The Outaouais offers plenty of family activities to help you make the most of your vacation. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast, you'll find something to enjoy. No matter the weather, there are plenty of indoor activities. Take this opportunity to visit the region’s museums. Psst... don't forget to wear your #OutaouaisFun collection T-shirt for the occasion! A family vacation means staying in a cottage or camping. Located in Pontiac, Aventure Coulonge is the ideal destination for family gatherings, outdoor activities, and stargazing. Looking for peace and quiet? Escape to the shores of Lake McGregor at Havens at the Hills, where modern architecture meets picturesque landscapes. Another unique experience awaits you in the same area: a stay in a century-old cottage or house at Domaine Camp St-Joseph.

On a fine summer's day, take a drive or ride your motorcycle along the Chemins d'eau (“waterways”), the official tourist route of the Outaouais. Along the way, discover picturesque, irresistibly charming villages, and take a break at one of the local restaurants. Drive the 12-kilometre safari-style trail at Parc Omega and see elk, wild boar, and even Arctic wolves! Marvel at Canadian wildlife in its natural habitat.  Another great way to explore the region is on two wheels, on foot, or on inline skates during NCC Weekend Bikedays. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays until October 13, go for a 20-kilometre jaunt around the capital. Follow a car-free route along the Sir George Étienne Cartier Parkway, Kichi Zībī Mīkan, and Queen Elizabeth Driveway.  Want to get moving, breathe deeply and reconnect with nature? Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, swimming or finding your zen in the forest, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Break out your trainers and check out the directory of summer hikes in the Outaouais. From mature forests to breathtaking peaks, the hiking trails will never cease to amaze you. Continue your canoe camping excursion and discover the Outaouais's unexpected landscapes. Choose your outdoor adventure today! Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of one of Canada’s most famous prime ministers on a free guided tour of the Mackenzie King Estate, located in the heart of Gatineau Park. Travel through two significant periods in the life of William Lyon Mackenzie King. Discover his historic residences and personal belongings, and uncover the secrets of this historic site. Then, take a stroll through the immaculately manicured gardens, admire the romantic ruins and let nature reveal the rest. Enjoy your holiday in a different way by visiting the various covered bridges, iconic landmarks of the region. Stop at the Félix-Gabriel-Marchand bridge, the longest covered bridge in Quebec, now fitted with interactive illumination! A mobile app even lets you set the colour of the bridge for one minute. It's sure to impress young and old alike! 

From 30 July to 16 August, Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy will be inviting you to the Canadian Museum of History every Wednesday and Saturday for a magical evening to share with friends and family. Starting at 6 p.m., the site comes alive with gourmet pop-ups where local chefs and restaurateurs will treat you to exclusive creations. You can also immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the new Flambô zone, which is animated by live DJs. Once night falls, it's time for the large-scale pyromusical show, with fireworks perfectly synchronised to a captivating soundtrack. Check out the full programme for all the details. On 8 August, experience the mystical Veillée mystique (Mystical Vigil) at the Festival de la rue Eddy! Stroll freely among the artisan stalls and have your tarot cards read. Enjoy free mystery games, a fantastic show and a DJ who will get the crowd going. Watch acrobats and fire breathers. There will also be food trucks and a mini bar. From 8 to 10 August, head to Saint-André-Avellin and take part in the Twist Fibre Festival! This event is a true gathering of creative minds and invites you to dive into the world of textiles and crafts. Explore a market with over 130 passionate exhibitors, attend inspiring demonstrations and conferences, or get hands-on in creative workshops. Then, from 14 to 16 August, head to Thurso for Petite Nation en fête, three days of music, outdoor shows and festive entertainment. On 14 August, take a trip down memory lane with a tribute to Les Colocs, then dance to the music of Lendemain de veille and Bleu Jeans Bleu. On 15 August, enjoy folk and country music with L'Expédition, Sara Dufour and Matt Lang. And on 16 August, prepare for a legendary rock night with Jonas Tomalty, Martin Deschamps, Breen LeBoeuf and Marjo herself! Enjoy circus performances by Flip Fabrique on 15 and 16 August. Then, from 22 to 24 August, immerse yourself in the excitement of the Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival, a unique event celebrating the region's rivers and the thrill of whitewater sports. Feel the thrill of the canoe, kayak and rafting competitions on the turbulent waters of the Gatineau River. Enjoy a programme of music and entertainment, and meet like-minded people. It's the perfect place to experience the power of the river! From 21 to 23 August, head to Val-des-Bois en musique for three evenings of outdoor music. This year's line-up is explosive: Salebarbes will open the event on 21 August with their infectious energy, followed by La Chicane on 22 August for an evening of nostalgia and classics. Québec Redneck Bluegrass Project will bring the festival to a close on 23 August with a wild and festive musical extravaganza. Teens enjoy a reduced rate, and children aged 11 and under get in for free. Experience the warm atmosphere of a festival in the great outdoors! From 22 to 24 August, take time to reconnect with yourself at the Festival Santé & Bien-Être at the Centre de vie in Ripon. Over the course of three days, you can explore a holistic approach to wellness through enriching conferences, interactive workshops, demonstrations and a variety of activities. Every aspect is carefully addressed, from physical health and emotional balance to mental well-being, to provide you with concrete tools to integrate into your daily life. The peaceful natural surroundings are the perfect place to relax, learn and recharge your batteries. Browse the full programme online and let yourself be inspired by this beautiful celebration of better living. Then, from Wednesday 27 to Sunday 31 August, bring the whole family to the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, a late-summer event not to be missed that transforms Baie Park into a veritable playground. Every day, you can watch the majestic hot air balloons take flight early in the morning and at the end of the day. In the evening, enjoy spectacular shows on four different stages featuring many artists, including Alessia Cara, Roxane Bruneau, Éric Lapointe, Flo Rida, Jay Scott, 2Frères, William Cloutier, TALK and many more. You can also enjoy the Beauce Carnaval amusement park, marvel at the evening fireworks, and savour the gourmet delights on site.

