COVID-19 Update

Ottawa Tourism’s top priority is the health and safety of our community and our visitors. As we welcome travellers back to our region, please consult our Visiting Ottawa safely page for the latest COVID-19 information. When making plans, please confirm details with businesses and entities directly as parts of our website may not reflect current offerings.

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

September 2022, dates to be announced

Visit the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival website

Each year at the end of August, this massive event launches balloons of all shapes, sizes and colours over the Ottawa-Gatineau region, and offers concerts, fireworks, amusement rides and more.

Watch giant balloons lift off from the festival grounds or take a ride in one and drift over the Ottawa-Gatineau region. After dark, some of the balloons are lit up during night flights!

The festival also hosts live entertainment for kids and adults, including popular and emerging musical acts from Quebec, Canada and beyond. Other family-friendly fun on site includes a carnival amusement park, fireworks, buskers and more.

The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (Festival des montgolfièresde Gatineau, or FMG) is held in the large Parc de la Baie in Gatineau, Quebec (less than a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa).