This hot air balloon festival is worth the trip from Toronto this weekend

Something magical is coming our way! The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival will fill the sky with breathtaking sights in the Ottawa area this weekend.

“This massive event launches balloons of all shapes, sizes and colours over the Ottawa-Gatineau region, and offers concerts, fireworks, amusement rides and more,” says Ottawa Tourism.

You’ll get to watch giant balloons soar in the sky above the festival grounds or book a ride and take a flight yourself.

At night, the hot air balloons illuminate the sky in dazzling bright colours.

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In addition to balloons, you’ll also get to see some of Canada’s popular and emerging artists take the stage for a live performance, as well as dazzling fireworks and talented buskers.

No fair would be complete without carnival rides, and you’ll have a whole amusement park to enjoy as part of the festival.

Other activities include a silent disco, an arcade, a car show, and an artisan marketplace, as well as opportunities to venture inside the enormous balloons and meet the pilots.

One of the biggest draws, however, is the Night Glow, when visitors will get to witness the floating illuminated balloons against the backdrop of a dark and starry sky.

There’s no shortage of things to do for kids, including a magic show, inflatable games, a splash zone, and exciting performances.

Visitors arriving from out of town can reserve RV parking on the festival grounds in the beautiful Outaouais region.

It may be a bit of a road trip from Toronto, but just think of all the fun (and photo ops) you’ll get to enjoy!

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival /  Festival des montgolfièresde Gatineau (FMG)

When: August 31st to September 4th, 2023
Where: Parc de la Baie, Gatineau
Cost: Daily Pass $14.99-$29.99