What's on in the Outaouais in September
September quietly heralds the arrival of autumn, and with it come cooler weather, the first hints of colour in the leaves, and, of course, the tantalizing aroma of apple desserts baking somewhere nearby.
Treat Yourself to the Last Harvests
September is the perfect month to visit Outaouais vineyards and stroll among the vines of different grape varieties. Climb aboard the Aventure Outaouais van for an all-inclusive tour along the Pontiac or Petite Nation Wine and Cider Trail. (Remember to enjoy the Outaouais responsibly!)
With family or friends, tour the region’s orchards, pick your own apples, and sample related products such as apple butter and caramel apples. Verger Merleau is the place to be for apples and apple products, including cider. Meet orchard owner and manager Michel Merleau and taste the best that apples have to offer.
Visit the region’s farmers’ markets and stock up on local produce and products. Stop in at Potager Eardley for tasty pies and fresh vegetables. Have fun with the farm animals and in the playground. Kids will love it!
Two Outaouais farms, Les Jardins Céleste and Érablière Bo-Sirop, will be open to the public on September 8 during the Portes ouvertes (Doors Open) event organized by the Union des producteurs agricoles. Taste and enjoy local flavours!
Did you say brunch? Experience the perfect morning at Nordik Spa-Nature with a new combination of relaxation and indulgence! From 9 a.m., enjoy a delicious brunch at the Biërgarden, accompanied by a refreshing mimosa. This offer is available for a limited time on Sundays, September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6 and 13.
PLAN AN OUTING WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS
Join the Hümour Basoche comedy evenings at Cabaret La Basoche! The second season kicks off on September 10 with Jean-François Mercier. Daniel Grenier, Patrick Groulx and Josiane Aubuchon will also be on stage in the following months to make you laugh out loud.
Cirque du Soleil‘s breathtaking show ECHO runs until September 22 under the big top at Place des Festivals Zibi. What’s more, Le Cellier restaurant has created a quick-serve table d’hôte menu especially for circus show nights!
Stroll along the Sentier des arts at Champboisé de L’Ange-Gardien to admire the impressive outdoor artworks, play lawn games, try out the disc golf course, and attend events taking place on the site. Don’t miss the Fête des Arts arts festival on September 21 and 22, and Gaïa, a unique free immersive show, from September 26 to 28.
Cultivate the art of farming in the heart of the city at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. The whole family will be fascinated by the many exhibits, from the barns and stables to highly complex agricultural innovations. Learn about aquaculture and the expertise of the people who transform farm fields into a land of plenty.
The Papineau RCM in Petite Nation has major celebrations lined up for the 350th anniversary of the Seigneurie de la Petite-Nation. To mark this historic milestone, several municipalities are joining forces to present some great activities for everyone, including Discover the Hidden Treasures of our Forests and Villages (September 12 in Duhamel) and the New France edition of the Montpellier Medieval Festival (September 20 to 22 in Montpellier).
There’s also the Festival de l’argile de Plaisance (Plaisance Clay Festival), featuring some 20 artists and craftspeople in ceramics, pottery, stained glass, art glass, and natural products, September 7 and 8; and the Festival Ripon Trad, a traditional music festival you won’t want to miss, September 12 to 15.
A PACKED AGENDA
On September 1 and 2, enjoy the last two days of the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival! It’s a popular destination on the Labour Day long weekend. Isabelle Boulay, Souldia and guests, the iconic rap group IAM, Mélissa Ouimet, Waahli, and many more will take the stage to close this fine annual festival on a high note!
From September 6 to 8, head to Gatineau Airport for Aero Gatineau-Ottawa, a colourful festival presented by several partners, including Select Aviation. Watch demonstrations of all kinds featuring the Thunderbirds, the Red Arrows, the Snowbirds, CF-18s, and even skydivers. Plan to stay for the spectacular night-time drone show!
If you love cars and speed, the Club automobile défi Outaouais is the event for you. Join us in Petite Nation from September 6 to 8 for the 32nd edition of the internationally renowned Rallye Défi, a performance automobile rally on paved and gravel roads where rally cars competing in 20 speed tests reach speeds of more than 190 km/h.
