Activity

Events and festivals

In the Outaouais, we never miss an opportunity to celebrate the things we love! And it's a long list: sheep's wool, fireworks, coloured leaves, beer, tulips, hot air balloons, winter, and art, to name a few. Colorful events and festivals await you in all seasons. Come celebrate with us!

Blog – Things to do in the Outaouais in March

*You can confirm with attractions that activities are still available depending on weather conditions.

March brings the delicious aromas of sugar-shack meals and the instant rush of taffy on snow. It’s also the perfect time to have fun and spend quality time with your family! Here are our suggestions for a maple-flavoured, fun-filled March.

Read more

Events calendar
FROM TO

January 3 to February 3

Lunar New Year Celebration

320 Sussex Drive, Ottawa (Ontario)

On February 3, you are invited to the Lunar Year of the Rabbit activity. Perpetuate this Chinese tradition by getting together with family and celebrating your successes.

January 13 to March 10

Animal Tracking on Snowshoes

33 Scott Rd., Chelsea (Québec)

What animal made these tracks in the snow? You will find out by participating in a guided snowshoe hike along trail 60. Discover the strategies animals have to survive the harshness of winter. This activity is free, and snowshoes are provided. Spaces are limited.

January 21 to February 19

Outdoor installation: Iceberg

100 Laurier St., Gatineau (Québec)

From December 21 to February 19, discover the Iceberg outdoor installation. Raise awareness of climate change by contemplating this architectural work and let yourself be enveloped by the experience of sound and light.

January 27

Fat-Fest du Harfang

10 Scott Rd., Chelsea (Québec)

The Fat-Fest is a gathering of fatbike enthusiasts of all levels in the Outaouais. On the schedule: group rides, challenges/fun activities, DJs, beer, food. New this year : two 5 and 10 km race courses!

February 2 to 19

Eiffel Bridge Illumination : Échos de la Tour

Northern part of Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau (Québec)

A never-before-seen light show will take place on the rue Montcalm bridge, nicknamed the Eiffel Bridge, in Gatineau. Join us every weekend from February 2 to 19, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to witness the metamorphosis of the bridge thanks to a choreography of lights orchestrated by more than 40 spotlights.

February 4

Indigenous Experiences – Mini pow wow

Gatineau and Ottawa, Gatineau et Ottawa

On February 4, come and experience a mini pow wow and an artisans’ market at the Canadian Museum of History. An opportunity to highlight the legacy and important role played by indigenous peoples in the country. Free event.

February 9 to 11

Canadian Ski Marathon

220 Bonsecours St., Montebello (Québec)

58th edition: February 9 to 11, 2024 - The Canadian Ski Marathon is the longest and oldest cross-country ski event in North America.

February 9

Breakdance Battle – Snowflake Kingdom

Gatineau and Ottawa, Gatineau et Ottawa

Prepare to be amazed by a world-class breakdancing competition featuring the best talent from Eastern Canada. A free event, where the spirit of hip-hop and street dance culture will take the stage.

February 16 to 18

Gatineau Loppet

397 Blvd. de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Gatineau (Québec)

The Gatineau Loppet is back this year, from February 16 to 18, 2024!

February 22 to 25

Loud and proud

50 Blvd. Maisonneuve, Gatineau (Québec)

For its 45th edition, the Salon du livre de l'Outaouais invites its public to enter its joyful hubbub. The muffled rustle of turning pages, the sonorous clamor of encounters, the imaginary whisper of paper with a thousand promises... listen carefully to catch these scraps of poetic impulses or fleshed-out reflections in flight. In 2024, the SLO can be read out loud!

February 23 to March 29

Snowshoes under the stars

33 Scott St. #227, Chelsea (Québec)

Friday evenings with a nature interpreter from the Friends of Gatineau Park. Under the gaze of the moon, you'll discover how animals survive winter.

February 24

Winter Festivities

1521 Rt. 309, L'Ange-Gardien (Québec)

Join us at Champboisé de L'Ange-Gardien from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 24! Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow sculpture contest, Olympics, disc golf, nature hikes, bonfire and much more await you! Free activities.

February 29 to March 2

Winter Brewfest

15 Jos-Montferrand (Ruelle Zibi), Gatineau (Québec)

The Winter Brewfest is back for march break!

