What’s on in the Outaouais in July
It’s vacation time! In July, come play in the water or sail on our lakes and rivers, visit our most beautiful outdoor attractions, sunbathe at the beach and celebrate. Discover our suggested activities for July!
Cool off and have fun in the water
With thousands of lakes and a dozen rivers, there’s no shortage of waterways to enjoy in the region. Try your hand at kayaking or paddleboarding beautiful spots in these !
Dip your toes in the water and walk on the warm sand. Many beaches are well worth a visit! Discover some of these beaches that are perfect for enjoying summer, stretching out on a towel and welcoming the sun’s rays. Don’t forget your sunscreen.
Hot summer days are perfect for playing in the water. Get the whole family out for a refreshing, fun-filled day at one of our water parks.
Art in the open air
This summer, experience culture in a big, simple way at the National Arts Centre! With its rich and varied summer programming, the NAC transforms your vacation into an artistic adventure as accessible as it is unforgettable. Sit back and let the magic happen. Enjoy a host of free or low-cost shows that will thrill all generations. Whether it’s a musical performance on an outdoor stage, an intimate theatrical production in the Fourth Stage or a surprising contemporary dance performance, every visit to the NAC is an opportunity for discovery. And if you’re looking for a hidden gem, take a stroll across the rooftops of the NAC for a breathtaking view of Parliament Hill, or discover the little lightning shows that pop up here and there at the turn of a corridor or staircase.
Introduce yourself to art in the heart of Gatineau by following the red dots on the Cultural Trail, a vibrant and inspiring pedestrian route through downtown. See over 40 works of urban art, including 16 murals, points of interest and numerous exhibition spaces. Join one of the free guided tours offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays to learn about Old Hull’s well-kept secrets, see unusual vistas and hear local anecdotes. The route, about 3 km long, is easy to walk and will give you a whole new perspective on Gatineau.
Get out your folding chairs and blankets to enjoy the outdoor cinema! Gatineau invites you to a series of free screenings of French-language films for the whole family, shown on giant screens in several of the city’s parks, including Parc Robert-Stewart, Parc de la Ferme-Dalton, Parc des Cèdres, Parc Jack-Eyamie, Parc du Plateau and Parc Édouard-Mercier. In case of rain, films will be shown indoors in the Propulsion Scène area. See the complete program for full details!
Discover our heritage
Located in the heart of Ottawa, the Bank of Canada Museum plunges you into the world of economics, money and consumption in a way that’s playful, accessible and surprisingly fun for all ages. Explore your financial habits and admire the beauty of Canadian banknotes in a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. Best of all, admission is free! Learn more about the creative process behind the making of banknotes, and design your own! It’s a great opportunity for the whole family to learn together, awaken the curiosity of the young and rediscover economic concepts with humor and intelligence.
Until August 31, the Musée régional de l’Outaouais invites you to explore its temporary exhibitions at Fairview House, located in the heart of Hull. Take part in the new exhibition Contribute to the MRO! now, and from July 11, visit the exhibition Guy Lafleur, from dream to legend.
For Canada Day
Celebrate Canada Day on July 1! Head to Parc des Plaines-LeBreton, the hub of the festivities. Head to Canada’s Parliament Hill to see a Snowbirds demonstration, SkyHawks jumps, bagpipe and drum concerts! Activities and shows are also planned in the heart of Old Hull.
On July 1, celebrate Canada Day in style with Bristol Market at a warm and festive event in Norway Bay! Head to the Public Beach for a lively pop-up market that’s sure to delight the whole family. Discover local artisans and producers, grab a bite to eat at a barbecue, cool off in the water features, dance to the music of Rustic Rootz. On-site raffles and even free gifts for children. Spend a beautiful summer day at the water’s edge while cheering on the locals.
Experience art and heritage in the heart of Canada’s capital! Discover a multitude of adventures for everyone: explore captivating exhibitions and admire historic monuments. You can also walk or bike along the Rideau Canal Parkway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Did you know that you can discover Canada’s Parliament like never before? Several guided tours are available, depending on your interests and your desire to enrich your knowledge of Canadian history and democracy. Visit the Senate Building in its temporary location in Ottawa’s former train station, explore the House of Commons, relocated in a historic building on Parliament Hill, visit four restored heritage rooms for a glimpse of 19th-century parliamentary life, or discover the main Parliament building, also known as the Centre Block, thanks to the immersive experience!
Enjoy summer events and activities
From July 2 to 6, enjoy a grandiose sensory experience with OVO, the Cirque du Soleil – OVO show, presented at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. This spellbinding production transports you to a teeming ecosystem where a colony of insects explore, play and celebrate life as they discover a mysterious egg. Dazzling acrobatics, colorful characters, flamboyant sets and intoxicating music make up this breathtaking organic ballet. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness one of Cirque du Soleil’s most electrifying shows.
From July 3 to 5, the Festival d’Humour de Gatineau is back to make you laugh out loud! Come see big names in comedy, rising stars of the industry, and talented up-and-coming comedians over three days at Place de la Cité in Gatineau.
From July 3 to 6, don’t miss the 4th edition of the Ayabeh Summer Challenge – Every Child Matters Hockey and Broomball Tournament, a major event taking place in several Gatineau arenas. This sports festival has become one of the biggest field hockey and broomball tournaments in North America, bringing together 150 teams from various aboriginal communities. For four days, you’ll be treated to exciting games featuring teams from many First Nations, including Algonquin, Cree, Inuit, Ojibway, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee and many more. More than a tournament, it’s a true celebration of culture, sport and community spirit. Take part in a unifying event with meaning and history.