Also from September 6 to 8, celebrate the 11th annual Riverside Festival at the Canadian Museum of History. Internationally renowned electronic music artists are coming to town to set the dance floor ablaze: Sean Paul, Rezz, Deadmau5, and more. Switch on your festival mode—it’s going to be wild!
On September 7 in the Buckingham sector, get your groove on with the blues music of Steve Hill and Born Again Sinnerz at the Spectacle sur le Parvis village fair presented by Estacade. Rain or shine, a marquee will protect you from the vagaries of Mother Nature. BBQ, corn roast, canteen, games for the kids, local beers from À Outrance restaurant, and much more. The evening will end with a bang with a fireworks display. Psst: It’s all free!
On Saturday, September 14, Open NCC invites you to find out what goes on behind the scenes at the National Capital Commission! Learn about the landmark projects taking place at various sites, including Gatineau Park, the Voyageurs Pathway and more. It’s a unique opportunity to meet NCC experts, discover green initiatives, and take part in interactive activities for the whole family.
La Grande Fripe – Automne, organized by Habitude Design, will return to Canevas on September 14 and 15. It’s the biggest second-hand clothing and accessories sale in the Outaouais.
If you love nature and running, now’s the time to register for the Coureur des bois Challenge organized by PERO (Pôle d’excellence en récréotourisme en Outaouais). Sign up for the September 15 race in Blue Sea or the September 29 race in Messines. There are different courses for all levels, including a 1.5-km family fun run. Register online now!
On September 21, come and celebrate the autumnal equinox at the Centre de vie wellness centre! Take part in a sacred drumming ritual to mark the transition to autumn, and enjoy a unique rejuvenation experience. Awaken your senses and balance your energy on this special day, and consider extending your stay with a restful sleep on site.
On September 21 and 22, don’t miss Automn’Art, a visual arts event organised by the Association of Art de l’Ordinaire at Cantley’s Centre communautaire multifunctionnel (CCM). The event will showcase the talent and work of some 15 local artists working in various media, from painting and photography to sculpture, stained glass, and much more.
Follow the On the Artists’ Path route and take part in the annual “Artists in Their Environment” studio tour organized by the Chelsea–Wakefield Studio Tour group. On the weekends of September 28 and 29 and October 5 and 6, more than 20 local artists and craftspeople open their creative spaces to the public.
Lovers of seasonal colour, celebrate the beginning of fall and enjoy a host of free family activities at Eco-Odyssée Nature Park‘s Fall Colour Festival on Saturday, September 28. There will be a treasure hunt, maze adventures, face painting, a bouncy castle, and much more!
BIKING AND MORE BIKING
On September 20, 21 and 22, cheer on the world’s top women cyclists as they compete in the Gatineau Tour. Catch the action in three impressive events: the individual time trial, road race and criterium!
On September 21, attend the Montagnes Noires Bikefest in Ripon’s Parc des Montagnes Noires. Guided tours, technical support, shuttle service, canteen, and beer on site! Buy your tickets now.
From September 27 to 29, take part in the Montebello Mountain Bike Festival, now in its fourth year! Celebrate this fast-growing sport with activities for all levels in a festive atmosphere. The program includes live performances, trail rides and more.
On September 28, take part in the Gravelle du Parc event, organized by Nomades du Parc, in the heart of fall color in the Outaouais. You’ll climb up and down the Centre Vorlage, pass over the Wakefield covered bridge, admire several farms along the way, and finish in style with a festive after-race!
Other things to discover in the Outaouais
Want to try something new? Explore Gatineau and the surrounding area in a fun and eco-friendly way on a Trotti-Loue electric scooter. Just book your time and choose your departure point, and you’re ready to roll!
Another option is to take to the roads of the Outaouais in none other than Marguerite, a Citroën convertible! Outaouais en Cavale offers a rental service and a range of guided experiences. Put together a custom package and set off to discover the region’s most beautiful destinations.
Take advantage of the last days of summer to go for a pontoon boat ride on magnificent Lake McGregor with Location Lucky Jack in Val-des-Monts. It’s scenic, fun and relaxing!
For more ideas, check out the full event calendar on our Events and Festivals page. Book an Experience Outaouais package and discover what the Outaouais has to offer in September.
