What's on in the Outaouais, October 12-18
As the weather turns cooler and the trees show off their most beautiful colours, it’s the best time of year to fully enjoy the outdoors. Fortunately, the Outaouais has a wide range of original activities to get you outside and active this week— and we have some suggestions for good causes to support as well.
Festivals and events !
Duhamel in full colour
This Sunday, the municipality of Duhamel invites you to enjoy the fall colours during a day of hiking organized as part of the “Randonner le Québec” (“Hiking Quebec”) festival. Choose from five unique circuits ranging from 3.25K to 12.25K, of varying levels of difficulty. All you have to do is register, lace up your boots, and join other hiking enthusiasts in the peaceful natural setting of this beautiful part of the country!
Meet at the Duhamel community centre – 1890 Principale Street, Duhamel.
Sunday, October 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free. Registration required.
A free shuttle service will run between the community centre and the starting points of the various hikes along the Iroquois Trail, sections of the National Trail. Note that dogs are prohibited on the Iroquois Trail during the event.
Mac My Cheese Fest
I don’t know about you, but for me, the arrival of cold weather spells “comfort food”! And what’s more comforting than good old macaroni and cheese? This weekend, indulge in this famous dish at the Mac My Cheese Fest at Ottawa City Hall. Whether your taste runs to classic or creative, there will definitely be something for everyone.
Ottawa City Hall – 110 Laurier Street, Ottawa.
Friday, October 12 and Saturday, October 13 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, October 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free.
Nature Days – NCC Fall Rhapsody
If you haven’t yet participated in an NCC Fall Rhapsody event, this weekend is your last chance! With family or friends, take part in Nature Days at Breton Beach at Philippe Lake. Watch a demonstration of birds of prey, and go on a guided hike with an experienced nature interpreter. Family activities, barbecues and picnic tables are available on site.
Breton Beach – Lac-Philippe Road, La Pêche.
Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free.
Guided hikes will start at 11:30 a.m. (in French) and 1:30 p.m. (in English). Birds of prey demonstrations will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Grand défoulement de Gatineau fundraising walk
This Saturday, celebrate the perseverance and courage of the thousands of Quebecers directly or indirectly affected by cancer by participating in the Grand défoulement fundraising walk organized by the Quebec Cancer Foundation. The safe, clearly marked 5K route is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability level. Register as an individual or as a team to raise funds for this important cause.
Moussette Park – 361 De Lucerne Blvd., Gatineau.
Saturday, October 13 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Free. Registration required.
The werewolf of Duhamel
The work of cartoonist Christian Quesnel will be in the spotlight at the closing concert of the Duhamel concert series. Carl Bernier and Isabelle Nadeau will narrate Vengeance primitive, a comic book inspired by the 19th-century legend of the werewolf of the Petite-Nation. Accompanied by the spellbinding cello of Marie-Pier Gagné, this musical reading of the comic will deliver thrills and chills for young and old alike.
Duhamel Church – 1900 Principale Street, Duhamel.
Saturday, October 13 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Free.
Make a difference !
Help tornado victims
In response to the extreme weather events of September 21, Outaouais Tourism reached out to businesses and organizations in the region to organize a fundraising brunch for the benefit of the Canadian Red Cross in order to help the victims of the tornado. “Deux œufs bacon pour une bonne cause” (“two eggs and bacon for a good cause”) was born out of the solidarity and support of local businesses and organizations, whose generous response ensured that 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales could be donated to the cause. Enjoy a good meal and support our community at the same time—buy your tickets now!
Agora, Maison du Citoyen – 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau.
Sunday, October 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Adults: $45 | Children under 10: $15 | 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross.
Besides attending the brunch, you can contribute to this fundraiser in various ways, including bringing non-perishable food and personal care products to the event, participating in the silent auction, or making a donation to the Red Cross directly on the spot.