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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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. -
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.
How to get there
Discover businesses in Gatineau
Folk Art Centre of Québec
Discover the best of Québec folk art at this Outaouais gallery located less than an hour from Ottawa.
Parc Omega
Less than an hour’s drive east of Ottawa at Parc Omega, you can see bears, deer, elk, bison, caribou, wolves and other Canadian wildlife on a self-drive safari, all year round.
Ottawa Yacht Tours
Escape the crowds and see Ottawa's sights from a new perspective on a leisurely yacht tour on the Ottawa River. Each boat fits up to a dozen passengers!
Mackenzie King Estate (Gatineau Park)
Once the summer home of Canada's longest-serving prime minister, this 231-hectare (571 acre) property in Gatineau Park welcomes visitors to enjoy lunch, special activities, lush gardens, wooded trails and more.
Capital Pathway
One of the best ways to explore Ottawa–Gatineau is by bike, through an extensive multi-use pathway network.
Le Harfang Fat Bike et Raquettes
Rent a fat bike or snowshoes at this rural site on the northeast edge of Gatineau, Quebec—just a short drive from downtown Ottawa—and enjoy scenic winter trails.
Find more businesses on the Outaouais Tourism website.
Upcoming events in Gatineau
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…
La Cocktailerie : Dan Livingstone Concert
Canadian guitarist and singer Dan Livingstone performs an intimate acoustic concert at La Cocktailerie in Old Chelsea. Known for his expressive…
Outaouais Film Festival
Experience the Outaouais Film Festival, a vibrant celebration of national and international auteur cinema! Enjoy 100+ screenings of feature films…
Grande Première
Experience Grande Première, an exciting fashion show showcasing emerging designers from the Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy. Enjoy stunning…
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…
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…
Other neighbourhoods you might be interested in
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ByWard Market neighbourhood and Rideau Street
The ByWard Market neighbourhood boasts many boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and bars making it a must-visit destination. -
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.
