Things to do in Gatineau

Climb aboard a unique vehicle that can travel on land and water and discover the historical attractions of Ottawa and the Ottawa River from different perspectives. Spend 40 minutes on land and 20 minutes on the water. Admire landmark monuments and attractions such as Lake Dow, Landsdowne Park, and Byward Market. Get a magnificent view of the city as you cruise along the river aboard the amphibious vehicle. See all the important sights of Ottawa and the city of Gatineau, located just across the water. Avail of an activity that is both fun and educational for the entire family, and ideal for those who are short of time but want to see it all.

Discover the natural beauty of the region that captured the imagination of the first European explorer Samuel de Champlain. Climb aboard the 'Paula D' for a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise on the Ottawa River. This must-do experience offers an entertaining glimpse of the region's rich history and leaves you with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your stay. For your convenience, there are two departure docks, one located in Gatineau and another in Ottawa. Once boarded, sit back and relax as you cruise down the river. Enjoy spectacular views of the city and learn about the river's past life as a watery highway for transporting resources with your guide's engaging and informative commentary in both English and French. During your cruise, you'll have the opportunity to see the Parliament Buildings, the Rideau Canal Locks, and the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau from the river. You'll also be able to spot some sights that are only visible from the water or from Gatineau. While you're taking in the sights, savor a nice cold beverage (at your own expense) on the large open-air upper deck. Alternatively, escape the elements and visit the closed-in lower deck to take advantage of the on-board canteen with a bar.

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Canada's National Capital Region on a helicopter tour in Ottawa. Traverse Gatineau Park and discover other iconic landmarks, including Parliament Hill, Château Laurier, and the Rideau Canal. Enjoy panoramic views of the city's stunning architecture. Experience a unique perspective, fully embracing the splendor of these national treasures. Get insights into Ottawa's rich history and picturesque landscapes with live commentary onboard.

The Canadian Museum of History is Canada’s national museum of human history. Located in Gatineau, Quebec, along the scenic riverfront across from Parliament Hill, the Museum is housed in an iconic building designed by Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal. The Museum is one of Canada’s most popular cultural institutions, with a collection of more than 4 million items — including archaeological material, cultural objects, works of art, documents, and audiovisual material. In collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, the Museum shares the stories of the resilience and diversity of Indigenous cultures and histories across Canada. The Museum has the world’s largest indoor display of monumental poles, six traditional Native house fronts arranged in the shape of a 19th-century Northwest Coast village, contemporary works of Indigenous art, and a gallery dedicated to the achievements and traditions of Indigenous Peoples. The Museum is also home to the popular Canadian History Hall — a stunning showcase that provides access to 15,000 years of social history through personal stories and 1,500 authentic artifacts, many of which are national treasures. The Museum’s exhibitions examine the events, personalities and cultures that have shaped Canada. Sharing stories through multiple perspectives and voices, the Museum celebrates Canadian achievements while also exploring some of the country’s darker chapters. The Museum is also a destination of choice for major international exhibitions, which are often produced in partnership with the world’s most renowned institutions. In addition, you can explore the world through play with your children at the Canadian Children’s Museum and watch an inspiring, larger-than-life documentary films at Ciné+.

Get on a bicycle for a 2 or 3.5-hour guided tour to discover many of downtown Ottawa’s major attractions, must-see spots, and hidden gems. Choose your own adventure from two tour options: 2-Hour Express Tour A fun and short sightseeing tour ideal for newer or easy-going bicyclists, who want to learn about Ottawa’s downtown and beyond. All ages will enjoy the leisurely 8.5-mile ride, stopping at major attractions for sightseeing and photos and great stories shared by our passionate local guides. Highlights include Parliament Hill, War Memorial, Rideau Canal Pathway, Rideau Hall, Rideau Falls, Quebec province, the National Art Gallery, the Museum of History, the Rideau Locks and Bytown Museum. 3.5-Hour Highlights Tour Discover more of Ottawa’s must-see spots and hidden gems on a slight longer 3 to 3.5-hour tour, with 95% of the route on bicycle paths. This 14-15-mile bike tour includes short stops along the way for sightseeing and photos, captivating stories by our local guides plus a power bar snack. Highlights include Rideau Canal, War Memorial, Love Lock Bridge, Rideau Canal Locks, the Glebe, Lansdowne Park, Arboretum, Dow’s Lake, Little Italy, Ottawa River, province of Quebec, Museum of History, Rideau Hall, Rideau Falls,  National Gallery of Canada, Byward Market, and Parliament Hill.

Paddle with us on the beautiful Ottawa River between the two provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Together we will paddle through bays, small beaches and the beautiful Rideau Falls. Stop for a snack at the Marina and capture the magnificent sunset while paddling back. Our experienced guides will provide safety and paddling instruction tips. This is a beginner and intermediate-friendly activity. Located in downtown Ottawa-Gatineau, the escape team ensures your experience is smooth and memorable. Enjoy the best views of the city from and on the water!

