, get ready to test your fitness at the Trail des Collines event of Centre Vorlage. Sign up for one of the many races and push your limits! Take part in either the Pioneer 80 km, the Trapper 50 km, the Équipe Casselman 32 km, the Naäk 22 km, the Salomon Quebec Cup 16 km, the Euro-Sports 11 km, or the Spécifik Performance 6 km. Complete the Team Challenge with your family or register your children for the Défi des Petits, a 1 or 2 km loop. On May 23 and 24, take part in the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, an event featuring several races including a marathon, a half-marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and 2 km races, along with a kids’ marathon. Runners enjoy magnificent views of the National Capital Region. On May 31 and June 1, join the 4^th edition of the HOLÀ Latino Festival, the region’s largest Latino festival, taking place at Parc des Cèdres. Immerse yourself in Latino culture, learn salsa in a workshop, and watch artists collaborate on a mural.

Board game enthusiasts? From May 8 to 10, the L’As des jeux MEGA garage sale will take place in Hull at Canevas. This will be their biggest edition yet! Hundreds of games, puzzles, and toys at discounted prices. You could save anywhere from 20 to 80% off. Frist come, first served! Coming from outside the region? No problem! For the occasion, stays at Hotel V will be offered at a discounted rate for the event. All board games enthusiasts will be gathered under one roof, and game nights will be organized. You’ll be ideally located a stone throw away from L’As des jeux and 10 minutes from the event! Every spring, Canada’s capital is the perfect place to see a rainbow of colors. From May 8 to 18, take a stroll through Commissioners Park in Ottawa and explore the region one tulip at a time during the Canadian Tulip Festival, on the world’s largest festivals of its kind. On May 22, Mamatinée Gatineau offers a unique opportunity for moms to meet other parents while exploring local businesses. The event gathers artisans, creators, and services tailored to the needs of expecting parents, young families, and grandparents. Have a mini professional photo session on-site and capture precious memories. On May 30, À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale will host La crème de la crème event, where 16 guests will be at your service for you to sample their best products. 18 lager beers served from a Czech tap, also known as a Lukr, which creates a thick, creamy mousse you’ll want to eat with a spoon. Small dishes will complement the beers for a tasty experience. Grab your tickets!

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

Discover the Outaouais in a whole new way along the Les Chemins d’eau a scenic tourist route. Following the course of the Ottawa River, this picturesque route takes you through idyllic landscapes, charming villages, fascinating heritage sites, and unique culinary stops. Sett off on an adventure, stop at museums, parks, markets, and microbreweries, ant let yourself be inspired by the rich heritage of the Outaouais! Starting May 9, you can try out the escape room located in the attic of the Symmes Inn Museum, where you’ll have to track down the thief to escape the room. After this adventure, be sure to check out the fascinating exhibits. Also in May, visit the Apothecary – La Fée des Bois and discover an impressive selection of medicinal plants to add to your garden. While you’re there, join workshops held in a teepee nestled between fields and forest by the campfire, sipping a nice cup of herbal tea. Experience an unforgettable moment aboard the Amphibus from Lady Dive Inc. Hop on this amphibious bus that transforms into a boat to explore the magnificent Ottawa-Gatineau region, both on land and on water. Be captivated by over 75 historic and iconic sites, all while enjoying a narration filled with amusing anecdotes and fascinating facts. To take the experience even further, hop off at the stop in front of the Bank of Canada Museum, where you will immerse yourself into the heart of the economic system. Discover interactive exhibits covering a variety of relevant topics or join a guided tour! From shells that once served as currency to banknotes made of bark, explore the history and traditions surrounding them.

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Festival season is just around the corner. Discover the must-see events in the Outaouais and get your tickets now!