Things to do in Gatineau

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Gatineau Park which includes a cascade and snow
Canadian Museum of History which includes interior views as well as a large group of people
Gatineau Park showing a garden and forests
Gatineau Park which includes snow and a bridge
Gatineau featuring tranquil scenes and snow

Gatineau Attractions

Are you a fan of shopping or fine food? Or maybe you just prefer to get to know a new city like a bona fide local. While staying in Gatineau, it doesn't really matter which slot you fit in — this interesting city offers all the experiences and attractions you could ever hope for.

If you're ready to discover the best of Gatineau, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly guide show you some of the most popular sites. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {55 fun activities in Gatineau fun activities in Gatineau} are also worth browsing through.

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Most popular activities in Gatineau

Tours & day trips

See all 46 activities
Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 36 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $37 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 17 activities
Ottawa Downtown Historic Smartphone Guided Walking Tour

Ottawa Downtown Historic Smartphone Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 10 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $8 per adult
Ottawa Downtown Historic Smartphone Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities
Ottawa: 4-Hour Bike Rental

Ottawa: 4-Hour Bike Rental

Free cancellation available
Price is $29 per adult
Ottawa: 4-Hour Bike RentalOpens in new tab

What to do in Gatineau

Free Things to Do in Gatineau

Escaping to Gatineau on a budget? The following can be seen for nada.

Jacques Cartier Park - Find your green thumb and appreciate the many and varied plants on display.

Things to Do in Gatineau with Kids

Gatineau boasts loads of nearby fun activities for you and your kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the gang entertained for hours.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Gatineau? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Gatineau

Parliament Hill showing heritage architecture and an administrative buidling

Parliament Hill

Spend a day enjoying the lively debates, artworks, library and Gothic Revival architecture of Canada’s political heart.

Parliament Hill
Byward Market featuring markets, outdoor eating and street scenes

Byward Market Square

Fresh local produce, artisanal handicrafts and historic courtyards are some of the many features of Ottawa’s oldest and busiest market.

Byward Market Square
The dance of the butterflies. Each year, this University has an exhibition in a small greenhouse of butterflies from all over the world.

Carleton University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at Carleton University during your stay in Ottawa. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Carleton University
Rideau Canal which includes boating, a castle and a river or creek

Rideau Canal

This engineering and scenic marvel fills with pleasure craft in summer and transforms into the world’s longest naturally frozen skating rink in winter.

Rideau Canal
Canadian Museum of History which includes skyline and modern architecture

Canadian Museum of History

At this museum, one of the most visited in Canada, discover the events, experiences, people and objects that have shaped the nation’s history.

Canadian Museum of History
National Arts Centre which includes a garden

National Arts Centre

With a schedule full of dazzling theater and live music, along with workshops and talks, this venue delivers non-stop entertainment to Canada’s capital city.

National Arts Centre
Canadian War Museum showing a city and modern architecture

Canadian War Museum

The country’s museum of military history features collections of weapons and vehicles that cover hundreds of years of conflict.

Canadian War Museum
Confederation Square which includes a monument, heritage architecture and an administrative buidling

Elgin Street

Take the family on an outing to Elgin Street during your trip to Ottawa. Check out the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.

Elgin Street

Canadian Tire Centre

Catch an event at Canadian Tire Centre during your trip to Ottawa. Discover the top-notch restaurants and great live music in this family-friendly area.

Canadian Tire Centre

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Gatineau

Canadian Museum of History which includes skyline and modern architecture

Hull

4/5(46 area reviews)

As the central business district and oldest neighborhood in Gatineau, this area boasts a cultural hub with the Canadian Museum of History and Casino du Lac-Leamy. Enjoy the transformed downtown, featuring restaurants, cafés, and stores.

Hull
Gatineau featuring tranquil scenes and snow

Downtown Gatineau

4/5(40 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the gardens and festivals in Downtown Gatineau. You might want to make time for a stop at Canadian Museum of History or Canadian Children's Museum.

Downtown Gatineau
Always a fantastic sunset at this beach on the Ottawa River. Apparently, environmental conditions in the Ottawa Valley produce great colours! #goldenhour

Aylmer

Dubbed the "Recreation Capital of the National Capital," this area boasts golf courses, green spaces, spas, a marina, and bicycle paths. Explore shops, services, and restaurants along Chemin d'Aylmer, and enjoy easy access to Ottawa via Champlain Bridge.

Aylmer
Gatineau featuring tranquil scenes and snow

District des Promenades

While there might not be top attractions in District des Promenades, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Les Promenades Gatineau and Gatineau Sports Centre.

District des Promenades
In the heart of the city of Gatineau lies the Lac Lemay. Perfect for families with a big playground, you can also just enjoy a short stroll around the lake - by foot or bicycle - or relax by the beach. And the colours in the fall are to die for!

District Saint - Raymond - Vanier

While there might not be top attractions in District Saint - Raymond - Vanier, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Casino du Lac Leamy and Canadian Museum of History.

District Saint - Raymond - Vanier
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Masson-Angers

When in Masson-Angers, you can plan a visit to Petrie Island Park and Princess Louise Falls, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Masson-Angers
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Gatineau

Major\'s Hill Park which includes snow and a church or cathedral

Ottawa

Photo by Cobramonk

Chelsea

Photo by Cindy Baker

Cantley

Gatineau Park which includes a house and flowers

Pontiac

Frequently asked questions

Is Gatineau worth visiting?
Whether you're here to discover the cultural highlights and local charm or sample regional foods and venture into nature, there are many things to do in Gatineau.
How do I spend a day in Gatineau?
Kick your day off with a visit to Canadian Museum of History and Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Then, check out other areas of Gatineau for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gatineau?
Canadian Museum of History is one of the top tourist attractions in Gatineau and deserves a spot on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Gatineau?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city sights, including Canadian Museum of History, Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Canadian Museum of Nature. The average stay in Gatineau is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your adventure, Ottawa isn't far away.
Is Gatineau a walkable city?
Some top sights in Gatineau, such as Canadian Museum of History and Canadian Museum of Nature, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 1 mile from central Gatineau is Downtown Ottawa and Byward Market - Parliament Hill is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Gatineau with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all of your group, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Gatineau with kids.

What to do in Gatineau for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Gatineau, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Funhaven Entertainment Centre or Parliament Hill.
Are there free things to do in Gatineau?
From enjoying parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Gatineau. If you're in need of ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Major's Hill Park is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.