Gatineau's "Profite de l'été" program for summer 2024 offers over 1,000 free activities, including performances, group classes, and cultural events, ensuring a diverse and inclusive experience for all ages across the city. Photo: Courtesy of the City of Gatineau
The City of Gatineau unveiled its Profite de l’Été initiative, which allows residents to participate in free activities all summer long
Jude Osmond
Gatineau is about to get livelier as they welcome back its Profite de l’été initiative, which announces that Gatineau, Hull, Buckingham, and Aylmer will host hundreds of free activities and shows to enjoy the weather outdoors throughout the summer. The initiative opened for the summer of 2026 on June 5 at La Place Notre-Dame, where several of its activities will take place.
The activities run from Friday, June 5, to Sunday, September 27.
There is a wide range of activities that happen intuitively on a daily basis, including physical activities and sports like karate and other sports, dancing, and small shows where local artists come to perform, movie nights in the park, and other fun activities to get families outdoors during the estivale season.
The Sentier culturel returns with another 2-km urban-art trail run, celebrating its 10th anniversary. Another recurring event in the activities is the Festival on Rue Eddy with its family edition on July 4.
‘’ All the sectors and blocks in the city are revolving around activities like these; it ultimately creates a very strong community link.’’ Said Timmy Jutras, the municipal councillor for the Lac-Beauchamp District.
The activities are meant for everyone of all ages to enjoy and spend time with family during the summer in Outaouais. ‘’ They can discover new artists, businesses…whether it's Friday, Thursday or even Tuesday, it allows people to discover new sectors of the city and new arts,’’ Jutras said
The locations of the various activities vary by sector, with some taking place in Buckingham, Gatineau, and Aylmer, in parks such as Park du Renard, Park Moussette, and many more. Place Laval, Place Notre-Dame, and other vibrant spaces will also host some of the activities throughout the estivale season.
Jutras mentioned that this was a positive initiative that creates a cultural hub between the sectors and helps attract everyone to local businesses.
“Once again this summer, Gatineau comes alive with a 100% free, 100% fun program. Thanks to a diverse offering of shows, sports activities, art workshops, and outdoor events, Enjoy the Summer allows residents to come together and enjoy the summer season. I invite Gatineau residents to explore the activities offered in all sectors of the city and to experience summer with family, friends, or neighbours fully,” said Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette.
For more information on the activities and the initiative, visit Gatineau.ca/été.