25 Activities You Need To Do In Outaouais This Summer

From adventure, gastronomy, relaxation, nature and more, there is plenty to see and do in the Outaouais region of Quebec. It’s conveniently located right beside Ottawa and some attractions are as close as 10 minutes away from downtown Ottawa. Here’s everything you need to do in Outaouais this summer:

Hike, Camp or Swim in Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is the perfect spot for hiking, camping, swimming, biking and more in Outaouais this summer. Enjoy 200km of hiking trails at the Park. It’s a great place to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors. I also recommend visiting one of the lakes while you’re there. This shot is of Pink Lake. It’s a meromictic lake which means there are layers of water that don’t mix. Plan your visit here.

Trails with some of the best views include:

• Carbide Wilson Ruins
• Luskville Falls
• Wolf Trail
• Champlain Lookout
• Pink Lake
• Meech Lake
• King Mountain
• Mackenzie King Estate

Enjoy a Staycation or Night Out at Casino du Lac Leamy

Casino du Lac Leamy has everything you need for the perfect night out all under one roof! Head there for cocktails at Bar 7, dancing at the night away at Club Aléa, indulging at Arôme, trying your lucky in the zone and more. This is one of my favourite nights out in the capital and there’s something for everyone! Make it a staycation and add on some relaxation with a stay at Hilton Lac Leamy. Make sure to read my full guide here of everything you can’t miss.

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Walk the Gatineau Culture Trail

After you’ve enjoyed a patio, start your way on the Gatineau Culture Trail. Inspired by the Boston Freedom Trail, this 3km red line will lead you to sights and attractions in Gatineau. The trail includes main attractions like Mosaiculture and the Canadian History Museum, public art, graffiti, exhibitions, guided and self-guided tours, and restaurants. Access the culture trail map here.

Spend the Day With Canadian Wildlife at Parc Omega

If you love animals you need to visit Parc Omega! You’ll be instantly greeted by some friendly deer upon arrival. Make sure to bring carrots or apples and they’ll love you even more! You’ll see deer, pigs, wolves, foxes, bears, bison and more! There’s a spot on the trail where you’re able to get out of your car and be right in the company of deer. Book an overnight stay in their tipi, prospector cabin, wi-tent, log cabin or house on stilts. You can read all about why I love Parc Omega, including photos of baby wolves, here.

Have A Staycation At Chateau Montebello

Chateau Montebello is the perfect spot if you’re looking to relax and unwind on your vacation. The grounds have everything you need from restaurants, spa, activities, stunning views and more! It’s a great place to disconnect, enjoy the outdoors and the company you’re with. Spend the day canoeing, kayaking, playing tennis, participating in a scavenger hunt or photo rally, sitting by the campfire and more! The hotel is so cozy and charming and only an hour drive from Ottawa. It’s also the largest circular log cabin in the world! You can read about my stay at Montebello and things to do in the town of Montebello here.

Join Paddlefit for a Stand Up Paddleboarding Class

Join Paddlefit for one of their stand-up paddleboard classes including yoga classes, advanced racing, river surfing and more! You can participate at multiple locations including Meech Lake, Lac-Leamy, Jacques-Cartier Park, Aylmer Beach and more. You can also book one of their tours of Rideau Falls and Lac-Leamy where you will experience close up views of Parliament and the two falls which make up the Rideau.

Sunset At Aylmer Marina

Explore downtown Aylmer where you’ll discover a variety of restaurants and bars and then head to the marina for sunset. You’ll be able to catch a stunning view as the sun sets over the water and behind the boats!

Explore Wakefield

If you’re looking for a quick getaway from Ottawa, the picturesque village of Wakefield is just 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa. You’ll come across some unique and colourful shops and restaurants that you’ll want to explore. It’s also perfect for spending the day on the water. Rent a canoe, paddleboard or kayak from Expeditions Wakefield. They also rent out bikes!

Fun fact, the red covered bridge was built in 1915 and was the first bridge to link the two shores of the Gatineau River. The bridge burned down in a fire in 1984 but the community raised money to restore it in 1998. Now it’s a pedestrian-only bridge. You can learn about the history written plaques inside the bridge. Start off with a picnic on the bridge and then go for a swim.

Eco-Odyssee

Located in Wakefield, explore this unique water maze and see how much wildlife you can spot in Outaouais. There are more than 60 intersections spread out over 6km. I loved navigating the maze and taking in this amazing view at the same time! I chose the canoe option but they also have paddle boats available. Choose from over 30 Eco-Odyssee adventures.

