From indoor/outdoor thermal therapy oases to unique treatments and calming activities in gorgeous settings, the Ottawa region offers ultimate relaxation options.
Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Ottawa is Gatineau, a small city on the Quebec side of the Ontario/Quebec border.
With its close proximity, Ottawa locals and tourists have access to a variety of events, restaurants, museums, nature and North America’s largest spa!
Food + Drinks
Head to Old Chelsea in Gatineau where you’ll find homemade ice cream during the spring, summer, and fall months at La Cigale. Other can’t miss food and drink destinations in Old Chelsea include Palmier Café and Chelsea Pub.
If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience, check out Sans Facon and Soif Bar à Vin.
Arts + Culture
Experience North America’s largest spa with a trip to Nordik Spa Village Chelsea. With four restaurants, nine outdoor baths, eight unique saunas, an infinity pool, a yoga and meditation room, an exfoliation room, and seven outdoor massage pavilions, you’ll get the luxurious rest and relaxation you deserve.
Outdoor activities
Gatineau Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With a number of hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing trails, exceptional road cycling paths, a ski hill, a zipline and aerial park and rock climbing, there’s truly something for everyone.
Head to Camp Fortune for year-round outdoor activities. Less than an hour away from downtown Ottawa is Parc Omega, a 12-kilometre self-drive safari where you can see and feed animals like deer, eld, bison and caribou.
Don’t forget to check out the Lusk Cave Trail. Just 45-minutes from downtown Ottawa, you’ll find yourself wandering below the earth’s surface in a cave that was formed over 12,500 years ago!
Shopping
Les Promenades Gatineau is the area’s largest shopping centre, where you’ll find major stores and restaurants. Head to the Hull neighbourhood to find artisanal goods.
Nightlife
You’ll find Casino du Lac-Leamy just a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa. With six different bars and shows, two restaurants and a large variety of games, Casino du Lac-Leamy is sure to provide you with an incredible nightlife experience.
Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated night out, fun entertainment or drinks with your friends, Gatineau has it all. Be sure to visit places like Ou Quoi, Taverne Montcalm and Bar le Whip.
Major annual events + sports
Gatineau is home to numerous annual events! Throughout the year, you can experience Gatineau Beerfest, Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, Aero Gatineau-Ottawa, Winterlude, Gatineau Comedy Festival, Tour de Gatineau, Gatineau-Ottawa Bicycle Show, Ottawa Gatineau Tattoo Expo and more!
Check out Ottawa Tourism’s Event Calendar to stay in the know on all upcoming events.
Explore the Gatineau neighbourhood
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Wonderful winter adventures in Ottawa
Looking for fun things to do outside this winter by yourself, with friends or with loved-ones? Stay active by skating, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and more. -
Awesome autumn adventures and activities in Ottawa
Be adventurous while enjoying spectacular fall colours this fall in Ottawa by ziplining, caving, bungee jumping, flying, climbing, hiking, cycling, and more.
How to get there
Discover businesses in Gatineau
Canadian Museum of History
Discover the events, people and objects that have shaped Canada at the Canadian Museum of History, across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill.
Captiva Farms
Enjoy Western horseback riding year round on a ranch in the rolling Gatineau Hills, just east of the charming town of Wakefield, Quebec, and a 35-minute drive from Parliament Hill.
Nordik Spa Village Chelsea
Indulge in the ultimate indoor-outdoor relaxation experience at North America's largest spa, located just 10-minutes north of downtown Ottawa in Chelsea, Quebec, near Gatineau Park.
Folk Art Centre of Québec
Discover the best of Québec folk art at this Outaouais gallery located less than an hour from Ottawa.
Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy
One of the city's most versatile performance spaces, this state-of-the-art venue hosts full-scale musical revues as well as spectacular solo performances.
ALÉA Nightclub
Located in a spectacular structure overlooking the Casino Lac-Leamy gaming area, ALÉA is the destination nightclub par excellence to appreciate the best in nightlife.
Find more businesses on the Outaouais Tourism website.
Upcoming events in Gatineau
Wakefield Market
Experience the charm of the Wakefield Market, a lively outdoor market happening every Saturday from May to October. Each week, around 30 passionate…
Oniro
Experience a magical forest walk at Parc Oméga as the story of wolf cub Oniro unfolds through light, sound, and immersive storytelling. Created by…
European Union Cultural Fair
The Delegation of the European Union to Canada and the Embassies of EU Member States invite you to a vibrant celebration of Europe’s cultural…
BougeBouge Outaouais Festival
Get moving at the BougeBouge Outaouais Festival! Run 1km, 2km, 5km, or 10km, then enjoy a magic show, sports demos, and fun in the Youth, Zen, and…
Pure Country 94 Cruise
Hop aboard the Ottawa River Queen for the Pure Country 94 Boat Cruise! Kick off your weekend with country hits, dancing, giveaways, and stunning river…
Traffic Light Boat Cruise
Set sail for an energetic evening aboard the Traffic Light Boat Cruise featuring music, dancing, and scenic waterfront views. Guests are encouraged to…
Other neighbourhoods you might be interested in
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ByWard Market neighbourhood and Rideau Street
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Sparks Street and Parliament Hill
What to see and do on Canada’s Parliament Hill and Ottawa’s pedestrian-only Sparks Street. -
Elgin Street and the Golden Triangle
What to see and do on Ottawa’s Elgin Street.
