What's on in the Outaouais in April
In April, we welcome the warm weather with open arms. Snow slowly gives way to grass, while the sun and longer days energize us. Opportunities to get out of the house are multiplied and the evenings end later. It’s official: spring is here, and summer is just around the corner!
On a beautiful sunny day
Melting snow signals the return of hiking. Enthusiasts will be delighted to grab their favorite pair of boots out of the closet and set out to conquer new trails. Behold the beauty of the Outaouais waterfalls in spring, when the water flow is at its peak.
But hiking also rhymes with camping weekends! Discover the region’s campgrounds and reserve your site today. Make sure you book in advance, as some establishments are very popular during summer.
Sunny days give you the urge to drink a good beer! Head to one of our microbreweries to sit and socialize over a cold beer or refuel to enjoy some later in the snug comfort of your home. Perhaps you are more of a cocktail enthusiast? No problem! Discover establishments that have no shortage of creativity when it comes to creating sublime refreshments. Non-alcoholic options are also available to quench your thirst.
Spring is the perfect time to relax in one of the Outaouais spas. Whether you’re looking to pamper your body, enjoy a relaxing massage or a spa experience like no other, let the calm of the Outaouais soothe you. Live the moment to its fullest and find peace of mind in North America’s largest spa or on an urban rooftop!
For duller days
With spring also come rainy days. But don’t panic! The Outaouais region is bursting with indoor activities to please to please the whole family, regardless of age.
Discover Le Rond-Point Milieu de Jeux, a place where children can create memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives and fall back into childhood yourself!
In the Outaouais, it’s good to have a good laugh, dance to musical performances and attend thought-provoking plays. Whether it’s comedy, music or theater… Thanks to their exceptional acoustics, comfortable seats and iconic stages, the Outaouais’ concert halls are sure to provide memorable evenings. And with the varied programming offered by our different venues, all that’s left to do is buy one or many tickets to see your favorite artists.
Take a tour of the region’s art galleries and meet the artists behind your favorite works. Why not indulge in a little shopping? Stroll through boutiques with a unique cachet, in search of your next find!
Spring on the menu
April is the perfect time to indulge in maple products at one of the Outaouais’ sugar shacks or make a reservation at one of the region’s fine restaurants renowned for their delicious brunches.
Take advantage of the return of fine weather to organize a gourmet picnic with delicious products from Fromagerie Montebello. Feast on their artisan cheeses, such as the famous Rebellion 1837 or the tasty Tête à Papineau, accompanied by fresh breads and local charcuterie. Take a seat in the park to savor this outdoor feast and enjoy the unique flavors of the Outaouais region.
From April 11, salivate over the different flavors of sorbets and homemade ice cream from La Cigale Ice Cream Shop. Indulge in one of four flavors of ice cream sandwiches made with cookies baked on site. For a special event, order an ice cream cake or pie. Vegan, gluten-free and nut-free options are also available.
From April 18, treat yourself to Babine-Pies and Ice Cream. Indulge in artisan pies of incomparable quality or delicious soft-serve ice cream dipped in an impressive variety of Belgian chocolate coatings. Sit back in one of the Adirondack chairs and enjoy your frozen delight while taking in the view of the forest.
For coffee lovers, take a break at Cascara Café & Bistro, an avant-garde café concept that goes beyond simply tasting exquisite coffees. Find everything to satisfy your appetite: delicious sandwiches, pastries, iced frappés and refined smoothies.
Specially for Easter
The Outaouais region boasts several family-friendly chocolate boutiques, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. So, kill two birds with one stone and support local businesses by trying their chocolate surprises.
On April 5, head to Chocolats Favoris Aylmer and take part in a chocolate egg decorating workshop. On April 6, the activity will take place at Chocolats Favoris Gatineau. Let your kids create an egg that’s just like them and enjoy a little treat while you’re there. The event operates on a first-come, first-served basis!
On April 12 and 13, bring the whole family to the 4th edition of the Marché de Pâques, Sur les traces de Jeannot Lapin. Take photos at the photo booth, let your kids go in search of Easter eggs, and discover local businesses on site.
On April 19, head to the Chutes Coulonge Adventure Park and fill up on chocolate at Easter Hunt. Don’t forget your baskets! Spend some quality time with the family by taking part in outdoor activities and enjoy a barbecue afterwards.
From April 19 to 21, take part in the Easter Egg Hunt at Eco des champs Farm. Solve puzzles with your family, visit the animals and taste chocolate from Béatrice et Chocolat.
