Things to do in the Outaouais in May
May in the Outaouais is a colourful month full of firsts! The first bike ride; the first happy hour on an outdoor terrace; the first fishing trip; the first leaves on the trees; the first spring flowers; the first warm days ... Check out our suggestions for things to do to make the most of May!
Enjoy the great weather
With a cycling network of over 350 km, including 150 km accessible year-round, Gatineau is truly a cyclist’s paradise! Whether to explore its parks, ride along the river or simply get between tourist attractions, cycling is a pleasant, ecological and practical way to discover the city. Take advantage of the 6 repair stations and secure bike locker for a hassle-free experience. This May, let the wind take you … by bike!
Starting May 10, discover the capital in a safe and environmentally friendly way with the NCC Weekend Bikedays. Whether by bike, in-line skates, wheelchair, foot, scooter or even stroller, enjoy a 15 kilometers car-free route along the Ottawa River.
Also in May, the Camp Fortune season officially kicks off! Summer activities are back in full force! The mountain bike trails will be reopened, as will the famous zip lines and aerial park. Try mountain pipe coaster on a 1 km long monorail track.
A stay at an Outaouais outfitter is all about unforgettable stories, getting back to nature, shore lunches, and good times with family and friends. Get ready for the start of fishing season by booking your stay at an outfitter.
The Outaouais is full of beautiful waterfalls to admire in good company, and they’re at their most spectacular in the spring. Lace up your hiking boots and discover the Outaouais’ magnificent and unexpected landscapes.
After a busy day playing outside, sit on the terrace of Pêle Mêle – Vieux Hull. With its warm, relaxed atmosphere, comfort food menu and selection of local beverages, Pêle Mêle is the perfect place to share a good meal with friends or family. Settle in under the sun, enjoy an iconic poutine and let yourself be carried away by the lively neighborhood atmosphere.
Especially for Mother’s Day
A friendly reminder: Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11! Looking for the perfect way to treat your mother? Browse through our suggestions to find the perfect gift.
The Marché du cadeau de la fête des Mères will be held at Galeries Aylmer on May 3rd.
A Mother’s Day brunch is a great way to celebrate this special day! Resto Bistro Rumeur is offering a special menu for the occasion, featuring six exquisite dishes. Guests will be treated with mimosa, and Gabor Desmond Hegedus will play live music. On May 10 and 11, L’Orée du Bois restaurant will be serving a 4-course brunch featuring the flavors of the sea. Here are some other delicious brunch suggestions to make your day memorable!
On May 10, the Château Cartier Hôtel & Resort will host the Mother’s Day Salon Expo-Vente. Discover the works of local artisans and creators, and find unique, lovingly crafted gifts for your dearest mother.
On May 10, head to the Larose Market and take part in their Marché du cadeau pour la fête des mères, an event organized by Aléo – Achat local & Événements Outaouais.
Make a reservation at The British Hotel for the Mother’s Day Brunch on May 11 and enjoy a hot buffet with all-you-can-eat mimosas. While you’re there, pick up some bargains at the on-site local business market.
Your mom also deserves a day of relaxation at a local spa. For example, for the woman who always takes care of others, offer a gift certificate including massages, facials and other relaxing treatments. Share a unique moment of relaxation with your children and create wonderful memories.
Weather permitting, plan to spend a day outdoors together. You could go for a hike in one of the region’s nature parks or a bike ride along the cycling paths. And for dog moms, how about taking your four-legged friend for a nice walk?
Give the gift of an Outaouais-themed sweatshirt illustrated by Outaouais-born artist Rémi Allen. It comes in several different designs, available at our sales outlets or online.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to spend quality time with your mother and show her how much she is appreciated and loved.
Spotlight on culture
The Minotaure will be presenting numerous performances on its stage. On May 1st, see Les Dales Hawerchuk. On May 2nd, Montreal’s Choses Sauvages group will perform. On May 3rd, listen to the voice of Ariane Roy. On May 4, dance to Fovelle. On May 7, Soraï will share the stage with Kimya. On May 10, the evening will be hosted by Annie-Claude Deschênes et Voyageur Statique. On May 17, the group Malaimé Soleil and Claudi Létourneau will set the mood. Get your tickets now!
On May 10, come to the Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer and take part in the 26th edition of the Salon du patrimoine de l’Outaouais. Play Detective Bingo at the Symmes Inn Museum, take a guided tour of Old Aylmer.
From May 16 to 18, Le Centre d’art populaire du Québec hosts L’art populaire en folie. Dive into the world of folk art, discover fascinating creatures and meet artists.
