What’s On in the Outaouais in November
November is often a dreary month marked by shortening days and the first snow flurries. To add comfort, joy and laughter to your day, check out our suggestions for activities that will make November much more bearable—that’s a promise!
Go see a show
Meet at the Estacade for dinner shows for two or between friends. On November 1, have fun at a cabaret party and discover the world of singer Brian Tyler by eating a carefully prepared meal at À Outrance restaurant. On November 22, laugh out loud at Mathieu Gratton’s jokes while enjoying a Hawaiian-inspired meal!
November promises to be a busy month at the Théâtre de l’hôtel—Casino Lac-Leamy! With five shows on the bill, there’s something for everyone. On November 1, come and see Abeer Nehme’s first Canadian performance. On November 3 and 4, make sure you’re at Engelbert Humperdinck’s show, part of his farewell tour. On November 19, enjoy a jazz night with Diana Krall. On November 23, celebrate 60 years of Enrico Macias’ success with music. On November 29 and 30, have fun rediscovering the best of Phil Collins & Genesis’ music with performances by Martin Levac—Phil Collins and Genesis Live.
On November 9 at the Salle Odyssée, let yourself be enchanted by the concert Le romantisme de Rachmaninov performed by the Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau. Three brass and percussion bands will also be part of the show to kick the concert off to a spectacular start. Discover the best of music from the Romantic era and its influence on today’s popular music.
Head to the heart of Old Aylmer for a very entertaining evening at Cabaret La Basoche. On November 22, attend a performance by Fredz, the recipient of the Breakthrough Songwriter Award from the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF).
Plan an evening in Old Hull to attend a musical performance or comedy show at the Minotaure. For classic and contemporary theatre, there’s always something interesting on at the Théâtre de l’Île. At Salle Jean-Despréz, intimate candlelit concerts await you. Before the show, have a bite to eat in one of Old Hull’s restaurants.
Finally, Salle Desjardins de la Petite-Nation regularly present leading Quebec artists. Keep an eye on the program!
Have fun in good company
From October 30 to November 3, discover the traditions of the Day of the Dead Celebration at Maison du citoyen. Commemorate your deceased loved ones by placing colorful offerings on the Day of the Dead altar, and take the opportunity to learn about a traditional Mexican event. Take a free guided family tour or take part in workshops.
Get ready for an evening at the Fairmont Le Château Montebello, where local treasures will delight all your senses! Take a seat at a table at Nymark, the property’s newest restaurant. Taste dishes that combine ancestral recipes with contemporary culinary knowledge and sip a glass of wine or a Canadian organic spirit in an Art Deco-inspired setting.
Are you a foodie? If so, the L’Outaouais au menu event is for you! Thursday to Saturday from October 31 to November 16, come and rediscover restaurants and enjoy a three-course meal at a fixed price of $54 or $74 (before tax and tip). Delight in dishes that showcase local products at participating locations.
On November 9, for Remembrance Day, Library and Archives Canada invites you to participate in the free event Together at LAC: Remembrance Day. Explore archives, visit research spaces, learn how preserved historical records can make a difference and find what you’re looking for at the book sale. Make a craft with your family and put it at the foot of a memorial in honour of veterans.
On November 14, À Outrance invites you to celebrate its first anniversary! Join us for an evening of tasting in a warm and intimate atmosphere, where you’ll be able to sample five beers served in harmony with prepared dishes. Jonathan Dion will be on hand to enliven the evening with some of his funniest jokes. Treat yourself in every sense of the word! Get your tickets online.
If you’re a hop and malt lover, take the L’Outaouais brassicole tour to sample local beers with distinctive flavours. See the breadth of the Outaouais master brewers’ talent one microbrewery at a time. After you’ve visited four different microbreweries, you’ll receive an entry prize and have the chance to win a stay in the Outaouais. Hurry, the contest ends on November 29!
Every year, La Destination de Noël offers craft workshops. Learn how to make your own creations and give them to your loved ones as a hostess gift or presents. A multi-concept jewellery design workshop will be held on November 24. You can also take part in workshops upon request, such as making a vine wreath or a wooden Advent calendar.
Now’s the time to get active and challenge yourself! At Klimat Fitness & Bouldering, use every muscle in your body to climb a bouldering wall, and test your agility on various specialized structures. Yoga and fitness classes are also available.
Whether you’re with family, friends or flying solo, register for one of the Gatineau Loppet’s cross-country skiing races, the largest cross-country skiing event in Canada. There’s something for all levels: from 2 km to 50 km, free or classic technique, timed or in Discovery mode! Although the event only takes place in mid-February, registration starts now. Until December 1 inclusively, take advantage of the first discounted rate!
Hockey season is well underway, and what better way to support your local team than from the stands? For an action-packed outing with friends, cheer on the Gatineau Olympiques at the Slush Puppie Centre. Before the game, meet up at the complex’s restaurant, Le 1973 Resto Bar Loft, for a great pizza.
