Bar-hopping in Gatineau
Humans are social animals: we thrive on social interaction and meeting new people. And what better way to satisfy that need than going out to a bar? To stay up until the wee hours of the morning, have a few drinks, dance to your favourite music or socialize with your gang of friends, get inspired by these popular Gatineau bars and pubs!
For your bar discovery tour
For a fun night out in Gatineau, the downtown area is a must, with its bar district located at the intersection of Laval, Aubry and Kent streets. It’s THE ideal destination for a bar crawl! The lively atmosphere, busy pedestrian streets and inviting and unique bars make for an enjoyable evening every time.
To watch the hockey game or any other sporting event, the Pêle Mêle is your destination! A sports bar at the beginning of the evening, it quickly turns into an incredible meeting place with good music and plenty of other humans. The alcoholic specialty to share with your gang: the pichet vert (“green pitcher,” made with red and white Sangria)!
Across the street, Aux 4 Jeudis café and bar is a perfect place to have a drink and stretch out happy hour! Some evenings also feature movies on the patio and outdoor shows.
On the same corner is the Ou Quoi Urban Lounge. It would be a crime to visit downtown without stopping by to sample the signature “BeaverTail” shots, which attract a steady stream of bar traffic. Sit back and admire the sparks!
On Kent Street, Minotaure, affectionately known as the “Mino”, is a cocktail bar, performance venue and free arcade all in one. With its theme nights, shows and karaoke nights, the bar is constantly reinventing itself. Every evening is unique!
Are you yearning to hear live performances of classic songs such as “Country Road”? Take a trip to La P’tite Grenouille de Gatineau, part of a well-established chain of Quebec boîtes à chansons that opened on Aubry Street in 2021.
For a typical downtown nightclub, head to Mardi Gras. Dance floor, DJ, banquettes to sit on and order a bottle: it’s time to party!
Finally, for evenings of humor and to enjoy the conviviality of a place that adapts to all occasions, head to Le Troquet.
For a jet-set evening
An evening at the Casino du Lac-Leamy is a ton of fun! In the heart of the gaming area, between the glittering slot machines and the gaming tables, Bar 7 has comfy chairs where you can sit and chat, a DJ and a dance floor. The casino is open 24 hours a day, so you can make the most of the night! To complete your experience and treat yourself, why not book a room at the Hilton Lac-Leamy, right next door?
For great beer
The number of microbreweries in the Outaouais and Gatineau is trending steadily upward, so there are lots of options to satisfy even the pickiest of your friends! Taste the best beers by participating in the L’Outaouais brassicole initiative
In the Aylmer sector, L’Autre Œil bistro has one of the most extensive beer menus in the region! Expect to make some great hop discoveries.
For spending the whole evening
Bistro La Gargouille serves a creative bistro menu and excellent cocktails, all made with local products. Thanks to its musical nights (Wednesday through Saturday), the time will fly by!
Looking for a good tartare and signature cocktails? SHAKER in the Promenades Gatineau offers the ideal combination of food and mixology. After dinner, the resto-bar turns into the perfect place to party and have a great night out.
A popular spot in east-end Gatineau is the Bar de l’Encan in Masson-Angers. With its large terrace, live music and DJs, this local institution is ideal for an entertaining evening.
For playing board games
A pub-and-play—just what the doctor ordered! And luckily for you, there’s Pärlé, a playful bistro where you can meet your friends or your significant other to have a drink, chat, eat, laugh … all while playing board games. You can try out one or more games from the bistro’s vast selection; an on-site host will suggest the best ones for your taste and explain all the rules in detail. All you have to do is enjoy yourself!
For showing off your karaoke skills
Bring your best voice (or your worst—hey, nobody’s judging) to Pop-O-Bar, Gatineau’s legendary karaoke bar! If you have a burning desire to dazzle the crowd with your stage presence and belt out your favourite classics, this is the bar for you.
For playing pool
Terminus is the place to play pool all evening, and watch others play. Choose your table (there are 31!), grab your cue and have fun. There’s also an indoor golf simulator for those who’d like to bring their golf clubs and practise out of the weather.
With so many options, Gatineau has a lot of exciting and entertaining evenings in store for you. And the Outaouais has many more: check them out!
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Don’t forget to assign a designated driver or take a taxi to get around!