On 2 August, end the evening with laughter at the 'Tout va bien (Ça pourrait être pire)' show by Adrien Lessard at the À Outrance restaurant. A graduate of the École nationale de l’humour, he will be performing his very first full hour of stand-up comedy, offering a hilarious perspective on turning 30, self-doubt, being single, mental health, and all the bad ideas that come with it! Hurry, because space is limited! On 9 August, enjoy a magical, free evening with the family at Dalton Farm Park with the 'Troc toutous et soirée cinéma sous les étoiles' event! Children can trade in their stuffed toys and adopt a new one. Then settle in for an outdoor film screening. There will be a relaxed and festive atmosphere, with popcorn, drinks, and candyfloss available to buy on site. On 9 August, experience cinema differently at Henri-Dunant Park with an outdoor screening of Mufasa: The Lion King, presented in an immersive and inclusive format! Thanks to specially designed headphones, people who are hard of hearing or visually impaired can fully enjoy this magical evening under the stars too. Bring your chairs, snacks and your inner child! The film starts at dusk! On 9 and 10 August, experience the power of history at the Military Machines Weekend at the Canadian War Museum. Witness an impressive demonstration of World War II armoured vehicles, carefully restored by enthusiasts. You can get up close to these legendary machines, talk to the volunteers who restore them, and immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of their role in combat. Browse collectors' exhibits, enjoy the festive atmosphere with live music, sample delicious treats, and pick up themed souvenirs at the gift shop. There will also be arts and crafts activities designed especially for children. On 10 August, take time to stroll along the Quai des artistes on Jacques-Cartier Street during the Foire artisanale de la Pointe, a summer event showcasing local creators and producers. Discover a variety of handmade treasures in a picturesque setting alongside the Gatineau River. On 10 August, head to Moussette Park to celebrate Gatineau Diversity and Living Together Day! Enjoy music and dance from around the world while sampling traditional foods from different cultures. There will be a lively family area with inflatable games, activities and the famous cultural cube. From 13 to 17 August, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Grand Jamboree Country and Agricultural Exhibition of Lac-Simon! For four days, the site will be filled with the sound of country music. Put on your boots and cowboy hat and come and experience this rural event with your family or friends! As part of Pride Week, you can attend a Story Time session with Jeunesse Idem, presented by the Maison des arts littéraires. On 17 August, join the vibrant Xtra for a reading at the Guy-Sanche Library, and on 23 August at the Donalda-Charron Library. On 20 August, immerse yourself in the rhythm at DJEMBÉ Nights at the Musée des Pionniers! Open to all, these evenings offer an opportunity to come together and enjoy the sound of percussion. On 22 August, delve into the fascinating history of the Outaouais region with a lecture by historian Michel Prévost about Jos Montferrand at the Maison du Domaine Fairview, presented by the Musée régional de l'Outaouais. This event will reveal the man behind the myth: his life, his exploits and his significance in French-Canadian heritage. On 28 August, attend the lecture 'L'inestimable beauté des chutes Chaudières' (The Priceless Beauty of the Chaudière Falls). Hosted by Louise N. Boucher, this event will take you on a journey to discover how the falls, located between Gatineau and Ottawa, have inspired many artists. Through a series of iconic works, explore the evolution of this emblematic site to its contemporary reality. From 23 August, immerse yourself in Sophie Roy's unique world at the Centre d'action culturelle de la MRC Papineau. Using alternative photography, paintings and mixed media, the artist creates poetic and symbolic works that encourage reflection on our relationship with nature, time and contemporary society. This new exhibition invites you to slow down, observe differently, and open yourself to a vision of the world in constant transformation.

