The Culture Trail: A public art trail to discover

Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, the downtown area has some surprises in store for you this summer! Follow the dots on the ground and discover the  Culture Trail, a fun route where amazement awaits on every street corner.  

What’s the Culture Trail?

It’s an urban art trail in downtown Gatineau lined with 45 installations of all kinds: playful art, murals, sculpture, poetry, painting, photography, etc. This year, some 18 new works have been added to the artistic offering. The Trail showcases Quebec and Canadian artists, and includes a few works by international artists!  

A platform for public art and artists, the Culture Trail is already in its eight year, and it gets better every year. Not only is it a free activity, but the diversity of works appeals to just about everyone! 

A pathway to be discovered in more than one way

On foot, by bike or even on a scooter, choose the mode of transportation that suits you best. You can start at any point along the trail, but to make sure you don’t miss anything, we recommend starting at the Maison du tourisme, where the first work is waiting for you. What’s nice about it is that you can explore the Culture Trail at your own pace and according to your own interests. From June 1 to September 7, guided tours from the Maison du Tourisme to Aubry Lane are also available. Whether you want to combine the walk with a stop for a meal or just take the time to admire each work, the itinerary is up to you. 

Seeing Old Hull Differently

The sun is shining as I walk along the path that runs alongside Brewery Creek. I have a map in my hand, which I picked up at one of the red terminals. The map is also available online. I follow the red dots on the ground and the signs along the way pointing me to my next destination. Throughout the day, wide-eyed and curious, I set off to discover each installation. You’ll find descriptions of the works near each installation and on the  Culture Trail web page.  

I starts my tour at the Maison du tourisme tourist office, where M. Chadid’s Havre de paix, a playful fountain with giant animals, amuses young and old alike. As I walk along Hôtel-de-Ville Street, I notice that the cracks in the sidewalk are decorated with mosaics – how creativel! It’s the work of the La fée des trottoires, from the artist Gogofrisette. Along the way, I observe new works, each as unique as the next, on both sides of the street. L’ours et la clarté, colored stained-glass windows in the shape of bears, is one of them. Near the Carré-Vaudreuil fountain, I have a huge crush on Viridis, a work by Alex Davro where you can scan a QR code and see artistic elements come to life. All along the Cultural Trail, you can take part in the interactive Riddle Hunt. Move from clue to clue until you solve the mystery.

Next, I stroll along Laval Street, where I stop to admire C’est la vie, a series of vibrant murals in bright colours illustrating the characteristic elements of Old Hull over the years. Place Laval  is as festive, unifying and colorful as last year. In fact, all summer long, this place offers a highly diversified musical program, as well as free activities (yoga, zumba, game night, etc.). As I cross Place Aubry, I can’t help but look up and be surprised by the life-size sculpture of an individual swinging in the void. It’s part of Mark Jenkins’ exhibition Passages Insolites. 

So much to offer

Every street corner reveals its own surprises. Whether you’re passionate about literature, art, photography or history, the Culture Trail has a lot to offer! Audio and video capsules, The Old Hull Chronicles, are also available to accompany your visit.  

Several shows and activities, including public readings, interactive chalk art and exhibitions, will be held in downtown Gatineau this summer. Check out the program to make sure you don’t miss anything!

For maximum enjoyment!

Once you’ve walked the length of the Culture Trail, your visit is far from over, as the Trail is close to a variety of attractions! Whatever your interests, there’s no shortage of options: visit a museum, discover local flavours on a patio, or browse the nearby stores and markets.  

Make the most of your experience and share your favourites on social media using the hashtag #CultureTrail! The works I’ve mentioned are only a few of the many along the route. Until October 13th, the Culture Trail offers a memorable experience to enjoy with friends and family, as a couple or on your own.  

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Has this walk worked up an appetite? Discover the must-try downtown restaurants.