Fireworks, amusement park, and a hot air balloon festival coming to Gatineau this summer

In dire need of a summer getaway?

Isn’t everyone? The only problem, however, is a tropical getaway is a little out of the cards right now and it costs an arm and a leg to fly anywhere west of Canada.

Sounds like time to plan a classic road trip – you just need to find the perfect destination. Luckily, we might have just the thing for you.

The 31st Annual Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Parc de la Baie in Gatineau, Quebec this summer. The five-day festival runs from August 30 to September 3, 2018, and has a little something for everyone.

The biggest attraction of the festival is an eclectic display of hot air balloons. All are colossally sized, feature fun and unique designs, and can all be taken for a flight during the festival.

A post shared by SuperFMG (@superfmg) on Sep 2, 2017 at 5:34pm PDT

A post shared by SuperFMG (@superfmg) on Sep 2, 2017 at 5:30pm PDT

The festival will also feature the Amusements Spectaculaires amusement park, which brings plenty of rides for visitors of all sizes, as well as midway games, prizes to be won, and fair food.

Also at the venue will be a rock climbing wall, ball hockey arena, reptile zone, and play area for young children. 1001 hidden treasures will also be up for viewing at a giant tent bazaar.

During the night, the festival will light up with live performances on three different stages. Several nights of the event cap off with either a dazzling array of fireworks or a glowing display of lit-up air balloons.

Tickets for the festival are on sale now and begin at $30 for a daily wristband. Full access to the festival can also be purchased at a cheaper rate and access to the amusement park, special concert seating, and air balloon rides can be purchased as well.

31st Annual Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival 

Where: Parc de la Baie – 988 Rue Saint-Louis, Gatineau

When: August 30 to September 3, 2018

Tickets: Available online, starting at $30

See also

• Nearly 1,000 bike racks will be added to the downtown Montreal area
• La Fete des Restos is returning to Old Port this June
• Cavalia returns to Montreal with 70 horses and 50 performers