Things to do in the Outaouais in June
With the end of the school year, the beginning of summer, a host of festivities, and the reopening of seasonal tourism businesses, June is sure to put a smile on your face! Check out our suggestions for activities and events to make the most of this beautiful month.
Have fun in the sun
Discover what’s new on downtown Gatineau’s Culture Trail, an urban art trail featuring over forty art installations of all kinds in the heart of downtown: playful art, murals, sculptures, poetry, paintings and photographs!
Want to dance and get some exercise? Head to Parliament Hill on June 2 for Zumba on the Hill 2024! After your session, get a bite to eat in one of the restaurants in downtown Gatineau, just across the river.
This summer, hop on your bike for Let’s Rides – Outaouais, the second Monday of every month (May through September) in Gatineau Park. Each ride lasts 90 minutes. In case of rain, the event will be postponed or cancelled.
Another date for cyclists: On June 15, the City of Gatineau will host the British GP Criterium in the streets of the Aylmer sector. There will be nine races featuring cyclists of all levels. May the best rider win!
NCC Weekend Bikedays are back for another year! Whether you choose to cycle, walk or rollerblade, use a wheelchair or even push a stroller, this program is for you. It’s a rendezvous on the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Sir George Étienne Cartier and Queen Elizabeth parkways every weekend until October 14.
Every year, it’s one of the most important dates to mark in your diary: Father’s Day! On June 16, celebrate dads in style with some ideas for activities in the Outaouais!
Summer festivals and activities
On June 7 and 8, browse the first-ever night market at the Aylmer Folk and Guitar Festival! The main stage set up In the parking lot of Bistro L’Autre Œil will come to life before your very eyes.
On Saturday, June 15, come and celebrate Family Day at Eco-Odyssée Nature Park. Enjoy a full day of free family activities: face painting, an inflatable obstacle course, a craft workshop, a treasure hunt, a walking adventure in the maze, and more.
The Manoir Papineau National Historic Site is ready to welcome you for the summer season! As part of Garden Day on Sunday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., come and enjoy tea with background music, children’s games, and a giveaway of wildflower seeds by a costumed gardener. Don’t miss it!
Night owls and/or outdoor enthusiasts, this is for you! After a resounding success in its first year, the Full Moon Party returns to the Leamy Lake Park beach on June 21. On a paddleboard or in a kayak, canoe or even pedal boat, bring your headlamp, fluorescent paint or reflective clothing, and join the party on the water. Don’t forget your life jacket!
Thrill-seekers are invited to a great Saint-Jean Baptiste celebration on June 22 and 23 at Rafting Momentum. A fireside sing-along and a day of rafting the following morning. Celebrate with an out-of-the-ordinary adventure!
Start waving your Quebec flag: June 24 is Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day! To celebrate, join the crowd at the L’Outaouais en Fête festival, June 21 to 24 in Des Cèdres Park. With activities for the whole family and a host of francophone artists taking to the stage, including Daniel Bélanger, David Jalbert, DJ Abeille, Mélissa Lavergne, Jérôme 50 and Rose-Marie Gauthier. The Tremplin de talents stage is getting a new lease on life, becoming the “Cotton Candy” stage, while retaining its very essence of showcasing up-and-coming artists. You won’t want to miss it!
After that, it’s time to celebrate Canada Day on July 1! Head to LeBreton Flats Park, the hub of the festivities. Join us for the noon-hour ceremony, the Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial Flypast, the evening show, the Tim Hortons Canada Day fireworks and more. FouKi, Corneille, Sara Dufour and many more will take to the stage. Head to Canada’s Parliament Hill for a Snowbirds demonstration, SkyHawks jumps, bagpipes and drumming.
There will also be activities and shows for everyone in the heart of downtown Gatineau. You’ll be able to see, among others, a performance by the emblematic group Dubmatique, Basia Bulat and Kallitechnis! Stay tuned for all the details.
Meet local artisans and producers at the Outaouais’ public markets. Shop for local produce, artistic creations, and all sorts of treasures!
For even more inspiration, check out the full events calendar on our Festivals and Events page.
