Escape to the great outdoors in the Outaouais
Breathe. Listen to the birds sing. Feel the wind caress your face. In the Outaouais, each step toward nature is an invitation to escape. This summer, explore beautiful green spaces, paddle on tranquil waters, and cycle through hills and alongside rivers. Let your heart race with exciting activities. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a water sports fanatic, or simply looking for peace and quiet, the Outaouais is your playground. Put on your sneakers or sandals — we’re taking you outside!
Hike in complete freedom
The Outaouais has trails for all levels, from curious beginners to seasoned hikers. Explore our directory of the best hikes and plan your next walking getaway.
Want to share the adventure with your four-legged friend? Check out our selection of hikes for you and your dog.
If you love waterfalls, check out our guide to hikes leading to spectacular ones.
The Outaouais is also a prime destination for trail runners. Every stride is a moment of freedom! Lace up your running shoes, set off at your own pace, and enjoy the journey through forests and rivers, surrounded by nature.
Have fun on the water
Paddle to the rhythm of your breath on one of our many bodies of water. Explore the region’s waterways by paddleboard or kayak. Let the bucolic scenery of the Pontiac charm you. This area is rich in water activities.
For a relaxing day, spread out your towel on one of the region’s beautiful beaches, where swimming is a pleasure.
Adventurers will find thrills by tackling the rapids on a rafting trip rafting trip.
Get your fill of fresh air in the city
You don’t have to go far to escape. In the Outaouais region, you can enjoy the great outdoors in an urban setting. Gatineau has many outdoor recreation centers just minutes from downtown. There are plenty of opportunities to get active. Take advantage of their proximity to plan a last-minute outing after work or liven up your weekends without leaving the city.
If you don’t have all the necessary equipment, don’t worry! Several outdoor recreation centres in Gatineau offer equipment rentals, including walking sticks, watercraft, and baby carrier backpacks.
Equipment adapted for people with disabilities is also available at certain locations, including Relais Plein Air and Corporation plein air de la Lièvre. This allows everyone to fully enjoy nature. Check out the Circonflexe en Outaouais project to find all the service locations and discover businesses in the region that accept the Carte accompagnement loisir.
Bring your Accès Gatineau + card to get the most out of your outings. It gives you access to several outdoor center facilities and benefits.
Cycle the Outaouais
Hop on a bike and let our guide to cycling in the Outaouais be your companion.
Explore the region at your own pace with our varied routes, varied routes. Set off on an adventure on the mountain bike trails or discover Gatineau by bike.
For a true immersion in nature, follow the Véloroute des Draveurs in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau region.
Test your swing
Are you a golf lover? Book your tee time at one of the most welcoming golf courses in the Outaouais region.
Whether you’re an elite player or a weekend golfer, you’ll be charmed by the quality of the courses and the beauty of the region.
Get your adrenaline pumping
Get your heart pumping with a rock-climbing outing or try a thrilling adventure activity.
Soar over the treetops on one of the region’s many zip lines, or cross from one province to another on Interzip, the world’s only interprovincial zip line.
Continue your adventure at Arbraska Laflèche, where you can jump on the largest outdoor trampolines in North America, or visit Laflèche Cave, the largest tourist cave in the Canadian Shield.
Enjoy many of these experiences at a great price with the Adrenaline Pass. It includes several thrill-seeking activities at Great Canadian Bungee Corporation, Camp Fortune Mountain coaster, aerial park and ziplines, and Interzip. Save money while exploring the Outaouais to the fullest!
Fish for dinner
Cast your line at one of the many fishing spots in the Outaouais region. Every body of water, from the majestic Ottawa River to the peaceful lakes of the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, is teeming with fish.
You can catch tasty walleye, feisty pike, speckled trout, lake trout, and even largemouth bass.
Treat yourself to an outfitter package and let an expert guide you to the best spots. Outfitters in the Outaouais are ideal for fishing trip, family vacation, and getaways with friends in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau.
Cast your line and experience moments of absolute bliss: the silence of dawn, the gentle lapping of water against your boat, and the thrill of an unexpected catch. Nature awaits you!
Experience the magic of the starry sky
When the sun sets, nature’s colors change. Go on a night hike, participate in an engaging astronomy activity, or observe the stars in the region’s darkest areas.
Learn about constellations and search for shooting stars in August. Take a moment to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the sky.
Sleep in the heart of nature
Extend your experience by choosing outdoor accommodations.
Camping is part of the region’s DNA! Find the campground that best suits your needs, or try canoe camping for total forest immersion.
Get off the beaten path and treat yourself to a unique place to stay for the night. Spend the night in a stilt house, hanging tent, transparent dome, or near a pack of wolves.
Before you head out, make sure you’re well equipped. Check out our guide to preparing for outdoor summer activities, and set off with peace of mind, ready to enjoy summer to the fullest!
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The Outaouais region is waiting for you with open arms. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended vacation, let our generous territory, vibrant landscapes, and warm welcome inspire you. Check out the 2025–2026 tourist guide start planning your summer in the Outaouais today!
