5 things to do on a dreamy winter getaway in the Outaouais

Winter in Canada means you don’t have to travel far to discover a winter wonderland. In fact, the Outaouais region offers a complete winter getaway just two hours away from Montreal and a few minutes from Ottawa.

The bilingual, family-friendly destination offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural discoveries, local cuisine, cozy accommodations, and relaxing experiences, which means you can tailor the trip to your preferences with ease.

Wondering where to begin? Here are five activities you should definitely check out on your winter getaway in the Outaouais.

Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is the largest green space in the National Capital Region — and Canada’s second-most visited park. Rife with rich biodiversity, seasonal outdoor activities, and historic sites, it’s easy to spend a day in the area.

NCC

In winter, Gatineau Park is home to one of North America’s largest and best-maintained cross-country ski networks. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, the 200+ kilometres of trails for classic, skate, and backcountry skiing offer something for everyone.

Patinage en forêt

The magical skating experience of Patinage en forêt will take you through six kilometres of trails through a forest just 45 minutes from downtown Gatineau and is perfect for all ages and skill levels.

Put on your skates in the heated shelter, traverse the trails, and warm up at the open fires along the various rest stops.

Kōena Spa

For a thermal experience like no other, check out Kōena Spa, located along the Ottawa River in the heart of Château Cartier Hotel & Resort.

Wellness Travelled

Enjoy therapeutic massages and purifying treatments along with the full spa circuit, complete with heated pools, a refreshing waterfall, and a Himalayan salt room. Time has a way of melting away here, right along with your worries.

Roberto Pizza Romana

Roberto Pizza Romana serves authentic Roman-style pizzas made with organic Quebec flours and 48-hour fermented dough, topped with Italian meats, fine cheeses, and local ingredients. Simply put, that’s a good pizza pie.

And while you’re in the neighbourhood, be sure to wander Old Chelsea Square! This spot is beloved for food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, and has loads of local businesses to explore and sights to behold.

Igloofest

The cold can’t keep a true Canadian indoors, and Igloofest proves it. Three nights of icy-hot beats, dancing beneath the snowflakes, and unforgettable winter fun await at the EDM music festival happening Feb. 12 to Feb. 14, 2026.

@villedepluie

After a successful first run in 2025, you can expect the festival to be bigger, louder, and frostier than ever. Be sure to don your best snow gear and prepare to dance the night away.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of wintery fun that awaits you. Cold weather is inevitable, but making the most of it is all up to you, so take the plunge and experience the great outdoors for all it's worth.

Plan your winter getaway in the Outaouais — visit the Outaouais Tourism website for more information.