What’s on in the Outaouais in August

We’ve reached the height of summer! In August, take care of yourself, make the most of the good weather, and get out and about with all kinds of activities: family fun, outdoor sports, shows and festivals. Check out our suggestions for things to do in August. 

August is vacation time

The Outaouais offers a wide range of family activities to help you and your gang get the most out of your vacation. Whether you’re looking for adventure or culture, there’s something for everyone. Rainstorm or heat wave? No problem—there’s no shortage of indoor activities. Take the opportunity to visit the region’s museums. And don’t forget to wear your new #OutaouaisFun T-shirt. 

For a family vacation, there’s nothing like staying in a cottage or going camping. Located in the Pontiac region, Aventure Coulonge, a private nature reserve offering cottage rentals and beautiful unserviced lots, is the ideal destination for family get-togethers, outdoor activities, and stargazing. Speaking of which, the region is known as a prime viewing spot for the Perseid meteor shower in mid-August. Admire this celestial display through state-of-the-art telescopes during astronomy evenings hosted by AstroPontiac. 

Looking for peace and quiet? Escape to the shores of Lake McGregor at Havens at the Hills, where modern architecture meets picturesque scenery. For another unique cottage experience in the same area, stay in a chalet or century-old house at Domaine Camp St-Joseph. 

Enjoying the great weather

On a fine summer’s day, take a drive or ride your motorcycle along the Chemins d’eau (“waterways”), the official tourist route of the Outaouais. Along the way, discover picturesque, irresistibly charming villages, and take a break at one of the local restaurants. Drive the 12-kilometre safari-style trail at Parc Omega and see elk, wild boar, and even Arctic wolves! Marvel at Canadian wildlife in its natural habitat. 

Another great way to explore the region is on two wheels, on foot, or on inline skates during NCC Weekend Bikedays. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays until October 14, go for a 20-kilometre jaunt around the capital. Follow a car-free route along the Sir George Étienne Cartier Parkway, Kichi Zībī Mīkan, and Queen Elizabeth Driveway. 

Looking for an outdoor adventure? Lace up your hiking shoes and check out the Outaouais summer hiking guide. From mature forests to breathtaking peaks, the trails will never cease to amaze you. Continue your excursion with some canoe-camping in some of the Outaouais’ most scenic spots. 

Enjoy your holiday in a different way by visiting the various covered bridges, iconic landmarks of the region. Stop at the Félix-Gabriel-Marchand bridge, the longest covered bridge in Quebec, now fitted with interactive illumination! A mobile app even lets you set the colour of the bridge for one minute. It’s sure to impress young and old alike! 

Festivals of all kinds

August is a month of events! It kicks off with Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy. Every Wednesday and Saturday until August 17, enjoy world-class pyromusical shows, mouth-watering culinary fare, multimedia installations, and more! 

From August 1 to 4, put on your cowboy boots for the Festival Country du Grand Gatineau. This year’s featured artists include Irvin Blais, William Bisson, and La Grand-Messe with a tribute to the Cowboys Fringants. 

Then come along to TWIST, Canada’s largest fibre festival, taking place in Saint-André-Avellin from August 9 to 11. This year’s event will feature more than 130 exhibitors, plus workshops and a gourmet fair. 

On August 10, attend the free Spectacle sur le Paraza presented by the Estacade cultural hub. It’s a real village fete for all the family, with musical performances by Steven Bilodeau and his guests, and Jérôme 50. Have fun with the kids, and enjoy corn on the cob and hot dogs. 

From August 14 to 17, get ready to laugh a lot and sing your heart out at the Petite Nation en fête regional festival! Jean-Marc Parent, Éric Lapointe, Les Trois Accords … a whole host of crowd-pleasers will be performing on the big open-air stage. The jewel in the crown is the Festival des vins et spiritueux de l’Outaouais (Outaouais Wine and Spirits Festival), with more than 250 alcoholic beverages to discover and a huge terrace. 

From August 16 to September 4, discover the textured, colorful works in a new exhibition by a mother-daughter artist duo at Galerie Old Chelsea.

To celebrate Pride, Jeunesse Idem invites you to attend a free drag queen show at Place Laval on August 23. Take part in the various family activities: street entertainment, games, face painting and much more!

From August 16 to September 22, Cirque du Soleil takes over the big top at Place des Festivals Zibi with the show ECHO. Journey to a dazzling imaginary world where the themes of empathy and youthful hope are magnificently staged. 

Domaine Mont-Vézeau’s FestiFraîches is back! On August 17 and 18, discover local specialties at the farmers’ market and enjoy family activities. Don’t miss the wine tastings, culinary workshops and much more! 

On August 18, enjoy an outdoor brunch on the BBQ terrace at Fairmont Le Château Montebello. Experience the Sunday tradition for which the resort’s chefs are famous! 

From August 23 to 25, the Centre de vie invites you to take care of your body and mind at the Festival santé et bien-être (health and wellness festival). Meet inspiring speakers, take part in rewarding workshops, and enjoy the opening performance by Outaouais folk music group Le Diable à Cinq. 

The Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival takes place from August 23 to 25. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, raft, kayak or canoe down the Gatineau River. A thrilling outdoor challenge awaits you! 

From August 23 to 25, attend the Bryson Lake’s First Yoga & Wellness Retreat! Head up to Bryson Lake Lodge to recharge with yoga and wellness activities surrounded by nature.

From August 29 to September 2, see your favourite artists on the three stages of the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival: Charlotte Cardin, Jonathan Roy, Laurence Nerbonne, and many more! In the mornings and evenings, turn your eyes to the skies and watch the hot air balloons take flight. Try the rides in the Beauce Carnaval amusement park, and watch the fireworks every evening. It’s a great place to enjoy the Labour Day long weekend! 

From August 30 to September 1, the Manoir Papineau National Historic Site opens its doors in the evening for its Tales from the Shadow guided tour. Lantern in hand, go for a mysterious walk down the seigneurial alley, then tour the main floor of the house and learn the history and legends of the Papineau family! (Activity offered in French only.) 

Until August 31, visit the Musée régional de l’Outaouais at Scott–Fairview House. Enjoy exhibitions, shows and lectures in a picturesque setting, and learn more about this historic residence. 

+ For more ideas, check out the full events calendar on our Events and Festivals page. 

More things to discover in the Outaouais

Has your stroll down Jacques-Cartier Street whetted your appetite? Fill up on sweet treats at Café Fwanest: waffles, gelato, and assorted fine pastries. Don’t forget to take in the view of the Ottawa River. 

A little gourmet wonder has set up shop in Buckingham: the À Outrance self-serve restaurant and takeout counter. Enjoy home-style food from the decadent menu, or relax over a local beer or a glass of wine on the garden patio. 

Ah, the charm of the countryside … what could be more restorative? Located in the Pontiac, Leystone Farms is teeming with life. Visit the chickens, alpacas and miniature sheep, and take home some honey, wool and eggs from the self-serve farm shop. 

Specializing in free-range bison and woolly pigs, the Boucherie Montebello VTM sells freshly prepared products. Dedicated foodies will love the premium Mangalica pork. 

+ Book a package with Experience Outaouais and discover what the Outaouais has to offer in August.