March 16

Showcase All-Stars

3 Casino Blvd., Gatineau (Québec)

The world premiere of Klein Collective at Hit The Floor: a technical production directed by none other than Erika Klein and danced by the best. Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 9pm. Get your tickets now!

March 23

Sugarfest

399 Rt. 323 North, Montebello (Québec)

Enjoy a festive evening with a taste of sugar time! Join us for the 3rd edition of the Sugar Fest at Parc Omega, on Saturday, March 23.

May 18 to October 14

NCC Weekend Bikedays

Gatineau Park and Ottawa, Ottawa (Ontario)

Every weekend from May to October, take advantage of nearly 20 kilometres of parkways open for active use, along the Ottawa River.

May 25 to 25

La journée des héros

85 Principale St., Chénéville (Québec)

For the 3rd year running, the Municipality of Chénéville is organizing Heroes' Day.

May 25 to 26

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

Gatineau-Ottawa

It’s a must for runners and spectators alike.

June 9 to 9

Choeur philharmonique du Nouveau Monde-Ottawa

Next concert at 355 Cooper St., Ottawa (Ontario)

The Ottawa Classical Choir, founded in 2006, offers amateur singers from the Ottawa-Gatineau region the opportunity to make their voices heard and to work with professional artists.

June 13 to 15

Le grand rendez-vous musical de l'OSG 2024

855 De la Gappe Blvd., Gatineau (Québec)

From June 13 to 15, 2024, you’re invited to attend the Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau; le grand rendez-vous musical.

June 21 to 24

Festival L'Outaouais en Fête

Parc des Cèdres, Gatineau (Québec)

Every year, the festival “welcomes the world” to Des Cèdres Park in Gatineau, a beautiful natural site on the shore of the Ottawa River.

July 1 to 1

Canada Day

Join the celebrations at LeBreton Flats Park and elsewhere in the heart of Ottawa–Gatineau!

July 4 to 6

Festival d'Humour de Gatineau

Place de la Cité, Gatineau (Québec)

The annual Gatineau Comedy Festival adds a blast of fun and laughter to the Outaouais summer event calendar!

July 6 to August 31

RECYCL'ART Gatineau

101 Montcalm St., Gatineau (Québec)

Recycl'Art de Gatineau is an outdoor public art exhibition featuring unique sculptures created from recycled materials by local and international artists.

July 14 to 14

23rd Chénéville Vintage cars exhibition

85, St. Principale, Chénéville (Québec)

On July 14, bring the whole family to the 23rd edition of the Chénéville Car Show organized by the Municipality of Chénéville.

July 17 to 27

Gatineau Brewfest

Place des festivals ZIBI, Gatineau (Québec)

The Gatineau Brewfest is 8 days of beer tasting, good food, music shows and all kinds of discoveries.

July 18 to 28

St-André-Avellin Western Festival and Professional Rodeo

530 Charles-Auguste-Montreuil St., Saint-André-Avellin (Québec)

Bring out your inner cowboy at the Saint-André-Avellin Western Festival!

July 31 to August 17

Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy

100 Laurier St., Gatineau (Québec)

From July 31 to August 17 2024, the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau will be transformed into a magical venue presenting breathtaking pyromusical shows.

August 1 to 4

Festival Country du Grand Gatineau

333 Blvd. de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Gatineau (Québec)

For all fans of country music.

August 9 to 11

Twist Fibre Festival

530 Charles-Auguste-Montreuil St., Saint-André-Avellin (Québec)

Canada’s largest fibre festival, TWIST brings together the top players in the field.

August 29 to September 2

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

La Baie Park, Gatineau (Québec)

The largest summer event in the Outaouais is known for its diversified artistic lineup and offers surprising activities for the whole family!

September 6 to 8

Aero Gatineau-Ottawa

1717 Arthur-Fecteau St. (Gatineau Airport), Gatineau (Québec)

Aero Gatineau-Ottawa offers you a program that will include more than sixty aircraft, both on the ground and in the air, including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the CF-18 Hornet and the only Canadian stop for the US Air Force Thunderbirds!

September 6 to 8

Club automobile Défi Outaouais

66 Lafontaine SR, Montpellier (Québec)

The Rallye Défi is a performance automobile rally on paved and gravel roads where rally cars reach speeds of more than 190 km/h.

September 12 to 15

Festival Ripon trad

31 Coursol St., Ripon (Québec)

Come to the Festival Ripon trad for a unique Quebec experience you’ll remember for a long time!

