© Claire Kowalewicz
Dive into our blog to discover the best tips, events, and ideas for outings in the Outaouais! Our articles will guide you through local experiences, suggestions for #OutaouaisFun activities, practical advice and inspiring stories. Stay informed and be inspired by all that the region has to offer!
This July 1st, the Gatineau-Ottawa region is buzzing with festivities for Canada Day. Maple leaf flags are proudly displayed, the air is festive, music blares in the streets and fireworks light up the sky. It’s the kind of day you look forward to every summer. Located right next to Ottawa, the Outaouais has a front-row seat for the national Canada Day festivities, which again this year promises a host of free, accessible activities to celebrate in style. Here’s a glimpse of what is awaiting you for a colorful July 1st, right in the middle of the action.
Do you have the makings of a great captain? The Outaouais invites you to navigate by land through the Chemins d’eau, a tourist route that winds along the Ottawa River from Petite Nation to Gatineau, traversing the Collines-de-l’Outaouais and Pontiac RCMs as well. A mix of nature, heritage and culture, the attractions along this route will delight everyone, not just sailors! Climb aboard your boat on wheels and discover the key sights of the region! Don’t worry—sea legs are optional, but a thirst for discovery is a must! Head out and explore this tourist route for a road trip to remember!
What could be more exhilarating than speeding down the peaks of the Outaouais on your bike? Fresh air, unspoiled nature, breathtaking views and well-maintained trails: the region is right up there with the rest of Quebec! Test your skills on a fabulous playground and meet a community of enthusiastic cyclists. We’ll show you where to go to have fun on the most beautiful mountain bike trails in the Outaouais.
It’s shaping up to be a busy summer, with a full program of activities for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a restorative self-care weekend. On the water or in the wild, Fairmont Le Château Montebello gives you lots of ways to make the most of summer.
Still relatively little known, the Pontiac abounds in natural treasures, including its majestic waterways. Located less than an hour from Gatineau-Ottawa, this part of the Outaouais is like a world apart, with its impressive beauty and rugged landscapes. You’ll be won over by its rapids, vast sandy beaches, waterways and rivers. A refreshing day awaits you!
Learn about Indigenous cultures by visiting places in the Outaouais that are rich in history. The region occupies traditional Anishinaabe lands, specifically the territory of the Anishinabeg Nation. The word “Outaouais” comes from the Anishinaabemowin “adawe,” which means “to buy and sell,” a reference to the fur trade and bartering carried out in the region. The rich history of the First Nations has shaped the Outaouais and influenced its culture. Try new experiences, view works by Indigenous artists, and taste authentic flavours.
Properly celebrate the men in your life with some activities in the Outaouais to show them how much they mean to you! Whether you hope to surprise him with a round of golf on a beautiful day, impressive exhibitions or simply a good meal, discover many ways to celebrate our day-to-day heroes!
Enter the National Gallery of Canada and let yourself be enveloped by a unique atmosphere where senses are awakened and emotions flow. Located in Ottawa, this cultural space promises an unforgettable experience. Stroll through the vast galleries, enjoy the beauty of natural light and admire the works of art within its walls.
The fine weather is here at last, and the days are already flying by! This year, we won't be ending the summer thinking it zipped by too fast—again. Your mission for 2024: make the most of every moment of summer in the Outaouais! And how do you do that? By checking things off our summer bucket list of 75 suggested activities, outings and places to visit in the region!
Discover the best of the Outaouais by bike by riding through five circuits. Watch rural and urban landscapes unfold before your eyes, come across deer and stop for a local beer on a sunny terrace. This summer, take to the trails and bike paths of the Outaouais on your bike!
The end of the school year, the beginning of summer, a ton of festivities and the return of seasonal tourism businesses, June is sure to make you smile! Look at our suggestions for activities and events to help you make the most of June.
The City of Gatineau is an outdoor lover’s paradise. With over 364 parks, 300 km of bike trails, and plenty of places to get away from it all, it’s an ideal playground that combines green spaces and city life. Several of its outdoor sites and centres even have equipment rental facilities! Take a deep breath of fresh air and discover Gatineau’s natural side.