Top 10 things to do if you’re in town to run

Gainsbourg– By Bianca Paquette, Tourisme Outaouais –

As a runner, I find spring is my most active season, athletically speaking. While you’re here for the race, why not take time during the weekend to discover the region? To point you in the right direction, I’ve compiled a Top 10 list of things to do, designed with runners in mind!

1-    Have a cup of tea

The Cha Yi Tea House recommends drinking Kamairicha before the race. This flavourful Japanese green tea is high in caffeine, which will keep you energized over long distances as it is gradually released into your bloodstream.

2-    Take a city tour

The best way to pack a lot of sightseeing into a short time is to take a city tour. In our region, you can get spectacular views from both land and water thanks to our amphibian tour vehicles.

3-    Finish up your training in Gatineau Park

Depending on when you arrive in the Outaouais region, you may want to get in a couple more training runs to prepare for the big day. There’s no better place to do that than Gatineau Park, a peaceful natural oasis where you can really concentrate on your performance.

4-    Visit a national museum

Did you know that Gatineau and Ottawa have the highest concentration of museums in the country? No visit to the region would be complete without a trip to at least one national museum.

5-    Limber up with a pre-race massage

It’s important to make sure your muscles are in peak shape before a race. Nordik Spa-Nature offers an invigorating tonic massage that stimulates blood flow and enhances muscle vitality.

6-    Get a taste of the Outaouais region

Do you love food? Indulge your inner gourmet along the Outaouais Gourmet Way, where you can meet local producers and sample their wares on site.

7-    Reward yourself with a post-race massage

At the Amerispa Spa Nordique in Cantley, you can book a sport massage that includes a recuperative component to drain away toxins that can cause muscle soreness.

8-    Have a picnic by the water

A favourite picnic spot in Gatineau is Lac‑Leamy Park. Located close to the recreational bike path, it’s a beautiful setting for a relaxing break in the Outaouais sunshine.

9-    Visit Parliament Hill

Every Canadian should visit the Parliament of Canada at least once in their lifetime. Take advantage of your visit to the National Capital Region to sign up for a free guided tour!

10 – Beer… for hydration

After running the 5K, the 10K, the half marathon or the marathon, rehydrate with a frosty mug of Outaouais microbrewery beer! After the race, stop in at the Gainsbourg or the Brasseurs du Temps and raise a glass to our good health.

On that note, I hope you have a great race, and I’ll see you at the finish line!