Join in the excitement at Place Notre-Dame this summer. This newly revitalised space comes alive with a free and friendly programme of events. On 1 August, experience the intensity of L’Expédition, a vibrant celebration of Les Cowboys Fringants' world. On 2 August, don't miss the performance by Marc Bélanger, an experienced singer and guitarist. On 5 August, let your imagination run wild with Atlas Géocircus, a circus show that will transport both young and old on a clownish adventure into the heart of the cosmos. Bring your chairs and gather your family. On 2 August, Café des Orties will host Dark Discothèque, an evening of chilling, mesmerising electronic music. The '80s will be back in full force thanks to DJ Désordres Sonores. Expect an irresistible mix of coldwave, darkwave, post-punk, Italo disco and other dark electro gems. Take part in the Fête du Parvis, an event organised by the Estacade! On 2 August, let the infectious energy of Vincent Lemire's new country music carry you away, and on 16 August, come and sing your heart out with France D'Amour during a memorable evening. Afterwards, continue the party at participating venues in Buckingham. On Sundays 3 and 17 August, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Symmes Inn Museum. On 3 August, relax in the gardens for an afternoon of enchanting music with Noël Samyn, and on 17 August with the Quatuor Jazz Chanté. After the concert, continue the experience with a guided tour of the museum led by historian Roger Blanchette. On 6 August, enjoy an unforgettable evening at the Hôtel-Casino Lac-Leamy - Loto-Québec-owned entertainment resort with a performance by IAM. True pioneers of French rap, the members of this group deliver powerful lyrics set to socially conscious music. Opening the show is D-Track, a Gatineau rapper whose sharp lyrics reflect his fifteen-year career. Let the music of Festiv’ÉTÉ carry you away. This series of free outdoor concerts takes place in the heart of Parc régional de Champboisé. On 8 August, groove to the sounds of Buck and the Outbreak. Take a seat, surround yourself with nature and enjoy this unique experience as the music drifts away under the summer sky. On 9 August, take part in a disco-themed time-travel evening. As the sun sets, the dance floor will come alive to the rhythm of the '70s, '80s and '90s, with the band Expérience Iconik and guest DJs providing the music. Dig out your bell-bottoms, sunglasses and glitter, because a disco costume contest will make the evening sparkle! On 9 August, get ready to dance the night away at Le Minotaure with Funk Yo Self! This Ottawa-based band blends funk, psychedelia, and jazz fusion. Already acclaimed on stages in Toronto, Montreal, and at the Ottawa Jazz Festival, they never fail to spellbind audiences. Put on your dancing shoes! Then on 15 August, warm up your vocal cords and prepare for an electrifying evening at the Hôtel-Casino Lac-Leamy - Loto-Québec-owned entertainment resort with WANTED: A Bon Jovi Tribute! Relive the rock band's greatest hits in a fiery show. Then, on 20 August, recharge your batteries at Henri-Bourassa Park with a rock-themed evening as part of Mercredis en Musique. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is sure to be electric. Bring your chairs, get comfortable, and let the music take you away. Then, on 21 August, celebrate 10 years of music with Le Diable à Cinq in an emotional show at Les Brasseurs de Montebello. To celebrate their very first official performance, the band is returning to where it all began! Relive their three albums, share memorable moments and discover a few surprise guests who have shaped their journey at the Bankeur. Only 100 spots are available for this exclusive anniversary party, so get your tickets now! The following day, get ready to rock Henri-Bourassa Park in Papineauville at an unforgettable Party dans le parc! The evening will kick off with a performance by local artist DJ REMS from the Papineau RCM, followed by an icon of the Quebec music scene: DJ Dan Desnoyers. Dan D-Noy will transform the park into a real open-air dance floor! There will be a canteen and bar on site to enhance your evening. Then, on 24 August, let the soft rhythms of a jazz trio lull you at the Maison du Domaine Fairview. This event is presented by the Musée régional de l'Outaouais. Félix Rouleau-Simard on drums, Louis Sibellard on piano and Tom McMahon on bass will treat you to a sophisticated performance. Then on 27 August, head to À la Dérive Brasserie Artisanale for an emotional evening with Les Années Ferland. This tribute show celebrates the world of Jean-Pierre Ferland and his contemporaries — true pillars of Quebec song. Performed by singer Clément Courtois and accompanied on piano by France Bernard, this musical performance is sure to evoke memories and excitement. On 30 August, the Hôtel-Casino Lac-Leamy - Loto-Québec-owned entertainment resort will be hosting a wild Motown Party! Let yourself be carried away by the timeless classics of The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5 and many more.

