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.
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-Nature. 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
Spa and wellness highlights in Ottawa
From indoor/outdoor thermal therapy oases to unique treatments and calming activities in gorgeous settings, the Ottawa region offers ultimate relaxation options.
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
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.
Arbraska Laflèche
Come explore one of the largest cave in the Canadian Shield with our Discovery Tour or our Explorers Tour.
Artisanelle
Shop for one-of-a-kind creations produced by Indigenous artisans including apparel, accessories, home decor and more.
Atelier Galerie d'art Solart
Founded in 1999 by the artist Michelle Lemire, Solart Studio Gallery is a place of creation, formation, sale and exhibition focused on innovation and artistic expression.
Aventure Outaouais
Guided tour operator offering over 20 different all-inclusive experiences in the Outaouais region.
Banco Bistro
Located on the third level of the Casino Lac-Leamy, this outstanding restaurant offers an à la carte menu bursting with flavours and surprising choices.
Find more businesses on the Outaouais Tourism website.
Upcoming events in Gatineau
Aero Gatineau-Ottawa
Don’t miss this annual air show featuring awe-inspiring aerobatic displays, historically rich military aircraft and new aerospace technologies.
Amplifying Indigenous Stories
Join in for a day of interactive sessions that showcase the transformative power of Indigenous voices in the media.
Canada’s Got Game!
Canada’s Got Game! is a special display of objects marking the Canadian Museum of History’s acquisition of the Order of Sport Collection from Canada’s…
Canadian Ski Marathon
Founded in 1966, this is North America’s oldest cross-country skiing event, taking place in the beautiful Outaouais region. Skiers of all ages and…
Celebrating the day of the dead
The Day of the Dead is a tradition celebrated mainly in Mexico in which dead friends and family members are commemorated through colourful offerings…
Chelsea Wakefield Studio Tour
For 37 years artists on the Chelsea Wakefield Studio Tour have welcomed visitors into their studios. Over two weekends more than 3,000 visitors enjoy…
Other neighbourhoods you might be interested in
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.
