Photo Credit: Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Discover Outaouais Region with kids this summer! From delightful and mesmerizing festivals to outdoor adventures to thrill the entire family, there are plenty to do at the Outaouais Region located in western Québec, north of the Ottawa River and bordering Canada’s Capital city, Ottawa.
Here are 50 things to do this summer with kids in the Outaouais Region
Experience nature at the Parc National de Plaisance
Plaisance is a summer haven for thousands of Canadian Geese, ducks, herons, and several other bird species. The soft breeze from the Ottawa river toys with the natural greenery and the facilities and campground entice visitors to the site. Details
Stroll through Gatineau Park
Just 15-minutes from the famed Parliament Hill, this conservation park spans an enormous 36,131 hectares of land. There are a ton of notable places to visit such as the Eardley Escarpment – home to an incredibly fragile ecosystem, and the Mackenzie King Estate – a legacy that belonged to Canada’s longest-serving prime minister. Details
Play amongst the trees at the Arbraska Lafleche
Zip line over the incredible jungle of trees at the Arbraska Lafleche. Children 5 years old and up can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including the Snowman’s Adventure, the Kids Course, and discovering the biggest cave of the Canadian Shield. Details
Go for an outdoor adventure at the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve
Rich in animal wildlife and vegetation, the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve is an ideal outdoor family outing that is popular for fishing, kayaking or canoeing, and simply relaxing on the beach or in a lakeside log cabin. Details
Get up-close-and-personal with the animals at Parc Omega
Walk on the downtown Gatineau culture trail
Walk the at your own pace and take a journey of discovery on this 3-kilometer long culture trail that exposes some of downtown Gatineau’s greatest points of interest, as well as a delicious selection of restaurants. Details
Take an Aqua-Taxi in Gatineau
A ride on the aqua-taxi is indeed a fantastic photo opportunity for family pictures and pictures of the one-of-a-kind scenery on the Ottawa River. Details
Cycle on Gatineau’s many paths
Although bike month is dedicated to May, Gatineau’s many trails that make up a giant network are precisely why Gatineau is known as bike city. With its continuous development of paths, cycling is a lovely family summer activity in the city. Details
Spend a beach day at the Centre de Plein Air Du Lac-Leamy
The Lac-Leamy outdoor center is a classic outdoor destination for those who want to relax on the beach, stroll on a path, or rent some equipment for some fun on-the-water activities. Details
Hike on the Oiseau Rock Trail
This 5-kilometer hiking trail boasts natural lookouts on the Ottawa River, and several interpretive panels focusing on the culture and history of the Algonquin People. Upon reaching the beautiful summit of Oiseau Rock, you are bound to witness unique bird species like the Thunder Bird. Details
Go horseback riding at the Captiva Farms
The Captive Farms prides itself on being the largest horseback riding farm in eastern Canada. This red barn is located in the heart of a natural field and is a true escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Details
Have fun at the Amigo Recreational Complex
The Amigo Recreational Complex is an energizing outdoor fun zone with trampolines, go-karts, climbing walls, and mini-putt for an active summer afternoon. Details
Play some mini golf at Dunn-D’s Mini Golf
Get competitive at the charming Dunn-D’s Mini Golf site and play on a challenging 18-hole mini golf course with friends and family. Surrounded by a spectacular scenery, it is bound to be a memorable summer activity. Details
Pick some berries at Les Fruits du Sommet
This enchanting rural setting allows you to pick your own berries among 10 varieties of raspberries, and 7 varieties of blueberries, play on an executive golf course, and purchase some fantastic local products like jellies and syrups. Details
Meet the farm animals at the Ferme Cabriole
Located in Papineauville, meet the sheep, chickens, ducks, horses, and rabbits, take a lunch break in the picnic area, and don’t miss the western riding course. Details
Splash around at the Mont Cascades Mountain Waterpark
.
Admire White-Tailed Deer
Open just half of the year, the White-Tailed Deer Interpretation Center invites all to discover this friendly, elegant animal in its natural habitat. The hiking trails in the area are also a great feature for outdoor enthusiasts. Details
Head to the Wonders of Sand festival
Photo Credit: Wonder of Sand Festival
This sand and water festival presents families with a festival colorful with activity. Keep an eye on the event website for the annual theme and event schedule so you can plan your exciting day with Wonders of Sand! Details
Participate in the Fun Educational Activities at Gatineau Park
From meeting fascinating night creatures to interpretive walk on the Sugarbush Trail, Friends of Gatneau Park will take you for a fun learning adventures round the year. Details
Go paddle boarding at the Centre Nautique de la Lievre
On eastern Gatineau, the mix of urban and rural scenery from the 18-kilometer waterway is the perfect view from a paddle board, kayak, or canoe that can be rented from the center. Details
Take a Stroll along the many Pathways of Jacques-Cartier Park
Join for Canada Day Celebrations or meander through the many pathways that offers breathtaking views of the Ottawa River and Rideau Falls. Details
Go climbing at the Altitude Gym
.
