June is here and we're so happy to welcome summer! We can't wait for family vacations to (FINALLY!) get out of the house and enjoy all that our region has to offer! Looking for inspiration for activities to do with family, friends or as a couple in the coming months? We've put together a list of summer activities to discover in the Outaouais (our hometown), for all tastes and budgets!

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Beaches

In the Outaouais and elsewhere in Quebec, we are lucky to have several beaches that are free to access for families and friends to enjoy. These include Lac Leamy, Lac Beauchamp, Moussette Park and Parc des Cèdres. Bring your sunscreen, swimsuit and towel and enjoy the beautiful sunny days. You can also rent boats at an outdoor center and venture out on the water!

Food trucks

All summer long, several food trucks will be driving around various locations throughout Gatineau to offer foodies their delicious take-out menus. Currently, you can find Zaza Remorque, BBQ Shop and Le Vilain Camion. To learn more about the food truck gastronomic experience, read this blog post!

Photo credit: Camille Labonté

Picnic in the park

Are you wondering what the best picnic spots in the Outaouais are? We prefer these:

• Lac-Leamy
• Major's Hill Park (Ottawa)
• Aylmer Marina
• Old Chelsea
• Along the Rideau Canal
• Théâtre de l'Île
• Experimental Farm (Ottawa)

Fill your picnic basket with gourmet products (discover our favorites here) and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Public market

To buy fruits and vegetables from local producers, we invite you to visit one of the public markets that will take place this summer all over the Outaouais, notably in Aylmer, Le Plateau and Old Hull.

Ice cream parlors

There's nothing better than a good ice cream to cool off after a day in the sun, right?

If we had to choose our top 3, it would be the homemade ice creams from La Cigale (Chelsea), the dipped cones from Chocolats Favoris (Gatineau and Aylmer) and the gelato from Cassis (Aylmer).

Photo credit: La Cigale

Patios

For a successful happy hour, we love to gather on a patio in good company, enjoying aperitif time. We particularly love the patio at Les Brasseurs du temps restaurant, the one at Pub Chelsea, and the one at Tavern on the Hill.

Pick-your-own

Throughout the weeks, pick-your-own allows us to enjoy local fruits and vegetables in all their freshness. Pick strawberries, raspberries or tomatoes at Potager Eardley, eat them right from the field and take advantage of it to cook a multitude of recipes when you get home!

Romantic getaway

Because sometimes you need to reconnect as a couple, we suggest two places for an unparalleled romantic experience: the Fairmont Château Montebello and the Wakefield Mill. Enjoy the outdoor activities offered, the gastronomic experience and the spa for an unforgettable stay.

Photo credit: Wakefield Mill

Parc Oméga

If you've never been to Parc Oméga, what are you waiting for? From your car, explore the immense grounds where wild animals roam, feed them carrots and get up close and personal with wildlife! An activity very popular with children!

Photo credit: Parc Oméga

Ziplining

Very soon, it will be possible to cross from Ottawa to Gatineau by zipline! Indeed, the Outaouais will be home to the world's first interprovincial zipline! Get a ticket on the Interzip Rogers website to be among the first to try it!

To enjoy more of the outdoors, we also invite you to visit Arbraska Laflèche, where you can step out of your comfort zone on an aerial obstacle course.

Photo credit: Mike Pochwat Playback Photography / Arbraska

Bungee

For thrills you won't soon forget, jump from Canada's highest bungee point! At Great Canadian Bungee, you can plunge from a 200-foot crane into the turquoise water below. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Photo credit: Great Canadian Bungee

Parachuting

Has skydiving always been on your bucket list? This summer is the perfect time to make your dream come true! The Go Skydive team is ready to welcome you for an adrenaline rush!

Photo credit: GoSkydive.ca

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After a big day full of activities, what could be better than coming home and making yourself a little drink? Discover our Summer Cocktail box (coming soon), which contains everything you need for successful cocktails! And why not pair it with the BBQ Season box for a flavorful grilled dinner?

One thing is for sure, summer will be far from boring with so many activities planned! We are more than excited for summer to arrive and we plan to enjoy it to the fullest! Which of these activities will you do first?

To find out even more great places in the Outaouais, follow the Outaouais First movement.

Text by Camille Labonté – Writer and photographer for Shop moi ça