Discover the Outaouais during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship
The Outaouais, the region near the Canadian capital, is a must-see destination to visit during your stay. From December 26, 2024 to January 5, 2025, the City of Ottawa is hosting the IIHF World Junior Championship, an event that brings together renowned teams from Sweden, Slovakia, Germany, the United States, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Finland, Latvia, Kazakhstan and, of course, Canada.
Whether you’re a player, a family member or a fan of young NHL hopefuls such as James Hagens or Gavin McKenna, the Outaouais offers you a multitude of activities to enjoy between two games at Canadian Tire Centre and TD Place. Thanks to its proximity to downtown Ottawa, the Outaouais is the perfect place to spend unforgettable moments during this major sporting event. Discover suggestions for activities and places to eat that will make your stay in the region a pleasant one.
Extraordinary indoor activities
The Outaouais offers many different indoor activities that combine fun, discovery and relaxation.
Put on a virtual reality headset at VR82 Modern Arcade and let yourself be transported and fully immersed in a new world. The arcade offers more than 50 virtual games to try solo or in a group. It’s the perfect activity for some fun between teammates.
Test your team spirit by solving puzzles in the Maître du jeu—Axe Throwing and Virtual Reality Games escape room or get your adrenaline pumping with an accuracy competition in the ultimate axe-throwing challenge.
Unwind at Altitude Gym, a climbing centre offering challenges suitable for all levels. Choose from over 50 first-roping routes and 50 top-roping routes. You can even climb up to 45 feet in the annex!
Fine-tune your swing in the Tecumseh Golf Club’s golf simulator. The club offers a relaxing, sporty atmosphere that’s ideal for decompressing between games. At Bird-Y Golf, turn the golf simulator into a hockey arena and try to score a goal by choosing from the different modes.
National museums, such as the Canadian Children’s Museum and Canadian Museum of History, offer captivating exhibitions that immerse visitors in Canadian history and culture, providing an enriching break after hours of competition.
For those looking for a unique experience, get behind the wheel of a go-kart at Top Karting. Quench your thirst for thrills in a car that can reach 75 km/h. The facility also has a fleet of junior go-karts and offers driving lessons with professional racers. Children will be able to discover thrills in a safe environment.
For those who feel like a high flyer, Hôtel-Casino Lac-Leamy—Complexe de divertissement de Loto-Québec is one of the four casinos in Quebec. It is a place of unmissable entertainment where you can try your luck at slot machines or table games. The casino’s lively evenings are ideal for relaxing and having fun after a day on the rinks.
Outdoor activities to enjoy the fresh air
The Outaouais offers several outdoor activities so you can get out of the arena and admire beautiful landscapes.
The Mackenzie King Estate is a real haven of peace. With its ruins and trails, it is perfect for a relaxing nature walk on foot, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
If you have a little more time and the temperature is on your side, opt for skating in the forest instead. Live a unique, enchanting experience The Little Penguin Trail, meanwhile, is ideal for a family walk. It offers an accessible and child-friendly route.
The Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy offers a range of activities, from cross-country skiing to snowshoeing to fatbiking, letting teams and visitors enjoy the Canadian winter to the fullest. Equipment rental is available on site.
Relax at Nordik Spa-Nature, the largest spa in North America. Relax your muscles in one of the ten outdoor pools, take a seat in one of the nine saunas, unwind around a wood fire in one of the outdoor relaxation areas and sip a cocktail on the terrace of the Biërgarden or in the panoramic pool.
Activities to discover Canada's capital
Another must-visit is the Royal Canadian Mint, where you can see the coin-making process and learn about Canada’s iconic coins. Captivating coin minting demonstrations also showcase the craftsmanship and know-how behind each coin.
Also visit the Maurice Richard Monument, a statue honouring one of the greatest hockey players in Canadian history. This stop is a must for hockey fans. Go across the street and pick up a #OutaouaisFun Collection sweater at the Maison du tourisme as a memento of your time in the area.
Where to eat
After a busy day, there’s nothing like a good meal to recharge your batteries. Le BBQ Shop is the perfect place to enjoy delicious dishes while watching hockey games.
Located in the Centre Slush Puppie, the 1973 Resto Bar Loft offers local cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a good, cooked pizza or indulge in a fabulous burger.
The Pêle-Mêle—Vieux-Hull is a great restaurant option for those looking for hearty and tasty food. Share a plate of nachos or fall under the spell of our signature dish: poutine.
The Outaouais is full of microbreweries offering beers, each one more unique than the last. Make a stop in one of them and order a tasting pallet to taste several in small quantities. Take some home and share the brewing know-how of the region with those around you.
Check out Gatineau’s downtown restaurants to discover even more places to enjoy sensational food. If you’re dreaming of an exciting atmosphere, many establishments broadcast sporting events on big screens where you can share your passion for sports with other fans!
The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship is a perfect opportunity to explore everything the Outaouais has to offer. Between hockey matches, you’ll discover a region rich in culture, nature and gastronomy. Whether you’re a hockey enthusiast, a family member or a curious visitor, the Outaouais will seduce you and make your stay unforgettable!
+
Don’t forget to check out our winter bucket list to make the most of your time in the Outaouais and live a most memorable winter experience!