On July 5, the Gatineau Triathlon celebrates its 33rdedition in the enchanting setting of the Centre de plein air du Leamy Lake. It’s a must for all sports and outdoor enthusiasts! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or looking for a new challenge, the friendly atmosphere of this triathlon makes it the perfect place to get active in nature. Swim, bike and run in a safe, structured environment. Several formats are offered, including events for children, families and teams. It’s the perfect opportunity to outdo yourself, or to come and cheer on the participants in a festive atmosphere!
On July 5, an evening of wine discoveries awaits you at Canevas for Le Salon des Assoiffés 2025, presented by Soif Bar à vin. Taste privately imported wines and premium spirits, and enjoy a unique tasting experience. The pleasure is in the glass, in moderation of course. It’s an event not to be missed!
On July 5, don’t miss the Festival de la rue Eddy, a festive, free, family-friendly event that will liven up the heart of downtown Gatineau. For the occasion, the pedestrianized street between Wright and Papineau will be transformed into an open-air playground. On the program: zip-line, climbing tower, inflatable structures, miniature golf, wrestling gala, improvisation matches, street entertainment… Enjoy a tasty selection of food on site, and explore the various booths showcasing local talent and merchants.
Let yourself be lulled by music in the heart of nature with Festiv’ÉTÉ, a series of free outdoor concerts presented all summer long in the peaceful, verdant setting of Parc régional de Champboisé. On July 5, as part of the Fête du nautisme, enjoy a performance by Fredo, Johnny and Andrée-Ann, an energetic trio who will provide you with a most enjoyable musical experience. Bring your chair, your picnic… and your good mood!
On July 10, join us at Place de la Cité for a free concert by King Melrose open-air that promises to thrill! Let yourself be carried away by his catchy melodies and infectious energy. Bring your chair, make yourself comfortable and let the music mark the beginning of July.
On July 13, step back in time at the 25th edition of the Chénéville Vintage cars exhibition. Start inter-generational discussions with nearly 200 classic car exhibitors. You’ll also find a canteen and refreshment stand, as well as entertainment for children. Throughout the day, door prizes will be drawn among participants and exhibitors. And it’s free!
This summer, the Gatineau Brewfest becomes the Parasol Festival. The event will be held from July 16 to 26 in the parking lot of the Hôtel-Casino Lac-Leamy – Loto-Québec-owned entertainment resort. Make more discoveries, immerse yourself in more themes, enjoy more warmth, but always sample precious local microbrews. And the quest to find the famous speakeasy continues this year. Once again, it will be well hidden. Be there to celebrate summer in a festive atmosphere!
On July 17, celebrate the love of words and books at LAC Together: Celebrate Reading, organized by Library and Archives Canada in Gatineau. Let yourself be swept away into a world of discovery with a program that’s as fun as it is educational. Do crafts and color, test your typing skills on a vintage typewriter, immerse yourself in a moment of silent reading or put your knowledge to the test with a quiz on LAC collections. That’s just a taste of what’s in store!
On July 19, enjoy Les Colocs ensemble on the Parvis. This emblematic group from the Quebec music scene awaits you on the Estacade forecourt for an open-air show filled with energy, memories and great classics to sing at the top of your lungs. The atmosphere will be festive with inflatable games, activities for kids, a food truck and a bar featuring products from À Outrance and the microbrewery À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale.
Discover the magnificent iconic site of the Fairmont Le Château Montebello, the largest log castle in the world, while enjoying a delicious summer dish. On July 20, gather family and friends around a table on the terrace for the Al Fresco Brunch! Take advantage of the famous outdoor BBQ, featuring salads, fish and shrimps, various stations and desserts, served to your heart’s content!
From July 17 to 27, get out your boots and cowboy hat and take part in the 23rd edition of the Festival western St-André-Avellin! For 11 days, thrill to the rhythms of professional rodeos, gymkhanas, horse pulls and lawn tractor races. Soak up the region’s warmest Western atmosphere and make your summer unforgettable in Saint-André-Avellin!
On July 27, it’s family day at Rafting Momentum! Children aged 5 and over (18 kg/40lbs) can go rafting. On the program: fun on the water, games and activities, two meals, an end-of-day drink, an experienced guide and much more. They say rafting brings people together… Find out for yourself!
From July 30 to August 16, head to the Canadian Museum of History and let Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy blow your mind! Enjoy a multi-sensory experience, combining pyromusical shows, local gastronomy and digital art! The Family Zone offers a playful universe to entertain young and old all evening long. A host of local chefs and microbreweries will also be on hand to tantalize your taste buds!
For even more suggestions, check out the full program on our Events page.
Other discoveries in the Outaouais region
This summer, treat yourself to a peaceful getaway in the heart of nature by staying at Mini Chalets Oasis Blue Sea Inc. nestled on the crystal-clear shores of Blue Sea Lake. Start your day with a breathtaking view of the water before setting off on your adventure. Cyclists now have direct access to the Véloroute des Draveurs via a staircase equipped with a bike ramp. Private docks are also available for diving, fishing or watching the sunset from the water. Each chalet is now equipped with a new BBQ, so your outdoor suppers will be bursting with flavour.
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For even more suggestions, visit La maison du tourisme or consult the official Outaouais Tourism Guide 2025-2026! Discover all the activities the region has to offer and plan your itinerary according to the area you wish to explore.