September 20 to 22

Gatineau Tour

71 Principale St., Gatineau (Québec)

From September 20 to 22, catch the excitement of the Gatineau Tour, an international-calibre women's cycling race!

September 28 to October 6

Chelsea-Wakefield Studio Tour

Collines-de-l'Outouais (Québec)

For 37 years artists on the Chelsea Wakefield Studio Tour have welcomed visitors into their studios.

October 4 to 6

Oktoberfest Ladysmith

775 Rt. 366 Ladysmith,, Ladysmith (Québec)

The only Oktoberfest Festival in the Outaouais!

October 11 to 13

Maple Leaf March

330 Kent st., Ottawa (Ontario)

Put on your most comfortable shoes and join the Maple Leaf March, a world-class, non-competitive, non-profit international walking festival.

November 8 to 10

Symposium Gatineau en Couleurs

25 Laurier St., Gatineau (Québec)

A colourful weekend presenting the work of 70 Quebec and Ontario painters and sculptors selected by a jury.

November 29 to December 8

Christmas in Old Aylmer

115 Principale St., Gatineau (Québec)

Old Aylmer comes alive with lighted floats, parked along Principale Street.

November 29 to December 8

Marché de Noël de Montebello

543 Notre-Dame St., Montebello (Québec)

Fall in love with the Montebello Christmas Market, with its warm atmosphere and magical European-inspired decor.

December 2 to January 7

Winter Lights Across Canada

111 Wellington St. ( Parliament Hill ), Ottawa (Ontario)

Starting in December, nearly 300,000 lights are installed in Canada's Capital Region, highlighting various sites and monuments and creating the Pathway of lights for families and friends to explore.

May 5 to September 4

Our Climate Quest

1867 Saint-Laurent Blvd., Ottawa (Ontario)

Our Climate Quest: Small Steps to Big Change invites youth and their families to look at the impacts of climate change, view real stories of action and get inspired about becoming part of the solution. This engaging exhibition contains immersive, interactive, and fun activities designed to empower you towards making sustainable choices in the fight against climate change.

May 19 to January 7

Under the canopy

240 McLeod St., Ottawa (Ontario)

Venture into the rainforest in this engaging exhibition where you’ll meet some of the fascinating animals that live under the canopy. Explore the importance of rainforests for the planet.

May 25 to December 1

MONEY IN 10 QUESTIONS: KIDS EDITION

30 Bank St., Ottawa (Ontario)

ut of over 800 questions received about money, 10 essential questions were selected. They are addressed through 10 interactive stations designed to educate children and promote financial literacy in a fun way. The exhibition is a fun learning place for both parents and children, without impacting the savings of the youngest ones.

May 27

Habitude - Le Bazar

425 Saint-Joseph Blvd., Unit 14, Gatineau (Québec)

Espace Canevas and Habitude Design have once again come together to offer you a unique new commercial experience, where local businesses can emerge, grow and flourish!

June 1 to October 12

Marché Vieux Hull

Outaouais (Québec)

The Marché Vieux Hull is now located at Parc Moussette. You can discover a wide range of local products, artisanal bakery items, fruits and vegetables, jams, honey, maple products, garlic, charcuterie and meats, ready-to-eat meals, and artisanal products.

June 3 to September 30

Marché du Plateau

Outaouais (Québec)

The Marché du Plateau is located at Parc Central on Rue de Bruxelles, near Boulevard du Plateau in the Plateau sector of the city of Gatineau. You can discover a wide range of local products, artisanal bakery items, fruits and vegetables, jams, honey, maple products, garlic, charcuterie and meats, ready-to-eat meals, and artisanal products.

June 9 to December 31

War Games !

1 Vimy Place, Ottawa (Ontario)

In this expansive introduction to wargaming, find out how games — from tabletop battlefields to digital simulations — have been used to train military personnel. Explore the connections between military conflicts and popular games. Hear thought-provoking perspectives from professional gamers, researchers, designers and veterans. War is not a game. Yet war games offer insights into our relationship with real and virtual armed conflict.

June 16 to September 8

Les Saveurs de la Vallée Farmer's Market

9 Potvin Rd., Messines (Québec)

Meet this producer and many others every Friday from 12 to 5 pm at the Gracefield farmer's market. Don't miss the event on June 30th to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the market. Entertainment, fun and great finds await you!

