Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Gatineau

"Canada’s political centerpiece and the home of the city’s government buildings, Parliament Hill is distinguishable by its impressive gothic-style architecture, which dominates the downtown area overlooking the Ottawa River. Ottawa’s Canada Day celebrations are also centered around this landmark, as are the light and sound shows that take place in the summer and during the festive season. It offers free guided tours, which are a great way to learn more about the area’s history and familiarize yourself with the city’s importance in Canada’s cultural landscape."

"Parliament Hill is an impressive group of buildings that house Canada's government. Free tours are offered throughout the year and the Hill is also the setting for national celebrations, like Canada Day - a holiday when Ottawa really comes to life."

"Both the oldest and largest church in Ottawa, Notre Dame Basilica was built in 1841 and boasts two towering twin spires which can be seen from both the city center and Parliament Hill not far away. While its neoclassical exterior looks quite austere, its inside is a feast for the eyes with elaborate carvings and magnificent stained-glass windows wherever you look. Now preserved as a National Historic Site, the cathedral’s exquisite interior is home to hundreds of sculptures of religious figures with the carvings in its choir being particularly impressive."

"The oldest and largest church in Ottawa, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica needs to be photographed. Located on Sussex Street, the church is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. Head inside to photograph the gold gilded altar, stained-glass windows, and beautiful vaulted ceiling."

"While you’re in the ByWard Market you’ll be close to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, so walk on over and head inside. Unfortunately there was a wedding the day I tried to go in October, but I was able to get inside in May and it is stunning!. Definitely worth a look."

"The official residence of the Governor General of Canada, this grand estate evolved from stonemason Thomas McKay’s private villa, later reconfigured with new wings and, in 1913, a pedimented entrance engraved with a Royal Coat of Arms. Following the English landscape style, the building is surrounded by lush — and in this case, public — gardens. “I think of it as a picturesque park as much as a building,” Gagnon says."

"Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor-general of Canada is open to the public and can be explored by taking free guided tours. You must explore the phenomenal and royal heritage gardens. The guided tours take you through the opulent Staterooms, tastefully done ballroom – the Tent Room and even know more about the Governor-General."

"An Ottawa landmark that features Regency, Norman Revival and Florentine Renaissance Revival architecture, Rideau Hall is out to impress. Along with the marvellous art and noteworthy cabinetry that fills the interior plus the gorgeous grounds; Rideau Hall is unquestionably Instagram-worthy. View this post on Instagram"

"Major’s Hill Park is a beautiful spot in downtown Ottawa with some of the best views of the city. This is one of my favourite places for photography because you can see Parliament, the National Art Gallery, Fairmount Chateau Laurier, and Notre Dame just by spinning around!. Major’s Hill Park is a very popular picnic spot."

"Why You Need To Go: While best known for their fall and Halloween activities, you can also head to this Orchard in the summer to pick strawberries."

"Perched on a rise next to the fairytale Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel, the neo-gothic Parliament of Canada overlooks the River Ottawa and neighbouring Québec and is one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. Sit in on question time at the Legislature, enjoy the sound and light show on the illuminated Parliament Hill or take a guided tour of Centre Block. Address: Parliament Hill, Parliament of Canada, Ottawa, K1A 0A9Telephone: +1 613 992 4793Opening times:"

"No visit to Ottawa would complete without at least one Instagram post of the iconic Parliament buildings!. Throughout the year there plenty of photo opportunities from fireworks at Canada Day, flowers at Tulip Festival, the Sounds and Light Show in the summer, or over the winter when the Parliament of Canada is lit up at Christmas."

"The Canadian Parliament was originally built between 1859 and 1878 in the Neogothic Style, similar to the Chateau Style. Inspired by French, English and Flemish architectural elements, its construction employed mostly wood. In 1916, a great fire ravaged the central building."

"On Preston Street, you’ll find a decadent selection of cakes that can be the star of your birthday party at Simply Biscotti. Try something drizzled in caramel or anything made with chocolate. The shop is open seven days a week so you’ll never be without cake again!"

"Simply Biscotti is one of the top-rated bakeries Ottawa and has multiple branches in several locations. As their name suggests, Simply Biscotti is famous for its renowned Biscottis. Although, they don’t just make Biscottis or aren’t just good at that."

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"The Ten Spot is a trendy brand with several franchise outlets present in Canada. Here, you will get a luxurious experience in nail services, skincare, great brow, and lashes treatment, and waxing, and laser treatment. This brand doesn’t just offer services but also has products in the skincare range, manicure and pedicure-kits, and they run a school for imparting their skills and knowledge."

"Now, after all of that hiking or zip lining, you’ll probably want to relax, and there’s no better place to do that than Nordik Spa-Nature. Located just outside Gatineau Park, this is the largest outdoor nature spa of its kind in North America. Enjoy Nordik’s relaxing thermal baths and saunas experience, which invites you to move through several cold and temperate baths, different saunas and an infinity pool that overlooks Ottawa’s beautiful skyline."

"The location of this spa has the potential of blowing your mind, as it is located amidst nature and is so huge that it makes itself the largest nature spa in North America. This spa is like a weekend gateway for you, as there are ten outdoor baths, nine saunas, massage pavilions, numerous delicacies, and lots more for your complete relaxation. Best known for its thermo-therapy, this spa also offers accommodation."

"A local favourite, Nordik Spa is a beautiful spa located just north of Ottawa. With their stunning outdoor space, chalets and cottages, Nordik is the place to spend a relaxing day or even a whole weekend. Don’t forget to take some photos.Photo: Nordik Spa via Facebook"

"Renu’s Spa focuses on working on the root cause of your problems and then providing massages based on the problem areas. This spa offers over ten different types of massages to its guests. Apart from massages, you can also avail of some basic spa services like hair removal, facials, body treatments, and pedicures, etc."