Created in 2002 after the fusion of 5 different towns (Aylmer, Hull, Gatineau, Masson-Angers, and Buckingham), Gatineau offers a wide variety of free activities to do with family and friends. Gatineau combines a proximity to nature with a great city life. With so many free activities to keep you busy, why not try one of Gatineau’s fantastic restaurants and enjoy the night life. While there are many more activities offered all over the city, here’s my list of 7 free things to do in Gatineau:
1. Walk along the Lièvre River in Buckingham
In the centre of Buckingham, on the eastern side of Gatineau, there is an amazing walkable pathway that allows you to observe the many dams, falls, and rapids on the Lièvre River. With a few lookout points and bridges, you are sure to have a fun relaxing time while learning about Buckingham’s rich history. I recommend starting at the Château d’eau Park near the Giant Tiger and then walking a loop that will bring you on the main street back to your car. For a longer walk, you can start a new journey near the St-Grégoire Cimetery. This will lead you down the Lièvre River to Masson-Angers (can park in the nearby shopping centre parking lot).
Location: 50 Rue Fall, Gatineau, Qc, J8L 1E3
2. Visit the Dalton Ecological Park (Parc Écologique Dalton) in Gatineau
Thanks to the efforts of local residents and the funding from the City of Gatineau and other partners, you will discover a replica of a late 19th, early 20th-century farming community of the Templeton. With a sugar shack, a school, a train station, a beautiful flower garden during the summer, as well as many other buildings and trails, the Dalton Park is truly a hidden gem that allows you to escape the city life. They are open all year round! Which means you can appreciate this little community with a different perspective throughout the year. Make sure to bring a camera!
Location: 199 montée Dalton, Gatineau, QC J8R 0B3
3. Go for a hike in the famous Gatineau Park
With over 350 km2 of protected land, the Gatineau Park offers almost 170 km of walkable trails. While most of the park is situated in Chelsea and La Pêche (Quebec), it does begin in Gatineau. Just a few minutes’ drive outside the downtown of Gatineau and you can have access to some of the best trails in the park. Check out my list of top 10 hiking trails to do in the Gatineau Park in 2021.
4. Gatineau’s Cultural Trail
Since 2017, Gatineau has been organizing and developing a cultural trail throughout the downtown of Gatineau in Hull. Guided by a red line on the ground and appropriate signage, you will discover some fantastic street art and sculptures created by local as well as international renown known artists. Every year, the city invests more into the trail adding on the to existing offering. While you are in Hull, why not try one of its many restaurants or bars in the downtown?
Location: The location of the trail changes every year. For all information and details on current offerings, visit the City of Gatineau’s website.
5. Visit the Deschênes Rapids Ruins
Located on the Outaouais River, these ruins of a dam date back to the 19th century. They first powered a mill until the later burnt down. After that, they were then transformed into a hydroelectric dam. Today, these ruins are accessible all year round via the Voyageur Pathway, a walkable bicycle pathway. You can find free parking only a few minutes away. Unfortunately, the government announced a few years ago its intentions to destroy the ruins. That being said, we still do not know when this will happen. So don’t miss out and go check these ruins when you are in the region!
Location: parking is situated on Rue Brébeuf, Gatineau, Qc, J9H 1S2 beside the Rapid-Deschênes Parc.
6. Stroll down the Principal Street in the Aylmer sector of Gatineau
The Principal street offers not only some of the best restaurants, bars and microbreweries, but also some remarkable heritage buildings. The Aylmer Heritage Association has worked hard over the last couple of years to showcase these sites by providing information plaques on them and offering animation during the summer. You will spot not only the Monastery, the old court house (1852) which is now a cultural centre, the former Aylmer Academy which was Aylmer’s first high school (1861), the British Hotel which was built in 1834, and the Symmes Inn (1831) which now houses a museum. For a great bite to eat and a drink, I recommend you stop at the Bistro L’Autre Oeil. There, you can choose between over 300 types of beers.
Location: Principale Street, Gatineau, Qc
7. Enjoy a sunset at the Aylmer Marina
Probably of the best places to enjoy a sunset in Gatineau, the Aylmer Marina is a great place to relax and take in the sun during the summer. The City of Gatineau will soon be opening a brand new restaurant at the marina and activities as well as festivals go on all summer long. You can swim in the Gatineau River, but inform yourself first on the quality of the water (information is usually a poster on the billboard at the marina) before going for a dip.