July 13 to 30

ESCAPE THE LOG CABIN!

45 Wakefield Heights Rd., La Pêche (Québec)

Fairbairn House Heritage Centre is excited to announce the launch of our log cabin escape room challenge! Help school teacher Margaret find the gold stashed by her husband in the one room school house, just before he headed back out west to the BC gold rush. The Fairbairn log cabin escape room challenge takes approximately 1 hour to complete and is suitable for those 6 yrs old and up!

July 22 to September 17

Guided tours of the gardens

34 Greermount Rd., Clarendon (Québec)

Discover the fantastic world of herbalism by walking through the gardens of the farm. We will explain to you the cultivation and use of the medicinal plants that we grow here. All your senses will be stimulated during the interactive visit. A question period will follow the tour.

August 4 to 26

Rainbow in the Spotlight

1 du Casino Blvd., Gatineau (Québec)

Party enthusiasts, celebrate pride every Friday and Saturday in August and indulge in the festivities with Drag Rainbow on August 18th, 19th and 28th.

August 10 to 12

Block party Galeries de Hull

320 St-Joseph Blvd., Gatineau (Québec)

From August 10th to 12th 2023, discover a schedule of festive activities to celebrate the richness of our community. It’s an opportunity to get together, to share and to make great discoveries!

August 18

Country Party

110, Georges St., Gatineau (Québec)

On August 18th, experience a totally country affair on the terrace: music, festive decorations, and corn roast.

August 18 to 20

Festival santé et bien-être

14 Du petit 5e rang Rd., Ripon (Québec)

For the first time, a Health and Wellness Festival will be held in the Outaouais region. It will bring together a variety of speakers, health professionals, artists and organizations, as well as the collaboration of various stakeholders, partners and artisans. This initiative is spearheaded by the Centre de vie, a well-known regional organization whose influence extends beyond local borders. Be part of it!

August 19 to 20

Festifraîches

365, Highway 321, Ripon (Québec)

This gourmet family event celebrates autumn strawberries and raspberries, at a time when they're in abundance!

August 25 to 27

Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival

211 Henri-Bourassa St. (Cité étudiante de la Haute-Gatineau), Maniwaki (Québec)

For the last 25 years, the Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival has been helping to preserve the Gatineau River by organizing whitewater canoe, kayak, and rafting expeditions.

August 26

Glow Dance

351 Rt. 105, Gracefield (Québec)

A colorful evening awaits you on August 26 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Gracefield's Parc des Loisirs. Dress in white to take part in the fluorescent dance. While you're there, cast your eyes skyward to watch the fireworks. The Glow Dance festive event is sure to put stars in your eyes!

September 1 to 3

Tales from the shadow

500a Notre-Dame St., Montebello (Québec)

September 8 to 10

Riverside Festival

100 Laurier St., Gatineau (Québec)

The Riverside Festival is 3 electrifying days on the riverfront at the awesome site of the Canadian Museum of History.

September 11 to July 16

Les Zones Théâtrales

53 Elgin St., Ottawa (Ontario)

Produced by the National Arts Centre, "Zones Théâtrales" is a Francophone theater event that takes place every two years on the stages of Ottawa/Gatineau. The program includes performances and works in progress from all across Canada, as well as several free events (art installations, festive evenings, drag cabaret, etc.). It is a great way to kick off the cultural season.

September 12 to December 19

Comedy at The British

71 Principale St., Gatineau (Québec)

Come and laugh along with our host Julien Dionne and his guests, some of the biggest names in comedy! Don't miss this unique opportunity! Comédie au British, the hippest evening of comedy in the heart of downtown Aylmer! Show dates : September 26 (French), October 24 (English), November 21 (French), December 19 (English).

September 30 to October 22

NCC Fall Rhapsody

Gatineau-Ottawa (Québec)

Admire the magnificent fall colours everywhere in the Capital during the NCC Fall Rhapsody.

October 7 to 8

Cascades Colourfest

448 Mont Cascades Rd., Cantley (Québec)

On October 7th and 8th, savor the beauty of autumn with the Promenade Lift, offering panoramic views of the Gatineau River and the vibrant fall foliage from the mountain's summit. Enjoy entertainment, an Oktoberfest menu, and live music. Take advantage of special rates for winter season passes available until October 31st.