Starting May 22, discover the new edition of the Downtown Gatineau’s Culture Trail! Stay tuned for more details.
From May 22 to 25, attend the third edition of the Saucette en Showssettes festival in Downtown Gatineau to kick off the summer season in style. Lots of fun, shows and more awaits you. Dreaming of wearing flip-flops or sandals with socks elsewhere than in your home, out of sight? Here’s your chance, no judgement! It’s all about having a good time!
Events by the tonne
Board games enthusiasts? From May 2nd to 4th, L’As des jeux hosts their HUGE garage sale with hundreds of games, puzzles and toys at a reduced price, with 20% to 80% off. First come, first served!
Also in May, head to La Fée des Bois Apothecary and browse an impressive selection of medicinal plants to add to your garden. While you’re there, attend one of the workshops held in the tipi between the field and the forest, by the fire, sipping a nice cup of herbal tea.
Get ready to test your fitness on May 3rd at the Trail des Collines event at Centre Vorlage. Take part in one of the many events and challenge yourself! Take part in the CRAFT Marathon, the 24 km Sport Experts, the 16 km Eurosports Ottawa, the 11 km Wakefield sur le Golf, the 9 km Outaouais Tourism, the 6 km Spécifik Performance. Complete the Team Challenge as a family or register your kids for the 1 km loop Défi des petits Vorlage.
On May 9 and 10, the Complexe Branchaud-Brière will be hosting the family event Famille en fête. Blow off some steam by jumping into inflatable games, climb aboard thrilling mechanical attractions and make memories as a family.
Every spring, Canada’s Capital Region is the place to be. From May 9 to 19, take a walk in Ottawa’s Commissioners Park and explore the region one tulip at a time during the Canadian Tulip Festival, on of the world’s largest tulip festivals.
On May 23, Mamatinée Gatineau offers a unique opportunity for moms to meet with other parents while exploring local businesses. The event brings together artisans, creators and services tailored to the needs of expecting mothers, young families and grandparents. Take a mini-professional photo shoot on-site and immortalize precious memories. Get your tickets now!
May 24 is Heroes’ Day in Chénéville. Bring the whole family to an event featuring demonstrations, activities and awareness-raising by various safety, health and prevention professionals. Enjoy a performance by a local band and take photos with superheroes like The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spider Man, as well as the mythic DeLorean DMC-12 from the popular Back to the Future trilogy.
On May 25, join the Club des ornithologues de l’Outaouais at Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon for an interactive guided birdwatching tour. Test your knowledge and try to identify several species by sound or sight. Register early, places are limited!
On May 24 and 25, take part in the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, an event featuring a marathon, half-marathon, 10 km, 5 km, 2 km and kids marathon. Runners enjoy magnificent views of the National Capital Region.
Are you into gemstones, medicinal plants, essential oils, spirituality and paranormal? On May 31st and June 1st, come discover the 2nd edition of the Salon mieux-être holistique et spirituel. Meet experts from a wide range of fields promoting well-being through a variety of specialties.
On May 31st and June 1st, take part in the 3rd edition of HOLÀ festival Latino, the biggest Latino festival in the region, to be held at Parc des Cèdres. Initiate yourself to Latin culture, learn salsa in a workshop and watch artists work together on a mural.
On May 31 and June 1, vibrate to the rhythm of traditional drumming and singing at the Kitigan Zibi Traditional Pow-wow, a landmark event celebrating Anishinabeg culture and spirituality. Attend meaningful ceremonies, discover the art of Aboriginal dance in all its splendor, and let yourself be carried away by the spirit of healing and sharing that pervades this gathering. On the unceded lands of Kitigan Zibi, experience a moment of reconnection with the land and traditions, in the company of a proud and welcoming community.
For even more suggestions, see the complete program on our Events page.
More discoveries to make in the Outaouais
Explore the Outaouais in a different way with the Les Chemins d’eau Tourist Route. Following in the footsteps of the Ottawa River, this picturesque route takes you through bucolic landscapes, charming villages, fascinating heritage sites and unique gourmet stops. Enjoy adventures, museums, parks, markets and microbreweries, and be inspired by the Outaouais’ rich heritage!
Enjoy an unforgettable experience aboard Lady Dive inc.’s Amphibus, an amphibious bus that transforms into a boat to discover the magnificent Ottawa-Gatineau region, both on land and water. Let yourself be captivated by over 75 historical and iconic sites, while enjoying a narration filled with amusing anecdotes and fascinating facts.
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Festival season is upon us. Find out what’s on in the Outaouais and get your tickets now!