The many forms of art
Prepare to be surprised by the unexpected world of human waste in Oh Crap! Rethinking Human Waste. This extraordinary exhibition, presented by the Canada Science and Technology Museum, invites you to set aside the clichés and learn some fascinating facts about human waste. Have a few laughs, and on a more serious note, consider the global impact of what many call “Number 2”! It’s the perfect opportunity to change your perspective on this inexhaustible and essential resource.
This summer, enjoy an immersive 360-degree experience in the Salle Odyssée at the Maison de la culture de Gatineau. For the first time, from June 1 to August 31, two unique and must-see shows will be presented under an open-air dome. Discover Bébé symphonique, a musical, sensory and playful performance for babies 18 months and under, and Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon, a multisensory experience set to the rhythm of the iconic rock album.
In June, catch the local cultural buzz! Check out the full program on Tout culture. There’s something for everyone! For instance, on June 7 at La Grange de la Gatineau, you can attend a performance by Kellylee Evans, an exuberant, multitalented artist whose natural charm and improvisational vocal style are a perfect match for jazz, soul, pop and hip hop.
From June 13 to 15, you can attend Le grand rendez-vous musical de l’Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau. Held under a huge big top at Place de la Cité, it will feature performances by hundreds of artists, musicians, dancers and choral singers. You’ll be dazzled by the musical and artistic activities presented during the three-day event.
From June 21 to 23, the second Quebec Folk Art Festival will take you on an extraordinary sculptural adventure! Imagine some 20 talented sculptors gathered at a single venue in Plaisance. And guess what? Admission is free! Take the opportunity to visit the Centre d’art populaire du Québec, where there are several new folk art exhibitions to see.
On the other side of the river, join the Choeur philharmonique du Nouveau Monde-Ottawa on June 9 for a concert featuring Fauré’s Requiem and other discoveries from the classical repertoire! An undisputed choral masterpiece, performed by over 120 choristers, musicians and guest soloists. In keeping with tradition, the choir and orchestra will treat classical music lovers and connoisseurs to an emotionally-charged performance.
Take a seat in some of the finest concert halls and theatres in Quebec, and discover new talent. Choose the time and place, and we’ll do the rest to enchant you!
A taste of summer … literally
Have you tried La Terrasse du Square in Chelsea? This festive spot is a must this summer! You’ll find a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a varied menu featuring Korean, Mexican and Vietnamese dishes, delicious mocktails and cocktails and irresistible soft-serve ice cream. Discover the 2024 summer program, sure to please everyone: shows, twilight movie nights, free activities, public market and more! Take advantage of the family-friendly playground, where you can organize friendly petanque competitions!
Try the Azta Taqueria, a new Mexican restaurant to the heart of AGORA in the Plateau! With over sixty varieties of tequila and mezcal, festivity enthusiasts will be thrilled. True to a taqueria, this place specializes in tacos and creative cocktails! Simply put, every visit is a fiesta!
And who doesn’t love a sunny day on one of the Outaouais’ magnificent restaurant patios? Enjoy colourful menus to savour all summer long, and magical moments with family and friends.
Several gourmet events are on the menu this month, including the Garden-Party: Paella & Wine at Le petit bar à vin on June 6. The chefs from My Tapas are back with their succulent paella and other delicacies, paired with delicious Spanish wines and live music!
June 8 marks the return of Café Lilly Bean’s Pop-up Tacos at Brasserie du Bas-Canada! And don’t forget to visit the other microbreweries in the Outaouais, which are hosting numerous events throughout the summer.
More to discover in the Outaouais
Yes, it’s hot, and you know what that means: it’s time for a refreshing ice cream cone after an active day, or for the sheer pleasure of indulging. Visit some Outaouais dairy bars that are well worth the trip. A little bird tells us you’ll be making several stops this summer!
Discover golf courses, ziplining spots or simply take some time for yourself with a good picnic. Take advantage of the great Outaouais weather, it’s worth it!
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Book a package with Experience Outaouais and discover what the Outaouais has to offer in June.
