The Outaouais is a region that surprises first-time visitors — and one that people miss once they’ve been. A national park, world-class museums, great food, a cultural scene, outdoor activities minutes from downtown: there’s more to do here than a weekend can hold. So we’ve done the editing for you. Here’s a two-day itinerary built for getting the most out of the region, with Hotel V as your base.
Free parking, urban spa included every evening. All you have to do is choose your pace.
Before you go: what you need to know
The Outaouais is easy to explore by car from Gatineau. Most of the attractions in this itinerary are 10 to 20 minutes from Hotel V. The STO transit network also serves several areas if you’d rather leave the car at the hotel.
A few practical tips before you start:
- Book your visits in advance for the Canadian Museum of History and Parliament Hill — spots fill up fast in high season
- Check the program at Maison de la culture before your stay — some shows sell out weeks in advance
- The hotel spa closes at 10 pm — plan your return accordingly so you can enjoy it each evening
Day 1: Nature, history and a great meal
Morning: Gatineau Park
Start with fresh air. Gatineau Park is 15 minutes from the hotel — 361 km² of trails, lakes and hills that change character with every season. In summer, hiking and swimming at Lac Philippe. In fall, the colours of the Canadian Shield. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails among the best in the region.
Two highlights depending on the season:
- Champlain Lookout — the park’s most well-known view, overlooking the Ottawa River and surrounding hills. Accessible year-round.
- Mackenzie King Estate — historic gardens, ruins and small museums in an enchanting setting. Perfect for a family morning.
Allow 2 to 3 hours. On weekdays, the trails are quiet. On weekends, head to the north sectors to avoid the crowds.
Afternoon: The Canadian Museum of History
On your way back to Gatineau, stop at the Canadian Museum of History — the most visited in Canada, 15 minutes from the hotel. Douglas Cardinal’s architecture stops people before they even walk in. Inside: 15,000 years of Canadian human history, the largest indoor collection of totem poles in the world, and the Canadian Children’s Museum for families.
Allow 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace. Admission is free Thursday from 5 pm to 7 pm — plan accordingly if you want to save.
Evening: Dinner at Bistro Rumeur
Head back to the hotel, drop off your things and head straight down to Bistro Rumeur. Contemporary bistro cuisine, a stylish and relaxed atmosphere, two terraces in season. The kind of place where neighbourhood regulars come too — which says everything about the quality of the table.
Book your table in advance for Friday and Saturday evenings.
819 243-0001 Reserve at Bistro Rumeur
Later — The urban spa
The day has been full. The Hotel V spa is open until 10 pm — two Nordic baths with cascade, a dry sauna and two lounge areas with fireplace. Included with your stay, no reservation needed. The best investment of the evening, and it costs you nothing extra.
Day 2: Culture, neighbourhood life and entertainment
Morning: Maison de la culture and the Promenades area
Start the second day at your own pace. If you caught a show at the Odyssée Hall the evening before, perfect — otherwise, the morning is ideal for wandering around the neighbourhood near the hotel. Maison de la culture de Gatineau is just minutes on foot: exhibitions at the Art-image Centre, visual arts programming, or simply a neighbourhood stroll before the day picks up.
Promenades de l’Outaouais is also steps away — handy for those who want to shop or pick up anything for the trip home.
Afternoon: Parliament Hill in Ottawa
Cross the bridge. Ottawa is 15 minutes away — leave the car at the hotel and take the STO bus with a connection to OC Transpo. Parliament Hill is Canada’s most recognizable landmark, and guided tours of the buildings are free.
What we recommend:
- The West Block — free guided tour of the House of Commons, about 45 minutes. Book in advance at visit.parl.ca.
- The Changing of the Guard — from late June to early September, every morning at 10 am on the grounds. Free, no reservation required.
- ByWard Market — minutes on foot from the Hill, Ottawa’s vibrant heart. Restaurants from every cuisine, shops, lively terraces. The perfect spot for a bite before heading back.
Evening: Casino Lac-Leamy
To close out the weekend in style, Casino Lac-Leamy is 10 minutes from the hotel. It’s not just a casino — it’s a complete entertainment complex with restaurants, bars, a nightclub and the 1,000-seat Casino Theatre. Check the program before your stay — some shows sell out quickly.
Access restricted to guests 18 and over. Free parking on-site.
And when you get back, the spa closes at 10 pm. Just enough time for one last unwind before bed.
This itinerary at a glance
Day 1
- Morning: Gatineau Park — Champlain Lookout or Mackenzie King Estate
- Afternoon: Canadian Museum of History
- Evening: Dinner at Bistro Rumeur + hotel urban spa
Day 2
- Morning: Maison de la culture + Promenades area
- Afternoon: Parliament Hill + ByWard Market in Ottawa
- Evening: Casino Lac-Leamy
Your base for this weekend
Hotel V is located at 585 Boulevard de la Gappe in Gatineau — steps from Maison de la culture, 15 minutes from Gatineau Park and Ottawa, 10 minutes from Casino Lac-Leamy. Free parking, urban spa included, restaurant on-site.
Book directly on our website for the best rate guaranteed.
