Fresh air and culture: the perfect match in the Outaouais
With its rich and fascinating heritage and wide open spaces, the Outaouais offers more than one way to combine your passion for the outdoors and culture: bike to a museum, hike to a historic building, follow a public art trail, and more. Check out our suggestions for exploring the region.
Visit historic buildings
Looking for some fresh air and new discoveries along the way? Take advantage of Gatineau Park’s free shuttle service, available six days a week. Get easy access to popular hiking trails near the parkways. Take the opportunity to visit the historic gardens and ruins of the Mackenzie King Estate. Take a free one-hour guided tour to learn interesting facts about the site. Check the schedule for tour times.
Swim for free in the Ottawa River at the NCC River House! During your visit to this recently renovated century-old building, you can get a bite at the bistro, rent a kayak and watch the sunset. You can even get there by water taxi from the Ottawa locks.
Just across the river is the Old Aylmer Historical Tour. This self-guided tour takes you back in time as you walk past Old Aylmer buildings that have left their mark on history. Downriver in Montebello, the Montebello Heritage Tour showcases the remnants of the past by highlighting the area’s cultural heritage.
Discover public art trails
Lace up your walking shoes for a free walk on the Sentier des arts (“art trail”) at Champboisé de L’Ange-Gardien, where you can experience the boundless creativity of international artists. An extraordinary artistic experience in the heart of nature awaits you as you admire a dozen sculptures on the property along the Lièvre River. It’s not a mirage, it’s real: the works of art blend in so well with their natural surroundings!
On foot or by bike, travel downtown Gatineau’s Culture Trail. Follow the red markings on the ground to discover 45 artworks installed in the urban landscape. Murals, poetry, paintings, photographs … keep your eyes peeled as you participate in outdoor sports.
Try your hand at land art with the Land Art project on the hiking trails of the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau. You’ll be amazed by this contemporary creative form, which uses space, the landscape, and natural elements to create works of art.
There’s no shortage of originality in outdoor public art exhibitions. This year’s edition of Gatineau’s Recycl’Art outdoor exhibition will immerse you in an artistic universe where the works are made from recycled materials.
Combine a city walk and museums
After you’ve biked along the Voyageurs Pathway and visited the Canadian Museum of History, take a break on the Panorama Patio. Admire the view of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill while enjoying tapas, a craft beer or a refreshing cocktail.
On the other side of the bridge, stop off at the National Gallery of Canada. The Radical Stitch exhibition, which examines aspects of contemporary Indigenous beading, is definitely worth a visit. Drop by the Inspiration Zone to take part in creative workshops and watch a documentary.
Continue your excursion with the Discover Canada’s Capital Region package from Experience Outaouais. Aboard the Lady Dive amphibus, take a bilingual guided tour on land and water to the capital region’s iconic sites, including Canada’s Parliament Buildings. The package also includes admission to the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of History, as well as two nights’ accommodation in Gatineau.
Attend outdoor cultural and artistic events
What could be more fun than combining your outdoor activities with a show on a patio, a musical performance or a cultural event? Thanks to Tout Culture‘s jam-packed summer calendar, you won’t miss out on any of the talent featured in the Outaouais.
At the Terrasse du Square, get together for a drink and enjoy the summer programming: live entertainment, twilight movie nights, free activities and much more. It’s your festive destination right next to Gatineau Park!
The Maison de la culture de Gatineau‘s immersive outdoor dome is a 360-degree multisensory experience you’ll want to enjoy more than once! In this unique and captivating setting, journey into the artistic and musical world of the iconic rock group Pink Floyd.
Do you have an artistic streak? At the Salon des Inconnus (Maison Favier), you can stay in a room in the main lodge or in an unusual accommodation, meet other artists, and take part in events.
Combining culture and the great outdoors is a unique and rewarding way to enjoy yourself. Are you ready for some new discoveries?
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