On 5 August, treat your body and mind to some relaxation at the Nordik Spa Village Chelsea during the Yoga at the Spa event. Take part in one of four guided yoga classes. Book your spa experience, then sign up for a class on the day of your visit. Slow down, breathe and enjoy a full day of relaxation in the heart of the Collines-de-l'Outaouais. Every Wednesday in August, enjoy a moment of well-being with outdoor yoga sessions at the Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau. These free sessions take place in a beautiful natural setting and are followed by complimentary refreshments. Mats are provided, so all you need to bring is your smile! Also every Wednesday in August, enjoy a unique experience in harmony with water with Flow sur l'eau, SUP yoga events offered by Idolem at the Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy! Hop on your paddleboard, let the waves rock you, and flow through yoga poses. Improve your balance and concentration in complete serenity.

On 6 August, escape to the wooded trails at Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon for the TYPC Fun Run 2025! Take part in this free, relaxed day of trail running with no timing or rankings. Whether you choose the 3-, 6- or 8-hour challenge, the goal is simple: to share an active, festive experience in a beautiful setting. Try out Salomon running shoes, reach the summit, and then enjoy some pizza on your way back down. Then on 9 August, dive into the action with the Traversée du Lac Simon, a summer celebration of open water swimming. Each event offers an opportunity to challenge yourself: experienced swimmers can tackle the 12 km route, while novice participants can try the 2 km route. Children aged 5 to 12 can also discover the sport safely thanks to the Discovery Course. On 24 August, test your limits at the Petite-Monnaie Triathlon at Lake Viceroy! Whether alone or as part of a team, take on the sprint challenge: 800 metres of swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the lake, followed by 20 kilometres of cycling through the countryside and then 5 kilometres of running. Each participant will receive a free ticket for Sunday's Festival Santé & Bien-Être at the Centre de vie. On 24 August, get ready to push your limits at the Grit & Grind Trail Race in the heart of Gatineau Park at Camp Fortune. Choose between the 5 km and 10 km courses for a breathtaking athletic adventure. With challenging climbs, stunning views and an electrifying atmosphere, this race offers so much more than just a time — it's an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors! There will also be a 2 km race for young runners, so the whole family can get involved! Every Sunday in August, head to Parliament of Canada Hill for an open-air Zumba party! Get into the groove, let the sunny rhythms carry you away, and dance with a fun and energetic crowd. Every Wednesday, enjoy a sporty and gourmet evening at Ladies' Night at Château Cartier Golf! Choose between a 9- or 18-hole course, including dinner and door prizes. Three meal options are available at the pro shop each week. For added comfort, rent a golf buggy.

Spice up your week with the Crazy Tuesday – Tacos & Tequila Special at Pärlée – Bistro ludique! On 5 August, immerse yourself in an electric atmosphere with an irresistible menu of tacos and tequila-based cocktails that will make you want to dance salsa between bites! On 14 August, let yourself be transported to the south of France with La Provence: Soirée champêtre at The little wine bar. For the second year running, chef Serge Rourre will take you on a culinary journey through Nice, Avignon, the Luberon and other iconic regions.

We've found the best places to stargaze in the Outaouais. The region is renowned for its Perseids in mid-August. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast or simply someone who loves a bit of magic, come and discover some tips for a successful evening. Look up and reconnect with the immensity of the universe. Experience a heavenly moment at Eco-Odyssee Nature Park, where the full moon and the Perseids come together for three magical evenings under the stars. On 8 and 9 August, enjoy a cosy atmosphere around the fire with storytelling, live acoustic music and star-gazing. Set off on an evening adventure aboard a boat in the water maze. On 12 August, enjoy a tranquil evening of contemplation without entertainment to fully appreciate the meteor shower. Book quickly, as spaces are limited — especially for van lifers! Despite the bright moon this year, the evenings of 11 and 12 August remain magical opportunities to catch a glimpse of the Perseids. AstroPontiac is opening its doors for these free observation evenings. There will be a telescope on site so you can admire the moon up close, as well as other wonders of the summer sky. Take this opportunity to learn more about astronomy.

Go behind the scenes of Canadian democracy like never before at the Parliament of Canada with the 'Parliament: The Immersive Experience tour. Immerse yourself in 360-degree projections, powerful sound effects, light shows and striking images that bring the walls to life. Experience the great moments that shaped Canada and feel the emotion of the debates and the gravity of the decisions made. This is an invitation to see, hear, and feel the heartbeat of democracy in a setting where the past and present converge. + For more suggestions, visit La maison du tourisme or consult the official Outaouais 2025–26 tourist guide. Discover all the activities the region has to offer and plan your itinerary based on the area you want to explore.