For hiking enthusiasts, head for Wolf Trail. This trail offers great views of the Gatineau hills, and it starts and ends at Blanchet Beach so you can go swimming.

Details: 8.3km loop with 330m elevation. Trail number 62. Leaves from parking P13 (paid parking).

https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/hiking-and-walking-gatineau-park

For a nature stroll, head for Pink Lake. It’s unfortunately not pink coloured, but an emerald green.

Details: 2.3km loop leaving from the Pink Lake parking lot.

https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/pink-lake

For the explorers, head to the Lusk Cave. These are a series of caves that interconnect underground that you can walk through. The water level in the caves depends on the recent rainfall. You will need to bring a bathing suit, water shoes, and a headlamp, and a waterproof bag for your valuables. If you detest cold water, consider bringing a shorty wetsuit. The hike there is lovely and follows the edge of Philippe Lake.

Details: Park at Parent Beach parking. Access to the caves via trail 50 (about 5km on easy gravel trail).

https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/lusk-cave

This is the largest spa in North-America! It is a Nordic style spa with every type of sauna imaginable. It is a lovely space to relax in hot pools surrounded by nature! Plan for at least a half day, and we highly recommend staying for a meal at their restaurant, beer garden, or tapas bar. Bring a bathing suit and sandals. We suggest renting a bathrobe, but you can bring your own.

https://chelsea.lenordik.com/en/

Looking for a place to eat after your day in Gatineau Park or at the Spa Nordik, head to the old Chelsea pub for a burger!

https://www.chelseapub.ca/en/gallery.html

Canadian Museum of History

This museum is stunning in its architecture, and houses collections about Canadian, Native and Inuit history. It is worth a visit.

https://www.historymuseum.ca/visit/

This national art museum has multiple collections. Of interest to our international visitors may be the Canadian and Inuit art collections. https://www.gallery.ca/

At Stéphane's request, the Canadian War Museum has made the to-do list cut! It has exhibitions on WWI and WWII including many military vehicles on exhibition. It is worth a trip for those interested in military history.

Ottawa has more than 600 kilometres of multi-use paths link superb natural areas, parks, gardens, museums and attractions. Biking is probably the best way to enjoy the trails. There are multiple bike rental shops in the downtown core (ex. RentABike, Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals). Tours are also available. You can enjoy walking the downtown segments of the Rideau Canal.

https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/capital-pathway

A little farther afield (80km from Ottawa), is the Parc Omega. It is a safari style park with Canadian animals. It is known for it’s “Sleep with the Wolves” experience, where you stay overnight in their cabins that have views over the wolf enclosure.