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As the festive season approaches, the Outaouais region is transformed and the magic begins. Hundreds of lights illuminate homes, wreaths appear on front doors, fir trees take their place in living rooms, and Christmas markets once again enliven our evenings.

Gourmets can recognize finesse and quality in a product, which is good news because there are many gastronomic treasures to be found in the region's gourmet food shops. From decadent cheeses to exotic spices and local spreads, everyone has their own guilty pleasure! A wide range of refined local foods and specialties are available to help you create tapas or delicious meals. Discover our gourmet destinations. 

Can you really claim to know the Outaouais if you’ve never experienced the freedom of steering a quad down forest trails as far as the eye can see? Imagine riding through countryside where the forest covers almost 80% of the landscape. On your ATV, you become an explorer, discovering natural treasures accessible only to the bold. 

According to some legends, the Outaouais is haunted—and not just one night a year! The region has its share of places known for scary secrets and mysterious phenomena that some might call supernatural.

For a day or a weekend, take on the challenge of completely disconnecting from social media and your screens. See the beauty of nature with your own eyes, enjoy a few board games, take in all kinds of works of art or retreat to a rustic, off-grid cottage. Enjoy authentic experiences in the Outaouais, far from digital pollution! You'll see, the benefits are instant!

Meeting animals, wild or domestic, is a sure-fire way to open your heart. Whether along a trail, in a farm pen or holding the reins of a sled team, the Outaouais is full of chances to meet their gaze and grow attached. An animal park, a farm, a ranch or an interpretation centre will give you the opportunity to pet and observe these endearing creatures. Be warned: love at first sight is never far off… 

October's undisputed star is the fall foliage! It's the time of year when we soak up the last sunny days before winter sets in. As much as we love hiking beneath the autumn colours and the outstanding views the Outaouais offers, why not enjoy all those colours from a different angle? Here are some activity ideas for admiring the fall colours as you've never seen them before!

October marks the final stretch of fall colors before they begin to fade, and the countdown to Halloween. With big shows, fall markets, and costume parties, October offers plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the region before the cold weather sets in.

In Petite Nation, there’s lots to do when the trees are displaying their most beautiful colours. Explore the region in gourmet mode, and make the most of your outing by adding a cultural visit or a relaxing outdoor interlude. 

Looking for a family outing where everyone learns something along the way? A museum visit is hard to beat. With thoughtfully designed exhibitions that bring together technology, artifacts and hands-on play areas, there's something for every member of the family. Head to the Ingenium museums, three Ottawa museums well worth the trip!

Want to broaden your cultural horizons? The region is full of engaging activities that will leave you in awe, from exploring fascinating museums to attending captivating shows or discovering local art treasures. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture and discover all it has to offer! 

One of the best ways to get into the Outaouais region is to take the scenic drive along the mighty Ottawa River, a natural border between Québec and Ontario. Just keep driving upriver!