Enjoy Gatineau during the 35th Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
June 30th, 2022
There will never be a dull moment from September 1st to 5th during the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival!
Not only will you find hundreds of family activities offered directly on site, hot air balloon lift-offs, the Beauce Carnaval Amusement park, Musical matinees and artists for all tastes, you will also be able to take advantage of several activities within a short distance of the Festival. Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy Gatineau during your Labour Day weekend.
A waterfront path just steps away from the FMG
A few minutes walk from La Baie Park, on the shores of the Ottawa River, you will find Jacques-Cartier Street. Known for its beauty and its many restaurants offering a view on the river, you will be delighted. And since nautical activities are king here, you will feel the summer vibe from the very first glance. Here, sea-doos, boats and yachts are typical. You might even spot a pirate ship!
Whether you’re walking or biking, the bike path along Jacques-Cartier Street will allow you to maintain your active lifestyle right next to the Festival. Speaking of biking, did you know that the City of Gatineau was named “Best Bike City in Canada” and 5th in the world for medium-sized cities in 2021 by the PeopleForBikes organization? No need to tell you that its bike network is second to none.
The wonderful Leamy Lake
Following the bike path from Jacques-Cartier Street, you can easily get to the Lac-Leamy Park, a true oasis where people can gather with family and friends in the heart of the city. On site, you will find a beautiful beach open for swimming, volleyball courts, a picnic area with barbecue grills and access to several other hiking and biking trails.
And for nautical activities, head to the Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy located just a few minutes walk from the beach! There, you can rent canoes, kayaks and paddle boards to enjoy the calm waters of Leamy Lake.
Vibrant downtown
Easily accessible via the bike path starting on Jacques-Cartier Street or just a few minutes away by car, downtown Gatineau offers multiple restaurants and bars with an urban feel on Laval Street – a pedestrian street for that matter – and nearby!
Downtown, you can visit Canada’s most popular museum, the Canadian Museum of History and its Children’s Museum, try the Interzip Rogers interprovincial zip line from Ottawa to Gatineau, or go on a quest to admire the original art pieces that decorate the downtown area along the Cultural Trail. Furthermore, cross one of the bridges and you’re in Canada’s capital!
If you’re visiting the region, take the time to check out the Experience Outaouais packages that will allow you to save money and plan your stay without any hassle.
Looking to stay on site? You can! Our RV Park will allow you to sleep and set up on site in your RV or van. You will therefore have a perfect place to enjoy the different activities of the Festival while having the possibility to go out and discover the Outaouais region.
See you soon? 🙂
