What's in the Outaouais August 16-22
We’re getting around! From heritage walks to archeological digs, from double-decker bus tours to popular festivals!
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Festival de la Principale
Old Aylmer is a neighbourhood with soul, thanks largely to its main street, Principale. All year round, residents and visitors flock to Principale Street for its shops and restaurants, but also for its festivals and celebrations, including the Festival de la Principale, featuring a unique exhibition of inflatable artworks. Two kilometres of fun and entertainment for the whole family!
Principale Street, Old Aylmer
August 16–18
Festival rires Petite Nation
Enjoy three days of laughter at the inaugural Festival rires Petite-Nation comedy festival! Big names on the playbill include Michel Barrette, André-Philippe Gagnon and Guy Nantel.
Near the Guy Lafleur Arena, Thurso
August 22–24
Single tickets $42.90, festival pass (3 nights) $106.89
It’s Archaeology Month
Who has never dreamed of finding a buried treasure? At the Canadian Museum of History, you can be an archaeologist for a day. Pick up your brush and uncover replica Neanderthal objects—and learn what it takes to be an archaeologist. Younger visitors are invited to dig to reveal … chocolate chips! (Part of Awesome Sundays.) The NCC will be hosting public archaeological digs at Leamy Lake Park. For several millennia, the banks of the Ottawa River were the site of exchanges between the First Peoples, and you’ll discover archaeological evidence of their passage. The digs are free, and advance reservations are recommended.
Walks of all kinds
Historic, heritage, immersive, theatrical: there are many ways to explore the region on foot! On Saturday afternoons, join a walking tour of the historic village of Wakefield. In Gatineau, there are several free walks (note: in French only), including a guided tour of one of the oldest cemeteries in the city, a tour of the Quartier-du-Musée neighbourhood, and a travelling tale about the legend of Brewery Creek. Tag along as a private detective investigates the streets of Old Hull in the ambulatory play Les revenants du Petit Chicago (“The Ghosts of Little Chicago”). In Chelsea, on Saturday evenings, you can go on a haunted walk and learn about former prime minister Mackenzie King’s passion for spiritualism and the supernatural.
Take a double decker bus tour
Play tourist, UK style! In Ottawa, you can go on a city tour aboard an open-top double decker bus. Your 1-day or 2-day pass lets you hop on and off the bus at various points of interest, including embassies, museums and the ByWard Market. Bilingual tour guides will tell you all about our beautiful region. Fun fact: If you squint a bit, Ottawa looks sort of like London (we’re thinking the Peace Tower clock …).
59 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Tours depart every half hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (until September 2)
$25 to $50.90 depending on duration of tour.
There are 2 wheelchair-accessible seats available per double decker bus.
Still going strong!
Twist Fibre Festival (until August 18)
Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light (until August 24)
Cirque du Soleil (until September 1)