Enjoy a thrilling rafting adventure on the Ottawa River. Paddle, splash, and rollover rapids. Follow challenging routes through the white water, led by an expert guide on this 8-hour adventure. Begin your experience at our waterfront resort with an in-depth safety briefing. After a short bus trip to the start location, meet your guide and board your raft for a day of white water adventure. Paddle with your crew as you take in views of the Ottawa River. Take a break for snacks and drinks, and savor a BBQ lunch cruise at the end of your trip. Return to the meeting point and watch a video of your rafting trip, filmed by a video kayaker. Choose between low and medium intenstity rafting adventures depending on your comfort and skill level.

Experience the Scenic Ride Between Casino Lac-Leamy and the NCC River House Relax and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Ottawa River on a scenic route connecting Casino Lac-Leamy and the NCC River House, with stops at the famous Rue Jacques-Cartier and the Rockcliffe Boathouse. Glide past iconic landmarks, immerse yourself in Canada’s rich history, and travel in comfort on this picturesque journey. Highlights Along the Route Casino Lac-Leamy: Begin or end your adventure at this renowned entertainment destination, offering dining, gaming, and vibrant nightlife. Rue Jacques-Cartier: Stop at this charming riverside promenade, known for its quaint shops, cafes, and stunning views of the Gatineau shoreline. Rockcliffe Boathouse: A serene stop with a cozy waterfront ambiance, ideal for a quick break or a meal with panoramic views of the river. From the Rockcliffe Boathouse, you can connect seamlessly to the River Run Cruise, a 30-minute journey that continues to Downtown Ottawa. The NCC River House The NCC River House, a century-old heritage building, is a year-round destination located along the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway. Its features include: Seasonal Activities: Swim, kayak, or canoe from the free public dock in summer. In winter, enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, biking, or walking on the multi-use winter trail that leads to the River House. Outdoor Patio and Café & Bistro: Open year-round, offering panoramic views of the Ottawa River and light fare such as sandwiches, salads, pizza, baked goods, ice cream, and beverages. Swimming Area: In summer, enjoy the enclosed, supervised swimming area with two 25-metre lanes. Universal access, life jackets, and a water chair lift ensure a safe and inclusive experience. Plan Your Adventure Whether you're heading to the Casino, exploring charming riverside stops, or connecting to downtown via the River Run Cruise, this route offers a memorable way to experience Ottawa’s waterways. Join us and discover the beauty and charm of the Ottawa River like never before!

This 2.5-hour swim and bike tour will bring you through some of Ottawa’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, parks, streets, bridges and waters. You’ll learn about Ottawa’s history and attractions as we ride through well-known neighbourhoods and parks. Our friendly local guide will point out historical buildings that house some of Ottawa’s most high profile figures. We’ll even explore some of the capital’s rivers and falls as our excursion follows the Ottawa River and crosses the Rideau River. Bring bathing suit and towel for the River House (Ottawa River).

Embark on a personalized journey from Montreal to Ottawa, Canada's captivating capital. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. With a private guide, you'll have the flexibility to customize your tour and explore the attractions that interest you most. No visit to Ottawa would be complete without a stop at Parliament Hill, the iconic Gothic Revival building that houses Canada's Parliament. Marvel at its grandeur and learn about the country's political history. During the summer months, enjoy a free outdoor concert on the Parliament Hill lawn or witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Take a leisurely cruise along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic waterway connects Ottawa to Kingston and offers breathtaking scenery, including locks, bridges, and lush greenery. Enjoy a boat tour, rent a kayak or canoe, or simply stroll along the canal path. Discover Canada's rich artistic heritage at the National Gallery of Canada. The gallery boasts a world-class collection of Canadian and international art, featuring works by renowned artists such as Emily Carr, Tom Thomson, and Claude Monet. Explore the permanent collection or catch a special exhibition. Experience the lively atmosphere of ByWard Market, Ottawa's historic public market. Browse through a variety of shops selling local produce, artisanal goods, and souvenirs. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants or cafes in the area. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Major's Hill Park. This picturesque park offers stunning views of the Ottawa River and the Parliament Hill skyline. Relax on the lawn, enjoy a picnic, or explore the park's walking trails. Learn about Canada's military history at the Canadian War Museum. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that tell the stories of Canadian soldiers and their experiences. Explore the wonders of the natural world at the Ottawa Museum of Nature. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including dinosaurs, minerals, and live animals. Don't miss the stunning Nature Gallery, which showcases the biodiversity of Canada's ecosystems. Delve into the history of Ottawa's Nepean neighborhood at the Nepean Museum. Discover the area's early settlers, learn about local industries, and explore historic artifacts and documents. Experience a world-class performance at the National Arts Centre. This iconic venue hosts a variety of shows, including theater, dance, music, and opera. Check the schedule to see what's playing during your visit.