What’s on in the Outaouais in August
Here we are at the height of summer ! In August, take time for yourself, make the most of the good weather, and get outside for a host of events and activities: family fun, outdoor sports, shows and festivities. Read on for our suggestions of what to do in August!
August is vacation time
And vacation time means family time. Fortunately, the Outaouais offers plenty of family activities! From outdoor adventures to cultural excursions, there’s something for everyone. If you encounter rain or a heat wave, no problem—there’s no shortage of indoor activities. Take the opportunity to rediscover the region’s museums.
Rediscover the fascinating exhibits at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. From the early days of aviation to the present day, see aircraft that have travelled through time and history and learn how their powerful engines propelled them through the air. Fulfil a childhood dream by entering an immersive universe where you can learn about the daily life of astronauts on the International Space Station.
Set aside some “me time”
Looking for peace and tranquillity? Enjoy an all-inclusive experience at the luxurious Château Cartier Hotel & Resort and take advantage of the extensive facilities and attractions. After a round of golf in a beautiful setting, bask in the outdoor pools and various indoor facilities of Kōena Spa. All this relaxation will whet your appetite! Treat yourself to Japanese fusion cuisine at the KaTO restaurant or original Canadian cuisine at the Lounge Onō. So many experiences in one place!
Enhance your holiday with a relaxing day at Amerispa Spa Nordique Cantley. Take time to unwind and enjoy the whirlpools, eucalyptus steam bath, Finnish sauna, heated pool and more. Combine your thermal experience with a massage or a beauty or body treatment. Make the most of the relaxation areas and round off your day with a visit to the bistro.
Making the most of sunny weather
On a beautiful summer day, go for a drive or a motorcycle ride along the Chemins d’eau, the official Outaouais tourist route. Along the way, discover picturesque villages and stop for a bite to eat in a local restaurant. Drive Parc Omega‘s 12km safari-style trail and observe elk, wild boar and even Arctic wolves! Marvel at Canada’s native wildlife. A great new feature this season!
Do you hear the call of the wild? Get out your boots or sneakers and take a hike to see the most beautiful views in the Outaouais. Then head to the Halte gourmande – Courges & cie to sample a seasonal menu inspired by the day’s harvest. Foodies are in for a treat! Try the maplewood-fired pizza and small dishes made with fresh local produce. While you’re there, meet the farm animals and pick your own vegetables.
Another way to enjoy the area is to visit its iconic covered bridges. Stop at the Félix-Gabriel-Marchand Bridge, the longest covered bridge in the province, and admire the permanent lighting system. A mobile application even lets you temporarily change the colour of the lighting. Something to impress young and old alike!
The Outaouais, party central
August brings tonnes of events! Things get underway with a bang on August 2 (and every Wednesday and Saturday until August 19) with Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy. With fire as the theme, enjoy four hours of entertainment every evening, including pyromusical shows with an international flavour, sizzling culinary experiences (street food, L’Incandescent pop-up BBQ restaurant, and Picnic Box gourmet discovery meals), multimedia installations dotted around the site, and much more!
From August 2 to 6, come kick up your heels to country music at the Festival Country du Grand Gatineau. A great lineup of artists will be on hand for the occasion, including David Pineau and his band, girl band Lipstick Rodeo, JC Harrisson, Phil Denault and more!
Next up is the TWIST fibre festival, Canada’s largest fibre festival, taking place August 11 to 13 in Saint-André-Avellin. This year’s edition will feature more than 130 exhibitors. Sign up now for one of the many workshops.
From August 18 to 20, discover the first-ever Festival de la santé et du mieux-être en Outaouais, initiated by the Centre de vie. Located in Petite Nation, meet local artisans, health professionals, speakers and much more!
Domaine Mont-Vézeau‘s FestiFraîches is back for a second edition! On August 19 and 20, discover the local delights of the public market and enjoy family activities. You won’t want to miss the wine tastings, the amateur competition for the best strawberry tart, the creative workshop for kids, the dance party and much more!
Celebrate pride and take part in several Jeunesse Idem activities! On Friday and Saturday nights in August, celebrate the rainbow with Casino du Lac-Leamy’s new Pride programming. On August 18, 19 and 26, enjoy the festivities with Drag Rainbow, a beloved Quebec drag queen.
The Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival will make waves from August 25 to 27. Whether you’re a novice, an expert or somewhere in between, you’re invited to paddle down the Gatineau River in a raft, kayak or canoe. Come discover the joys of life on the water!
Until August 27, 2023, visit the Musée régional de l’Outaouais at Scott Farview House. Enjoy exhibitions, shows and lectures in this picturesque setting, and learn more about this national historic site.
From August 31 to September 4, celebrate the end of summer in style at the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival. Take in performances by your favourite Quebec artists, rising stars, hilarious comedians and internationally renowned singers, including Roxane Bruneau, Claude Dubois, Clay and Friends, none other than Ne-Yo, and many others! From hot-air balloon rides at the Beauce Carnaval amusement park to dazzling fireworks and lots more attractions, it’s a great experience to share with family and friends!
Every Friday in August and on September 1, enjoy tea and pastries on the veranda of the Laurier House National Historic Site. Take the opportunity to explore the site.
Experience Outaouais‘ turnkey package gets you special rates for various activities and shows at the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival. Keep the thrills coming with unlimited daily access to the Beauce Carnaval amusement park, and stay in nearby accommodation so you don’t miss a thing.
The Défi coureur des bois competition invites you to take part in three races in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau! Hit the magnificent trails of the PERO (Pôle d’excellence en récréotourisme en Outaouais). Register now for this event, with races on September 3 in Gracefield, September 17 in Grand-Remous and October 1 in Messines.
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For even more ideas and suggestions, consult the full events calendar on our Events and Festivals page.
More things to discover in the Outaouais
You’ll be enchanted by Manoir Montpellier and its panoramic views of Lake Viceroy. With its idyllic rustic setting, it’s the perfect venue for a wedding or special event. You’ll love the impeccable service and elegant menu.
Looking for unusual and colourful accommodation? Escape to Le Salon des Inconnus – Maison Favier, a country inn and arts centre in Namur. Stay in a converted bus, a forest yurt, or a room with access to the spa. Then draw inspiration from the natural world around you to create artwork or take part in one of the many creative activities.
Fancy a romantic lakeside getaway? Try luxury camping in a dome at Natural Resting Point – Lakeside Glamping. This unique site, with its nostalgic ’70s decor, is full of surprises. In the evening, relax in your private sauna and do some stargazing through the skylight.
Meeting new people, trying new things, and picking up little local treasures along the way are highlights of any vacation. Brighten your day with a visit to Flâneuse boutique in Petite Nation, specializing in natural care products and artisanal soap. Meet the adorable resident donkeys and discover a complete range of natural donkey milk products. It’s a must!
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Book a package with Experience Outaouais and discover what the Outaouais has to offer in August.