October 7 to 9

Festival of colours

76 de la Montagne Rd., Lac-Sainte-Marie (Québec)

Hiking, music, and a tiki bar await you! Come and enjoy the stunning colors at Mont Sainte-Marie. The chairlift operates from 9 am to 4 pm.

October 14 to 15

The witch market at Moore Farm

Outaouais (Québec)

More than thirty witches will be waiting for you with their brooms to welcome you to their temporary witch market at Moore Farm. They will even offer candies to costumed children who come to ask for them.

October 14

Open House - 20th anniversary

300 Saddler Rd., Mayo (Québec)

Free access to the trails between 10am and 4pm as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the official constitution of the Forêt-la-Blanche ecological reserve, one of the only ecological reserves accessible to the public in Québec that protects one of the last representative examples of old-growth forest in south-western Quebec. It contains numerous trees over 400 years old and plants designated or likely to be designated as threatened or vulnerable. On the program for this special day: A paid BBQ (cash only) from 11am to 1:30pm, forest observation games & door prizes. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for Sunday, October 15, 2023.

October 27

''Thank God It's Friday'' evening

5 Sainte-Elisabeth Rd., Cantley (Québec)

Agenda for the evening: Thermal experience until 10pm (regular closing at 9pm), André Thivierge – Musician, music with DJ Obu, bistro open until 9pm, sweet bites & beverage, door prizes. Quiet conversation are allowed on site. $40 for the evening (regular price at $65). Join us for an evening of wellness and festivities!

October 28 to November 2

Celebrating the Day of the Dead

25 Laurier St., Gatineau (Québec)

As a promoter of Mexican culture, UNAM-Canada has the pleasure of inviting you to visit the altar of the Day of the Dead, in collaboration with the City of Gatineau, the Native Women’s Association of Canada and the Embassy of Mexico in Canada. Celebrate this tradition and enjoy free activities for the whole family, such as guided tours to the altar, workshops, and much more.

October 28

Halloween dans le Vieux- Hull

(Québec)

On Saturday, October 28th, Laval Street will be the site of a Halloween day with family activities from 4 PM to 8 PM, such as face painting, a candy pool, costume contests, and more. From 8 PM to midnight, the festivities will cater to a more mature audience with themed entertainment, awards for the best costumes, and other spooky surprises.

October 28

Free family show!

530 Charles-Auguste-Montreuil St. suite 100, Saint-André-Avellin (Québec)

Come and enjoy Ariane Deslions' show Rêves à colorier, presented by the Municipalité de Saint-André-Avellin. Through storytelling and song, this artist offers words for young people to play down the storms of everyday life. In "Rêves à colorier" (Dreams to color), she repairs the hurts of the heart with the help of her musical tools, choosing to tell us about her "crumpled" family through a playful, orchestral sound coloring that will have young and old dancing! *For ages 5 to 12 and their families. Show presented in French.

November 17 to 19

The Christmas Shop 2023

Cantley, Cantley (Québec)

Come discover the incredible talent of over 40 artists and artisans from Cantley and surrounding areas. Do your Christmas shopping with original, local gifts!

November 17

Autumn harvest

392 Notre-Dame St., Montebello (Québec)

On November 17th, embark on a sensory journey through the rich Quebec’s terroir. Set at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Montebello, the Autumn Harvest promises an evening where the spirit of the season with a curated experience where guests can savor a specially selected range of wines, ciders, and spirits that best represent the region’s rich heritage. 5 Quebec producers - Seasonal gastronomy - Cocktail dinner and tastings

November 18 to 19

Marché de Noël : Sous les flocons de Ripon

4 Marché St., Ripon (Québec)

Come get gifts, decorations and flavours to create a memorable holiday season, while having fun with family and friends.

November 22 to January 1

Christmas Market

34 Greermount Rd., Clarendon (Québec)

The farm shop will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. throughout December. Discover several holiday themed gift sets as well as discounts on herbal products.

December 7 to 10

Séminaire immersif

14 Du petit 5e rang Rd., Ripon (Québec)

This seminar is the perfect opportunity to explore different well-being tools, deepen your relationship with yourself, the world around you, and open up to the invisible world.

December 31

New Year's Party

1 du Casino Blvd., Gatineau (Québec)

Once again this year, join an exclusive, immersive and spectacular NYE Party on December 31, to which only ticket holders will be admitted.