This 3km stretch will bring you to incredible attractions in Gatineau from restaurants, art installations, murals, and more. Here’s some information to guide your journey on the Gatineau Culture Trail. The best part is that it’s completely self-guided so you can do it at your own pace and really savour each new section. I’ve walked the trail myself a few times and what I love is that you can always expect something new along it. It’s the perfect way to discover the area yourself and be pleasantly surprised with what you find along the way. Get your camera ready because there are lots of Instagram-worthy moments along the way.
How To Find The Gatineau Culture Trail
You’ll see these stickers on the ground that will guide your journey. Follow them to bring you to your next destination. You can also download a map here.
You can access a Gatineau Culture Trail Map here.
Where To Start the Gatineau Culture Trail
I recommend starting at the Canadian Museum of History. The trail will take you on a 3km journey that will end at Brewery Creek.
You can choose a time that works best for you. Keep in mind business opening hours if there are specific spots you want to visit. I usually go in the afternoon into the evening but you can also go during the day if you want a quieter time.
Where The Gatineau Culture Trail Ends
The Trail ends at Ruisseau de la Brasserie (Brewery Creek) in Gatineau. Brasseur de Temps would be a great spot to grab a bite here. You can also do the trail in reverse if you prefer.
How Long Do I Need For The Gatineau Culture Trail
I recommend blocking off a few hours for the Gatineau Culture Trail. Walking the full distance will take about an hour but there’s bound to be plenty of spots you’ll want to stop along the way. There are also lots of wonderful restaurants along the way that are perfect to refuel at.
Where to Park in Downtown Gatineau
There’s plenty of side streets, parking lots, and parking garages you can park at in downtown Gatineau. Many side streets are free after 5 pm. Leduc Parking Garage at 15 rue Leduc is free after 5 pm.
Things To Do Along the Gatineau Culture Trail:
There are so many incredible attractions you can look forward to on the Gatineau Culture Trail. Here are some highlights:
Current Events Along the Gatineau Culture Trail
Festibière de Gatineau
This is the last weekend of Festibiere de Gatineau. Escape to a tropical oasis right in downtown Gatineau. You can literally be floating on a flamingo, enjoying a beer, with a view of the ferris wheel, and listening to live music. This is the best edition of Festibiere yet. I had such a blast at this event and definitely recommend going. You can get tickets here.
Grands Feux du Casino Lac Leamy
Grands Feux du Casino Lac Leamy is an event I look forward to every summer. Enjoy an incredible fireworks show synchronized to music at the Canadian Museum of History. If you have tickets, head there early to enjoy the attractions inside, food trucks, and a beautiful view from the edge of the Ottawa River.
It’s sold out this year but there’s still plenty of places to catch the fireworks in downtown Gatineau. I recommend enjoying a bite at a restaurant below and then watching from Rue Laurier.
Restaurants Along the Gatineau Culture Trail
In downtown Gatineau, you’ll find an incredible mix of restaurants to try out. From hidden patios, unique food items, and more. I recommend making a reservation in advance if possible.
Les Vilains Garçons
I was introduced to Les Vilains Garçons a few years ago and it’s been a favourite ever since. Their menu is constantly changing and influenced by the seasons. What’s special about this restaurant is that instead of getting one big meal, you can choose between 3 or 5 portions which gives you the opportunity to try a bit of each. Every time I’ve been here the dishes have always been unique and delicious.
Bistro CoqLicorne
I stumbled upon this restaurant at the beginning of summer and can’t wait to go back. Bistro CoqLicorne has a great patio, especially at the back with the plants. They have some really fun cocktails like one that comes with roasted marshmallows. I recommend getting their fish tacos. I also heard they have brunch on Sundays so I’ll definitely be back soon.
Le Rustiek
Le Rustiek offers Northern European cuisine with their own twist. Enjoy meals made with fresh and locally sourced products. Enjoy their selection of Quebec craft beers and private import wines. It has a cozy interior and the option of a nice patio to enjoy your meal.
Rustiek specializes in northern European cuisine with an original twist, prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Beer lovers will appreciate the wide selection of Quebec craft beers, as well as creative cocktails and private import wines.
Le Soif
Le Soif is all about discovering and tasting new wines in a fun and laid-back atmosphere. Get one of their wine flights with your meal so you can try a few. Véronique Rivest, the sommelier-owner, won Canada’s best sommelier in 2013 and Le Soif was named one of Canada’s top up and coming restaurants in 2015.
Le Troquet
Le Troquet has a hidden back patio you need to visit. Make sure to ask to sit at the back to find their patio covered with trees, twinkle lights, and murals. You need to get a burger (I recommend the G.O.A.T.), chips, and sangria here. I loved the vibe of this restaurant with all the colours and music.
