Tourism: The Outaouais region is experiencing an exceptional summer in 2026

Tourism: The Outaouais region is experiencing an exceptional summer in 2026

Summer 2026 is drawing to a close, and the initial results are very encouraging for tourism in the National Capital Region.

In the Outaouais region, overnight stays in accommodation establishments increased by 9.1% between May and July, compared to the same period last year. And according to a survey by Tourisme Outaouais, 87% of tourism businesses surveyed described their season as good to exceptional.

In Ottawa, hotel demand also increased, rising by 3% between June and August. July performed particularly well, even surpassing the record levels projected for 2025.

Several major events helped attract visitors, including the RBC Bluesfest, Escapade, the Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, and IRONMAN Canada-Ottawa, not to mention the numerous activities surrounding Ottawa 200.

Affordability also played a significant role, with various passes and activities allowing visitors to enjoy the region at a lower cost.

Outaouais Tourism and Ottawa Tourism now hope that this trend will continue this fall, with events such as Aéro Gatineau-Ottawa, CityFolk, the World Wheelchair Basketball Championships, as well as several conventions, meetings, and sporting events.