Things to do in Gatineau and the Outaouais with kids: 7 ideas
Two hours from Montreal, Gatineau and the Outaouais make a great family weekend: a big museum with a space for kids, a huge protected forest, a family ski hill and animals to see up close.
In short: on a rainy day, the Canadian Children's Museum; on a sunny day, Gatineau Park; for animals, Parc Omega in Montebello.
In Gatineau and Chelsea
1. Canadian Museum of History and Canadian Children's Museum
Facing Parliament, the great national museum houses the Canadian Children's Museum and its "Great Adventure" exhibit, where little ones travel the world through play. Workshops and indoor and outdoor play areas. Open year-round.
- 100, rue Laurier, Gatineau
- See the listing
2. Gatineau Park
The great protected forest at the city's edge: hiking and lake beaches in summer, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. The Chelsea visitor centre helps you pick a trail and rents snowshoes.
- Visitor centre, 33, chemin Scott, Chelsea
- See the listing
3. Camp Fortune
The family ski hill in Gatineau Park, about 20 minutes from Gatineau, with outdoor activities in summer.
- 300, chemin Dunlop, Chelsea
- See the listing
A little further
4. Parc Omega
Drive more than 12 km to see deer, elk, wolves, bears and bison. Mini-farm and playground on site.
- 399, route 323 Nord, Montebello
- See the listing
5. Gatineau Sled Dogs
Dog sledding rides in winter, by reservation, about an hour from Gatineau.
- 10, Mont-Dumouchel, Saint-Sixte
- See the listing
6. Nordik Spa-Nature
For parents with a babysitter: the big Chelsea spa, close to Gatineau.
- 16, chemin Nordik, Chelsea
- See the listing
Mark your calendar
7. Winterlude 2027
January 29 to February 15, 2027: tube slides, ice sculptures, a giant Ferris wheel and free outdoor activities on both sides of the river.
- Outdoor sites in Gatineau and Ottawa
- See the event
Our tips
- Save the museum for a rainy or very cold day.
- Parc Omega takes three to four hours: plan half a day.
- During Winterlude, dress kids in layers: you'll spend the day outside.
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Gatineau with kids on a rainy day?
The Canadian Children's Museum, inside the Canadian Museum of History.
Where can you see animals near Gatineau?
At Parc Omega in Montebello, which you visit by car.
What can families do in the Outaouais in winter?
Skiing at Camp Fortune, dog sledding, cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park and Winterlude.
Information verified on October 13, 2026. Prices and hours can change: confirm with each venue before you go.
