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Halloween in Gatineau 2026: Safety and Things to Do

Published: Updated: 3 min read

River and city of Gatineau

Halloween 2026 falls on Saturday, October 31. Here is what to know for the evening in Gatineau: the safety tips from the Gatineau Police Service, and the activities announced around the region. Dates come from the organizers and outlets cited, so confirm hours and prices before you go.

Tips from the Gatineau Police Service

The Police Service's release of October 30, 2025 (the 2026 release had not been published as of October 28, 2026) gives this guidance.

For children:

  • Wait for a police car to come to a complete stop before approaching it.
  • Use sidewalks, or walk along the edge of the road where there are none.

For parents:

  • Walk with your children rather than following them by car.
  • Cross at intersections and avoid zigzagging.
  • Choose bright or light-coloured costumes, or add reflective strips.

For motorists:

  • Be patient and courteous: the streets will be full of unpredictable children in costumes.
  • Follow the Highway Safety Code. Police will pay particular attention to both pedestrians and drivers.

In 2025, patrolling officers also handed costumed children free light-up shoe clips, in limited supply.

Activities announced in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau

According to CHGA (October 23, 2026):

DateWhereActivity
Friday, October 30, 7 p.m.Grand-Remous, salle Jean-Guy PrévostAdult Halloween evening with a costume contest
Saturday, October 31, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.DéléageHalloween activity
Saturday, October 31, from 4 p.m.Blue Sea, Sainte-Thérèse-de-la-Gatineau, Aumond, Egan-SudCandy distribution
Saturday, October 31, 4:30 p.m.Grand-Remous, salle Jean-Guy Prévost parking lotChildren's candy distribution
Saturday, October 31, from 5 p.m.Cayamant, Messines, Maniwaki, GracefieldCandy distribution
Saturday, October 31, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.Maniwaki, CHGA officesTraditional haunted trail, candy at the end

Around Ottawa and the region

Ottawa Tourism lists several events for Halloween weekend. They include FrightFest (October 21 to 31) and Acres of Terror (October 29 to 31) at Saunders Farm, PumpkinFest at Saunders Farm (October 31 and November 1), and the Oniro Night Walk at Parc Oméga (October 31). The page notes that not all attractions suit young children. It gives no prices or booking details, so check each organizer's page.

Getting to know the region

If you are planning a move here, our neighbourhood pages cover Aylmer, Hull, the Plateau and the surrounding area. For market figures, see the Q3 2026 Gatineau market report.

General information only. Thomas Lymburner is a residential real estate broker with RE/MAX Direct (OACIQ licence J6215). To talk about your property, request a free home valuation or contact him.

Thomas Lymburner

Sources

How much a realtor costs in Quebec · How to choose a realtor

Frequently asked questions

Saturday, October 31, 2026.

According to its 2025 release: walk with children, cross at intersections, choose bright costumes or add reflective strips, and wait for a police car to stop before approaching it.

In 2025, patrolling officers handed them to costumed children, in limited supply. The 2026 release had not been published as of October 28, 2026.

In the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, according to CHGA, and in Ottawa and the region, according to Ottawa Tourism. Check prices and hours with each organizer.

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