You don’t always have to pull out your wallet to have a good time! Here are some ideas for free activities: visit museums and interpretation centres, explore walking trails and admire unique works of art.
Take a coffee break
The arrival of colder weather makes us want to gather inside and have a nice hot drink. Wherever you are, you’ll inevitably find a comforting coffee shop where you can take a break! Go to Moca Loca or Bobino Bagel to chat with friends over hot coffee or finish the book you started ages ago.
With all these tantalizing aromas, you’re sure to fall for a delicious pastry. How about a chocolate éclair, a cream puff or a sugar tartlet? Besides tasty fresh breads, Maison Oddo also sells pastries fresh from the oven!
In Montebello, stop off at La Belle Pâtissière. Given its Parisian café vibe, you won’t be surprised by the praline-filled desserts on offer. Enjoy a cup of tea and admire the creative cakes. In Petite Nation, order a lunchtime panini at Miss Macaron and round out your meal with a sweet treat. Chances are you’ll opt for a colourful macaroon.
Browse a Christmas market
Mark your calendar: Santa’s little elves are already busily preparing for the holiday season!
On November 2, Santa invites you to visit him at the Luskville Community Centre for Christmas in the Valley, an event organized by Marché Pontiac.
From November 8 to 10, go to the Domaine de L’Ange-Gardien Christmas Market for the most magical program. Immerse yourself in the holiday cheer while discovering more than 60 local exhibitors.
From November 15 to 17, take a walk in Petite Nation and stop at the Sous les flocons de Ripon Christmas market. Participate in many workshops such as making Christmas wreaths or ornaments for friends of the forest. Write a letter to Santa, find the naughty elves, visit the farmer’s market, attend musical performances and more!
On November 16 and 17, come as a family to take part in the 3rd edition of the Marché La fabrique des lutins. Get new decorations or find gifts for your loved ones among the precious creations of the 40 participating artisans. Let your children be whimsical with makeup and playful hairstyles. Take advantage of your trip to take a photo with the Christmas Grinch!
On November 17, discover the creations of 60 artists and artisans at the Vallon Christmas Market. Stock up on local gourmet products in anticipation of your gatherings with friends. Purchase original creations handcrafted with love and contribute to a fundraising event that will enrich the educational lives of local children.
From November 21 to 24, the Canadian Museum of History will once again host its famous Christmas Market. Stroll through the majestic Grand Hall with your gift list and discover more than 80 talented exhibitors. Get glassware, gourmet products, fine spirits, original jewellery, handmade carpentry products and more.
This November, let yourself be seduced by an evening at La Cocktailerie, the new cocktail bar from Distillerie du Square. It’s the ideal place to savor unique creations in a warm, intimate atmosphere. Before you leave, stop by the Distillerie du Square boutique to pick up mixology items and spirits perfect for the festive season ahead, and La Petite Grocerie to discover local products. Don’t miss Magical Christmas in Chelsea on November 29, with tree lighting, a visit from Santa Claus and many other festive activities.
Return to your childhood by participating in the Christmas market in Old Aylmer, which will be held from November 29 to December 1 and from December 6 to 8. Discover Outaouais artisans as you browse the many small shacks in this European-inspired outdoor Christmas market and score some unexpected finds. Take the opportunity to start buying your Christmas gifts and soak up the magic of the holidays. In the evening of Saturday, November 30, dress warmly and come admire the floats at the Santa Claus Parade.
Let yourself be transported by the magic of the holiday season thanks to the magical decor at the Montebello Christmas Market, which will take place from Friday to Sunday from November 29 to December 8. Find the perfect gift made by local artisans and treat yourself to your favourite products. On Friday and Saturday evenings, attend a free show with family or friends. During your visit, make a stop at the bar and sample Quebec products, each one tastier than the last. Step back into your childhood and be amazed by this European-inspired market!
On November 30, come with your family to enjoy the second edition of the En souvenir d’hier Christmas market. More than 35 exhibitors will be on site to amaze you with their talent. Capture this family moment by having your portrait taken by a photographer surrounded by inviting decor.
On November 30 and December 1, get in the holiday spirit with the 3rd edition of the Marché de Noël de Val-des-Monts. Check out the work of more than 40 artisans and support the small entrepreneurs on site. Warm your hands with coffee or hot chocolate served by the local L’arrêt glacé food truck and let the Christmas music melt your heart.
Check out our Christmas market calendar for dates and details of these eagerly awaited annual events. What better way to get into the holiday spirit?
For even more suggestions, consult the full listings on our Events page.
More Outaouais discoveries
For a day out with friends, the Altitude Gym indoor climbing centre is a must. Choose from over 50 first-roping routes and 50 top-roping routes. For another exciting challenge, test your agility on the bouldering structures. Progress at your own pace with courses for all abilities. A top spot for indoor fun!
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Looking for a fine product to complete a recipe or gift? Pick up that spice you’ve been searching for, your favourite fresh Italian pasta, and a host of other gourmet finds at one of the Outaouais’ fine food stores. And don’t forget to try some new Quebec products!
