Just a short distance across the river from Ottawa, the city of Gatineau offers plenty of summer family activities to keep everyone busy and entertained, with a full menu of exciting local activities served up morning, noon, and night.
From museums and indoor play to hiking, water games and mini putt, Gatineau offers fun for all ages and stages, all sure to inspire you to cross the bridge for your next family outing!
Canadian Children’s Museum
(The Canadian Museum of History)
The Canadian Children’s Museum is one of the most popular attractions at the Canadian Museum of History, and has been since it opened its doors in 1989. Passports in hand, young visitors discover one incredible destination after another.
Whether on a visit to homes in the International Village, a trek to a desert pyramid, a jaunt to the Port of Entry to help unload a cargo ship, or a stroll through the bustling Market Bazaar, visitors encounter endless ways to learn about the world and one another in a world of discovery, where parents have as much fun as their kids.
Source: www.historymuseum.ca/childrens-museum
IMAX Theatre
(The Canadian Museum of History)
Take a journey through history, culture, adventure and nature with stunning films that touch and inspire at the only IMAX 3D screen and Dome Theatre in North America, located at the Canadian Museum of History.
Now playing: Pandas 3D
Follow the adorable Tau Tau on his journey home, as he is released into the bamboo forest to begin his adventure of living in the wild, setting the stage for the survival of this much-loved but endangered species.
Also playing: Journey to the Pacific 3D, an adventure to the lush tropical islands of remote West Papua, where life flourishes above and below the sea. See the website for all movie listings, dates and times.
Source: www.historymuseum.ca/imax
Altitude Gym
Altitude Gym is a unique indoor rock climbing facility featuring more than 1,580 square metres (17,000 sq. ft.) of Walltopia climbing surfaces and climbs up to 14 metres (45 feet), with more than 50 lead roping routes, over 50 top-roping routes, and a massive central block for bouldering (a form of rock climbing performed without the use of ropes or harnesses), as well as climbing courses and Clip ‘n Climb, the indoor climbing theme park.
Source: www.altitudegym.ca
Ciné-Parc Templeton
Pack up the kids, load up the car and head to the last drive-in movie theatre in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, Ciné-Parc Templeton, and enjoy this quaint throwback to a long-ago era. See the website for movie listings, dates and times.
Source: www.cineparc.ca
Complexe Amigo
This is the prime family outdoor amusement park in the Outaouais, featuring Wacky Putt, an out-of-the-ordinary mini-golf course, Kiddy Kars for children nine and under, ATVs for children 8-12, along with water games, four trampolines, inflatable structures, and more. Climb to the highest summits with Vertigo, an outdoor climbing wall, and have some more family fun on the 1.1-kilometre-long outdoor go-kart circuit!
Source: www.complexeamigo.com
Gatineau Park
Bring the family to experience the stunning natural features of Gatineau Park, 15 minutes from Parliament Hill. Take in the park’s unique plants and wildlife, beautiful heritage sites and enjoy the tranquility of being immersed in nature. Often referred to as “Ottawa’s Playground,” this 361-square-kilometre park offers a myriad of outdoor activities amid a gorgeous setting, including hiking, camping, swimming, cycling, lookouts, Mackenzie King Estate and more.
Source: www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park
Photos: Billie MacDonald