Top 10 Things To Do, Activities 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."

"This is another family favorite trail with historical ruins to discover!. The Carbide Willson Trail is an out and back style, 4.3km hike that takes you along Meech Lake and up to the remains of an old laboratory built by Thomas “Carbide” Willson, the inventor of Calcium Carbide. Kids can explore the ruins and marvel at the adjacent waterfalls, which together are a stunning sight!"

"Central Experimental Farm holds a lot of dramatic structures and attractions that your gallery will love. There’s the Dominion Observatory, Dominion Arboretum and Fletcher Wildlife Garden. There are also several gardens and fields, with some dedicated to rocks, roses, perennial plants and sunflowers."

"In late summer the Central Experimental Farm has a large sunflower field that makes the perfect backdrop for a selfie. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1SZz9CFScn/?. utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet"

"Just beyond, you can bike through the Dominion Arboretum and the Experimental Farm, where many species of trees colour the landscape. A jewel of nature near the city centre!"

"The Watson's Mill is the only working museum in Ottawa and is a historic flour mill that still sells stone-ground, whole wheat flour. The place is also believed to be haunted by locals and open to general Public during summer- the highlight being the summer events held here every year. On other days, the history of the place invites visitors to see the old machinery and to have a meal at the Ma...Read more"

"Watson's Mill is one of the best-preserved examples of 19th century mill architecture and the only operating industrial heritage site within the City of Ottawa. It is designated as part of historic Dickinson Square, at the heart of the Village of Manotick. Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A2 tel.: 613-692-MILL (6455) www.watsonsmill.com"

"The historic flour mill located in the village of Manotick is a picturesque building — great for photos in the fall and summer months. Watson’s Mill offers building tours where you can even purchase the flour they produce.Photo: Sofia Donato"

"The BeaverTails stand sits right next to Lois N’ Frima’s in the ByWard Market neighbourhood. A trip to Ottawa is not complete without sampling this classic Canadian pastry, so named because the pastry looks like a beaver tail. These Canadian treats can be topped with cinnamon and sugar, bananas and chocolate, maple bacon, or even with Reese’s Pieces."

"Although BeaverTails are shaped like the tail of Canada’s national animal, its whole wheat dough is actually vegan!. When ordering, just ask the staff to hold the butter and any other non-vegan toppings. BeaverTails were invented in the Ottawa area in 1978 and the original stand is located in the historic ByWard Market neighbourhood."

"You cannot leave Ottawa without sampling the most beloved of all Canadian treats-the sugary doughy delicious BeaverTail pastry. The BeaverTail trucks are positioned all along the canal. The BeaverTail is modelled after Canada’s largest rodent and symbolic mascot, the Beaver."