Gatineau
There are plenty of attractions in Gatineau and surrounding area, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization, with its majestic curves evoking the emergence of the North American landmass. Gatineau is renowned for its festive, open spirit. Place Aubry, in the heart of downtown, is a favourite meeting place and is home to boutiques and outdoor cafés. In July the area really comes alive as crowds of music-lovers turn out for the numerous concerts. The city has no lack of green spaces, and visitors can enjoy boat rides on the Ottawa River and lots of outdoor activities, including cycling in Gatineau Park. This peaceful oasis also offers interpretation trails, hiking and cross-country ski trails, sand beaches and the splendid estate of former Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.
Canadian Museum of Civilization / Canadian Children’s Museum
Canada’s largest museum offers the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles and the magnificent First Peoples Hall. It also houses an IMAX® Theatre, the Canadian Children’s Museum, the Canadian Postal Museum and special exhibitions. This interactive museum is open year-round and offers extensive school programs. Visit the museum between November 18, 2010 and September 5, 2011 to take in the Canadian Arctic Expedition, 1913-1918 exhibit, featuring the first multi-facetted scientific expedition to the Canadian Arctic. Admissions vary.
In Canada Hall, laid out in chronological order, is the history of the country starting with the arrival of the Vikings. Experience a remarkable journey through one thousand years of Canada’s social history.
Canada Hall has been developed in two sections. The first focuses on the Atlantic region, Quebec and
Ontario from A.D. 1000 to 1885. The second covers Western and Northern Canada from 1885 to the present. The Grand Hall is a major permanent exhibition dedicated to the cultures, history and contributions of Aboriginal peoples across Canada.The museums also contains an IMAX Theatre where visitors are now able to enjoy IMAX 3D technology, a new state-of-the-art sound system, a new screen and new seats. Thanks to all of these improved features, the IMAX Theatre will be the only one in North America to present 3D films on the IMAX screen and 2D films on the Dome.
Minimum Time Required: 2 hours
Casino du Lac-Leamy an Elegant Escapade
Located only five minutes from downtown Ottawa, the Casino du Lac-Leamy is the heart of a magnificent urban resort, an inspiring oasis of water greenery that is also home to the five-star Hilton Lac- Leamy hotel. The Casino combines the fun of gaming with more than 60 gaming tables and 1800 slot machines, the delight of fine dining with a variety of restaurants and the performance arts with a 1000- seat Theatre.
Hull Chelsea Wakefield Steam Train
Enjoy a scenic rail tour through the picturesque Gatineau Hills to the quaint village of Wakefield on board Eastern Canada’s oldest operating steam train, which dates from 1907. The comfortable coaches have on-board tour guides and entertainers. Renowned for spectacular fall foliage excursions and its Sunset Dinner Train. Two and five hour tours available.
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Plan your tour during the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival and your groups will be dazzled by hot-air balloons of all shapes and colours, from all over the world: Canada, the United States, Holland and Brazil. An amazing sight that will take your breath away! Enjoy the festival and its shows, amusement rides, fireworks, magic, street entertainers, the “Nightglow” illumination, crafts market and strongman competition.
Minimum time required: 2 hours
Dinner & Show at Ferme Rouge
Located 20 minutes from Parliament Hill, Ferme Rouge Restaurant offers a delicious dinner and entertainment experience. With a seating capacity of 525, Ferme Rouge easily accommodates groups. Complimentary shows feature the sensational voices and superb choreography of the restaurant’s dynamic servers. Ferme Rouge welcomes over 60 000 clients annually. Group menus available, free parking, open Wednesday to Sunday from 6:00pm.
Gatineau Park
Covering 361 square kilometers, Gatineau Park is a superb nature reserve only 15 minutes from downtown. It is endowed with hundreds of kilometres of trails, beautiful forests, abundant wildlife and numerous crystal-clear lakes. Summer and winter, visitors can participate in outdoor activities — from cycling and hiking to cross-country skiing —or simply enjoy the tranquility of a protected natural environment.
Minimum time required: 2 hours
An adventure high above everything else! Four aerial treks will challenge you at the top of the forest in the Outaouais! Laflèche Adventure offers the most impressive zip lines, right in the heart of a Laurentian forest. The Fortune Aerial Experience, located right in Gatineau Park, has special routes for both adult and student groups. The Forêt de l’Aigle, high above an impressive white birch forest, offers a playground of more than 140Km²: suspended trek, tree climbing, zip lines, and rock face climbing. And last but not least, brave the
Coulonge Falls with its new aerial paths. Try the giant zip line of 805 feet and fly over the Falls’ impressive canyon!
Minimum Time Required For Cave: 1.5 hours
Minimum Time Required For Aerial Park: 3 hours
Oméga Park
Visit this year-round natural wilderness habitat that is home to all kinds of fascinating creatures. Through all four seasons, visitors can spot animals native to Canada, including moose, black bears, deer, wolves, and bison, as well as some species that are rarely seen, such as the alpine ibex.
Minimum Time Required: 1.5 hours
Eco-Odyssey, the new water labyrinth!
Located on a natural site minutes from the village of Wakefield, this water labyrinth stretches over 4 kilometres and features 50 intersections where you and your group will enjoy a fun and educational experience. Select your adventure and feel the mystery of the marshlands from the comfort of your pedal boat. Learn more about the marshland wildlife and vegetation and experience the tranquillity of this unforgettable tour.