Olivia Bistro
This is the perfect spot for quick and healthy bites. Grab a bite here and then bring it to Parc du Portage (details below). Olivia Bistro has everything from smoothies, stuffed avocados, tacos, fun salads, and more.
Le Cellier
You’ll find Le Cellier in a charming, red-brick Victorian house in downtown Gatineau. Enjoy their seasonal menu while you sample wines from around the world. The interior is beautiful and they also have a patio you can dine on.
Piz’za-za
Pizza Lovers, this one is for you! Piz’za-za has been serving gourmet pizzas and wine for over 25 years. They have an impressive list of pizzas to choose from whether you’re looking for a classic pizza or something more adventurous. Grab a few as a group so you can try a bit of each. Next time I’m getting their charcuterie pizza!
Les Brasseurs du Temps
Brasseur de Temps is a brewery, restaurant, and museum all in one! The name Brasseur de Temps was chosen because of the brewers of the area, dating back to the 1800s. The first brewer of the area had their farm in this exact location. Enjoy their craft beer, food, and take a walk through their museum and learn about the history of the beer industry and their brewery. They have a wonderful patio where you can also enjoy a view of Brewery Creek. You’ll find this restaurant near the end of the Gatineau Culture Trail.
Art Installation on Rue Aubry
The installations on rue Aubry are something I look forward to every summer. Each year is a new theme. This year the installation was created by Maxime B. Huneault in collaboration with Véronique Guitard and the Lab CIPTO.
This year you’ll find clothes hanging from a clothesline. It sparks the curiosity of who are the people behind these clothes and who live in the neighbourhood. The silhouettes become characters in themselves and dance quietly together.
C’est La Vie Mural on Rue Laval
This mural always takes my breath away. I love the vibrant colours and all the music and culture tie-ins. It illustrates how downtown Gatineau has always been a place to bring people together and celebrate. It celebrates how for over two centuries, Vieux Hull, once known as ‘Little Chicago’ has been the host to many characters and stories. This mural was inspired by the work of CREEP DSC and created by artists Phil Landry and Marin Mitrasinovic.
Îlot A Most Unusual Terrace
Head to the top of Leduc Parking (15 rue Leduc) for an original and vibrant public space on the rooftop. With high-speed internet and 24 computer workstations, this is the most unique coworking space in the capital. There are rest areas and an extensive menu you can enjoy that combines the gastronomic delight of around 50 restaurants in downtown Gatineau.There’s themed teleworking pods you can use. Using the space is completely free, just bring money for food and drinks. Head here before it disappears.
It’s open 8:30 am to 6:00 pm on Monday and Tuesday and 8:30 am to 8:30 pm from Wednesday to Friday.
Parc du Portage Installations
Day or night, this is the perfect spot to sit and relax by the picnic tables. There’s plenty of murals surrounding the park, a scenic fountain, and artwork. Here are a few of the things to look forward to here:
Debout
I loved stumbling upon this installation this year. You’ll find a trail of these illuminated spheres you can walk by in the park. Find the Debout photo booth, snap a photo inside and then you’ll see it projected onto one of the domes.
This installation was designed by Lucion. The soundtrack was created by local composer, Louise Poirier.
Animosities
You’ll find a series of murals created to showcase animals you’ll see in Canada, especially the Outaouais region. One of these murals is a bear mural inside Parc du Portage. Some of the animals are endangered and it’s a reminder to be aware of environmental issues and make positive changes. This series was created by multiple artists: Maria Rosa Szychowska, Marin Mitrasinovic, Philippe landry, Anthony Léger, Mathieu Strike Désilets.
Brewery Creek Installation
This year at Brewery Creek you’ll spot a beautiful installation of canoes hanging above the water. It was created by artist Giorgia Volpe. The work pays tribute to Quebec folklore, to the beliefs of sailors, and to the heritage of First Nations know-how, in a place of exchange where all these communities once lived.
This is just a small preview of what you can expect on the trail. There is so much more to explore on the Gatineau Culture Trail. I would love to see how you enjoy it. Feel free to tag me on Instagram and enjoy 🙂
This post was sponsored by Outaouais Tourism. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I hope you enjoy the trail as much as I do.
Looking for more Outaouais Fun activities? Check out my guide to Wakefield.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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Hi,
Thanks for the interesting post. Do you have know if the restaurants and shops are requiring Quebec’s vaccine passport?
Author
Thank you! So many cool finds along the cultural trail. Yes, they are. They’re required to ask for proof of vaccine and ID. I’ve had to show it a few times and no issues getting in anywhere.