10 Fun Things to Do in April
Cover : Canadian Museum of Nature
April, the between-seasons month—too warm for winter sports, but still too cold for summer activities. But never fear, there’s lots to do in April to take your mind off the temperamental weather.
Free
Poutine festivals
Poutine is a big draw on both sides of the river. In Gatineau, Place de la Cité welcomes the first Gatineau Beer and Poutine Festival.
A dozen food trucks will be on site, serving up different variations on the poutine theme, and several craft brewers will be offering liquid refreshment to accompany your meal. Entertainment, kids’ activities, live shows … it’s all lined up for a poutine-tasting adventure with family or friends!
On the Ottawa side, the PoutineFest takes over Sparks Street from April 26 to 29. It’s finger-licking good!
Place de la Cité
April 27–29
Free
The party continues in Ottawa at the PoutineFest on Sparks Street.
FemmExpo – Pouvoir autrement
To mark International Women’s Day, the Centre d’action culturelle de la MRC de Papineau is organizing FemmExpo, an exhibition of works by 39 local women artists.
This 10th anniversary edition of FemmExpo, on the theme Pouvoir autrement, presents a women’s-eye view of current events. An intriguing and thought-provoking artistic experience.
Centre d’action culturelle de la MRC de Papineau
Until April 27
Free
Fête du livre en famille
Do you wish you could have spent more time at the Salon du livre de l’Outaouais last month? Catch up at the Fête du livre en famille (Family Book Fair), where several local children’s authors will be present. Take advantage of this opportunity to share the love of reading with your children.
Maison du citoyen
April 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Free
Under $20 per person
Women’s Show
The Women’s Show is coming to the Outaouais. Now in its 12th year, this major trade show features more than 220 exhibitors and more than 75 presenters on such topics as health, well-being, meditation, beauty and grooming, and many more.
Palais des Congrès, Gatineau
April 7 & 8
$14
Admission is valid for both days of the show.
Live show: Joe Rocca (Dead Obies)
Love to dance? Head for Joe Rocca (Dead Obies)’s show at the Minotaure. Blending pop, R&B and hip hop, his new album French Kiss reveals a new side of this popular music artist.
Minotaure
April 14 at 8 p.m.
$15 on line, $18 at the door
Reserved for ages 18 and over. Cash-only bar on site.
Exhibition – Museums’ Choice: Fossil Favourites from Across Canada
Discover fascinating fossils from across Canada at the national touring exhibition Museums’ Choice: Fossil Favourites from Across Canada. From British Columbia to Nova Scotia to the High Arctic, explore the rich diversity of our land.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Until May 31
Adult $14 / Student $12 / Child (12 and under) $10
Under $30 per person
Brunch at the Urban Sugar Shack
Everyone loves visiting a maple sugar shack, so Le Rituel created the Urban Sugar Shack. Not too sure about that? Have a look at the menu (in French only) and you’ll soon be convinced!
Le Rituel
Saturday and Sunday brunch starting at 10 a.m., until April 22
Adult menu $25 / Children’s menu (12 and under) $13
The Urban Sugar Shack also serves dinner on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 5 p.m. Price $41 (children 12 and under $13). Vegetarian options available.
Maple-flavoured brunch
Treat yourself and your sweet tooth to the sugar shack brunch plate at L’Huile d’Olive restaurant. Hearty and satisfying!
L’Huile d’Olive
Daily for lunch and dinner, until April 29
Adult menu $26.95 / Children’s menu (12 and under) $13.95
Dusk Series in Gatineau Park: Owl Prowl
When night falls, many different animals awake and become active. Join an experienced birdwatcher for an evening Owl Prowl. Discover the many owls that live in Gatineau Park, and learn about their unique characteristics and behaviours.
Gatineau Park Visitor Centre
April 7 at 7 p.m.
Adult $20 / Student $16 / Child (12 ad under) $7
Nature Nocturne : Harmony
Harmonize with nature! Rediscover the power of sound, from whale songs to karaoke, at the Nature Nocturne: Harmony themed evening. Entertainment, music and dancing.
Canadian Museum of Nature
April 27 at 8 p.m.
$25
Reserved for ages 19 and over. Cash-only bar on site.