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Gatineau Winter Beerfest: The Absolute Beer Lovers Experience

Winter in Canada's Capital of Ottawa can be a magical time of year. Whether you're taking in one of the massively popular events or just on a getaway from the rigors of everyday life, Ottawa will more than deliver with a great winter experience. While many people tend to head to warm weather locations for their winter vacations, Ottawa and Canada in general, have a different frame of mind. If you embrace the cold weather, Ottawa has a multitude of activities for you to enjoy. Some of them include ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, hiking, photography and much more. If you're really into the season, head to Gatineau Park, where you’ll find winter camping in yurts and four season tents. It's not just about being outside during the winter in Ottawa. The cosmopolitan city features a energetic culture with so many activities you’ll need to extend your stay to scratch the surface. From national museums to a dynamic nightlife scene, there really is something for everyone in Ottawa. Festivals and events are one of the biggest draws to the city during the winter. The Gatineau Winter Beerfest is one of these events and has been providing great experiences for the last five years.

 

Even though Gatineau Winter Beerfest is a relatively new festival, it has already accumulated a dedicated following of thousands. In fact, last year attendance rose over 12,000 people for the two-day festival. One of the reasons this festival has gained popularity so fast is the selection of beer. You’ll find over 100 different brews from over 35 different breweries. Another defining factor of the festival is its location at the Canadian Museum of History. The unique architecture and beautiful surroundings add a layer of depth to an already exciting event. For activities and entertainment, you’ll experience live music, sing alongs, food and beer pairing classes, delicious food, outdoor bonfires and so much more. Its also a great way to meet new people from the community and those visiting from afar.  This event is 19+ and not for children, so make sure to find a babysitter and get ready to have a blast at the Gatineau Winter Beerfest. ResortsandLodges.com got the opportunity to interview Michael O’Farrell, General Manager of the Gatineau Winter Beerfest, to talk about this festival.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the festival.

MO: The Winter edition of the Gatineau Beerfest was created in 2012 as a complementary offer to our Summer edition and to shorten the wait between festivals. Last year the festival had over 12,000 festival-goers attend over two days. The Gatineau Winter Beerfest is a 19+ event. It always takes place during the first weekend of Winterlude which helps attract a lot of tourists from around Canada and the United States.

 

RAL: What makes the festival unique?

MO: The location of the event is what makes it unique. It is held at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, the most visited museum in Canada. It’s setting, across the river from Ottawa, gives a remarkable view of Canada’s Parliament building for festival-goers enjoying the warmth of the giant outdoor bonfire.

 

RAL: Walk me through what attendees can expect during a typical day during the festival.

MO: The best and most popular attraction is definitely the beer tastings. The event has over 100 different beers to discover from over 35 breweries from Quebec and Ontario. There’s also an educational side to enjoy with seminars on beer and cheese pairings hosted by Mario D’Eer, beerologist. In addition, we have live bands and DJ’s to keep everyone moving until the early morning hours. If you get hungry, the museum's Executive Chef always has a great selection of dishes that pair wonderfully with the different beers. The environment of the festival is fun and entertaining. We have indoor and outdoor sections, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can enjoy taffy on snow, warm beer, or just hang out and stay warm in our yurt or around the bonfire.

 

RAL: What can visitors expect to find for local lodging?

MO: Our hotel partner, Four Points by Sheraton Gatineau-Ottawa, offers discounted rooms as well as event packages including admission tickets, breakfast, and parking. The best part is that it is located across the street from the museum. Make sure to make reservations in advance because hotel occupancies usually hit high numbers during our event and the during the three Winterlude weekends.

 

RAL: How does the festival effect the community?

MO: The Winter Beerfest is a can’t-miss annual event. It is a hot ticket and attracts large local and tourist crowds. These crowds are not only here for the festival. Many of our festival-goers make their way to shops, restaurants and other locations in Ottawa. The added revenue from local businesses helps the community in multiple ways.

 

RAL: Why should people come to the Gatineau Winter Beerfest?

MO: The Winter Beerfest offers the National Capital Region’s most amazing palette of flavours and aromas. Guests are invited in the museum’s Grand Hall for a lively beer-themed gathering, and learn all about beer and food pairing in a festive setting that will warm you up even in the depths of winter.


For more information about the Gatineau Winter Beerfest, please visit their website.