Discover the Canadian Children’s Museum
The Canadian Children’s Museum transports visitors around the globe, and is a world of discovery offering colorful exhibitions, props, artifacts, toys, and games that reflect an enriching understanding of history, culture, and the arts. Details
Take an Airboat Tour through the Outaouais region
Head on an airboat adventure around the Outaouais region for a 60-minute expedition that encompasses the Collines de l’Outaouais, Pontiac, Petite Nation, and Gatineau areas. Details
Introduce the family to new flavors at the Buffet Des Continents
With over 150 different dishes inspired by the most significant countries in the world – Italy, Spain, China, France, and the Middle East, to name a few, this international buffet can introduce the entire family to a new fusion of delicious flavors.
Discover the 400 lakes and beautiful beaches at Bras-Coupe-Desert Zec
A zec is a controlled area for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation in Quebec. Responsible for conserving wildlife and facilitating a space for outdoor enthusiasts, this areas are ideal for a family outing. Details
Go on a GPS adventure with the family
Build up the family’s teamwork skills with a GPS adventure in the Mirabel area. Combining geocaching with a themed scenario such as a police investigation – the activity will capture your attention for hours. Details
Experience eco-tourism at the Eco-Odysee
This magnificent mixed forest is an outdoor playground for on-the-water recreational activities and solving puzzles through maps and clues in this organized adventure. With adventures for all skill levels, slap on some sunscreen, stay hydrated, and get ready for a unique summer experience. Details
Spend a day at Le Patro
Situated on the Outaouais river shore, 350 acres of forest and field are dedicated to families and social and educational learning opportunities for the children through recreational games. Summer offerings include a BMX racing track, a splash pad, and a water slide. Details
Grab some ice cream at the Gelato and Sorbet Cassis House
What is a jump into summer without a classic cone? This gelato and sorbet house is a local favorite in the Gatineau region and serves very unique flavors like toasted marshmallow and black sesame. Details
Play creative games and sports with the little ones at Sportball
At Sportball, there are parent and child programs for little ones even at 16 months old. Programs aim to teach fundamental sport skills, and get them participating in games, stories, songs, and more. Details
Grab some sweet treats at Biscotti & Cie
Biscotti & Cie seeks to excite taste buds through an explosion of flavors in coffees, gourmet pastries, and desserts. All products are homemade in this gem of a location. Details
Retreat to the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello
Go back in time at the Canadian Museum of History
The Canadian Museum of History is the most visited museum in Canada, with 25,000 square meters of display space that present 20,000 years of human history. Enrich you and your family’s knowledge about all that has shaped Canadian history and identity. Details
Play board games at L’as des Jeux
Rent out a board game from several different genres and play at the store or take it back to the comfort of your home for as long as a 3-day period. This boutique specializing in board games has an array of 500 games in French and English for the whole family. Details
Cycle through the Cycloparc PPJ
Nestled between the Ottawa river and the hills of the Laurentian Shield is the Cycloparc PPJ. This bike path and park is a small and quaint place to ride a bike through forest and agricultural landscapes and wetlands. Details
View the Fireworks at Lac Simon
Simon Lake hosts its annual firework show in July. In the daytime, explore the municipal beach and enjoy the events and live music, and after nightfall, watch the sky come alive with multi-colored fireworks. Details
Take an art class at Ecole d’art Salamandre
Classes at the Ecole d’art Salamandre range from manga workshops, observational drawing, paintaing and modelling, and even a creative café session where you can enjoy a hot drink and some live music while you create any art piece of your choice. Details
Take off on a helicopter ride with Heli-Tremblant
Take on a new perspective of the Outaouais region with a helicopter ride that includes aerial photos and videos, and a highly personalized tour. Details
Enjoy a battle of fireworks
Ride a Segway
This Segway tour is a 2-hour tour that guarantees smiles, adventure, and a cool tour of Leamy lake and its surrounding areas. Details
Head to the Gatineau Sports Museum
For young athletes, the Gatineau Sports Museum is bound to get them exciting and riled up to learn more about the development of sports in the Outaouais region. The museum displays many preserved newspaper clippings, magazines, and sports-related items. Details
See a movie at the Cineparc drive-in theatre
Opening June 1st, this old-school drive-in theatre in Gatineau will play some old classics and new movies from Friday to Monday. Details
Have Fun at Moussette Park
Go shopping in downtown Gatineau
For those looking for some retail-therapy, downtown Gatineau has you covered. Cafes, restaurants, and bistros dot the area, as well as a variety of specialized stores and multi-sports centers. Details
Plan an escape at Dossier 325
Participate in a real-life adventure game and escape the room using the collective minds of your team members. These escape games are carefully crafted and all have a detailed story behind them so you can really get into character. Details
Get chocolatey at Chocolats Favoris
Visit chocolate haven and snack on fondues, chocolate bars, crunchy treats, and even purchase some chocolate related souvenirs. Details
Rent a cottage at Chateau les Beaulne
Head to the Chateau les Beaulne and relax with the family in one of seven lakeside cottages in the heart of the Petite-Nation. The site is a peaceful and a picture of serenity, with surroundings that have plenty to offer. Details
Go on a family summer camp with Air-Eau-Bois
Discover a true family summer camp at the Air-Eau-Bois outdoor recreation center, getting families to head out to the great outdoors and walk on adventure trails, practice archery and rock climbing, and access the Poisson-Blanc lake. Details
Attend the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival provides a great experience to discover the Outaouais landscape high up in the sky in a hot air balloon. A flight lasts between 20-90 minutes, and riders must be tall enough to see over the basket. Details