Go Bungee Jumping

Get your adrenaline racing with the Great Canadian Bungee Corporation. You’ll bungee jump 200 ft above the beautiful Morrison’s Quarry! Are you brave enough? 😉 Let me know in the comments!

Mini Golf at Dunn-D’s

Head to Dunn-D’s for some mini-golf fun. You can even use the water current as an advantage at some holes! The grounds are beautiful and it’s a great spot to go with friends, family, or a date. 

Go SkyDiving

GO Skydive will fly you into the air where you’ll jump from a plane at 13,500 feet and free fall more than 200km/h for almost a minute before you open your parachute. From the sky, you’ll be able to take in the beauty of Ottawa and Outaouais.

Camp Fortune Aerial Zipline

Test your strength and endurance with Camp Fortune’s aerial courses and zip lines. It’s the perfect opportunity to get active and take in the beauty of the Gatineau Hills by ziplining through them. Routes also include climbing ladders, going across zigzag bridges, and crawling through barrels. If you want to make the most of your time, try their Explorer trail. This trail is 2.5 to 3 hours and is their longest aerial park with the most zip lines.

Enjoy A Brew and View At Brasseur de Temps

Brasseur de Temps is a brewery, restaurant and museum all in one! They brew beer here that can be enjoyed at the restaurant and is also distributed all across Quebec. The name Brasseur de Temps was chosen because of the brewers of the area, dating back to the 1800s. The first brewer of the area had their farm in this exact location. Enjoy their craft beer, food, and take a walk through their museum and learn about the history of the beer industry and their brewery. 

From here you can also enjoy Gatineau Ville de Plein Air. Depart in a canoe from Brasseurs de Temps and enjoy some time on Brewery Creek. Check out the website here to learn more of the cultural tours in the open air. 

Relax At Nordik Spa

If you want to feel completely relaxed and rejuvenated then head to Nordik Spa in Outaouais! Enjoy thermotherapy in world-class facilities at North America’s largest spa. They also have a salt water floating pool, that is the second of its kind in the world, the other being in Switzerland! Treat yourself to the outdoor baths, sauna, relaxation areas, massages and more! Add to the experience and enjoy a glass of wine as you lounge in the pools.

Go Berry Picking At Potager Eardley

Walk through the fields of Potager Eardley and find the ripest strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Enjoy them as is or take them home to make a jam or dessert. After you’re done picking berries you can enjoy one of their fresh smoothies or some gelato! While you’re there you can also see some of their small farm animals like rabbits, chickens, and goats!

Have A Picnic At Mackenzie King Estate

You’ll find Mackenzie King Estate nestled in Gatineau Park. This country estate belonged to William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada’s 10th Prime Minister. When he passed away he left his estate to all Canadians. You can walk through the gardens, historical ruins and relax in the Mackenzie King Cafe & Tea Room.

Do A Wine Tasting at Vignoble du Clos Baillie

You’ll find this winery in Outaouais just minutes from Ottawa and close to Gatineau Park. They have a variety of red wines, white wines, cider and more! Make sure to book your tasting in advance here.

Interested in more local wineries? Check out this winery guide.

Explore Laflèche Cave

Explore the largest cave in the Canadian Shield. Walkthrough and learn the mysteries of the cave and find hidden passages. Explore remote parts of Laflèche Cave including the smallest spaces. There’s even an option to sleep inside the cave for the night.

Spend a Weekend Camping

Escape to the outdoors and disconnect for the weekend while camping in Outaouais. They have so many spots that are perfect for your camping getaway. Discover some spots here. Do you have a favourite camping spot?

Raft on the Ottawa River

Join Rafting Momentum for rafting on the Ottawa River. Get your adrenaline going on this crazy day out on the water. They have plenty of packages available to accommodate your comfort level and group size. They also have combo packages with partners that include skydiving if you want to add more adventure or a relaxation package with Nordik Spa passes if you need to unwind after rafting.

Chemins D’Eau

Chemins D’Eau is an official tourist route along the water in Outaouais. It’s 278km water route and has 87 partners that consist of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. Along the route, you’ll learn how the Ottawa River and main areas shaped the Outaouais and how the water was the main highway.

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

As someone who is afraid of heights, I expected to be scared on a hot air balloon ride but it was the exact opposite, I found it to be a very calming experience! Go up in one and take in the view down below. Or you can also take in the view of hot air balloons in the sky from the comfort of solid ground. The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival has 300 shows and activities, 1,200 RV’s, 200 000 spectators!