Bursting with events
From April 3 to 11, attend the 26th edition of the Outaouais Film Festival under the honorary presidency of talented actress, screenwriter and casting director Véronique LeFlaguais. This year, it’s Portugal’s turn to be in the spotlight. Screenings will take place at Cinéma 9, Salle Desjardins de la Petite-Nation, Université du Québec en Outaouais and the Canadian Museum of History. Discover feature-length and short films, fiction, animation and documentaries. Take part in training sessions, workshops and discussions with members of the film industry. For details, see the full programming schedule.
On April 5, take part in an event in the Art from the Archives series, an initiative of Library and Archives Canada. Over the course of the evening, discover watercolour through a presentation of inspiring works from LAC’s collection. Create a watercolour painting during a guided activity with a local artist. The activity is free and all materials are provided. Register now, places are limited!
From April 11 to 13, head to the Complexe Branchaud-Brière and take part in the 4th edition of the Outaouais Car Show. Attend conferences and meet automotive manufacturers. Try out electric bikes on an indoor track, and test drive an electric vehicle on an outdoor track.
On April 6, visit the various exhibits at the Canadian Museum of History and enjoy a musical afternoon with your family at the Folk for Families Concert.
On April 10, join other epicureans for a workshop on Quebec wines at À Outrance. Buy your tickets today. Places are limited.
On April 11, take part in the rendez-vous Mamatinées at Galeries Aylmer. It’s a chance for moms to get out of the house and meet with other moms living the same reality, while discovering local businesses. Photographers will also be on site to take great family photos. Admission is free! Dads and grandparents are always welcome!
On April 12, don’t miss the performance of the duo Folklofolie at the Hollow Glen Community Center as part of Chelsea’s 150th Anniversary Program. With their contagious energy and repertoire of traditional Québécois and folk music, they’ll have the room buzzing in a festive, convivial atmosphere. Celebrate Chelsea’s history and culture with music!
From April 17 to 19, head to the Hilton Lac-Leamy for La Grande Braderie de Gatineau. Find discounted clothing and accessories by Quebec designers at this event. Take advantage of this opportunity to refresh your wardrobe with unique pieces while encouraging local fashion.
On April 18, enjoy a performance by multidisciplinary artist Josh “Socalled” Dolgin, who will take over the pub stage at À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale. Gather with friends over a glass of beer and enjoy the music.
On April 12 and 13, La Grande Fripe, organized by Habitude Design, returns for a 3rd spring edition of the Outaouais’ largest second-hand clothing and accessories sale.
From April 24 to 26, Transistor Média invites you to the Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer to take part in a colorful program for the 9th edition of the Festival Transistor! Discover fiction projects, listen to documentaries, take part in listening sessions, watch performances and attend the recording of podcasts.
On April 25, enjoy Stéphane Guertin’s play Sortir la tempête du verre at La Fab sur Mill – Centre des arts, de la culture et du patrimoine de Chelsea. Immerse yourself in a poetic and introspective universe with this captivating show. Let yourself be transported by a powerful text and evocative staging. Reserve your tickets now! The establishment hosts many other events during the month of April. Consult the complete program for full details.
On April 26, head to the Bar de L’Encan for L’Expédition – Hommage aux Cowboys Fringants! Experience an evening filled with emotion and nostalgia, sing your heart out and relive the band’s greatest hits. Get your tickets now and celebrate the repertoire of the legendary Quebec group!
On April 26, take part in the Spring Toy Swap at Espace Canevas. Take advantage of this eco-responsible event to give toys a second life and make other children happy. Bring the toys your children no longer use and leave with new finds. It’s a great way to promote sharing, recycling and responsible consumption as a family.
For even more suggestions, check out the full program on our Events page.
More to discover in the Outaouais
Climbing enthusiasts, sign up for activities at the École d’escalade de l’Outaouais. With experienced guides at your side, climb new walls, learn lifesaving principles or introduce yourself to new techniques. See the full programming for details.
Discover SLOW. Intérieur responsable, an eco-responsible boutique featuring sustainable design and ethical products. Specializing in interior decorating, the establishment offers a careful selection of handmade objects, recycled furniture and locally made items.
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Summer is just around the corner. Now’s the time to book your fishing trip at one of the Outaouais’ wide selection of outfitters. Here’s a list of places to fish in the region! A destination of choice for anglers.
