Shopping in Gatineau

Wall Space Gallery and Framing’s two locations couldn’t be more diverse: one is situated inside a century-old farmhouse, while the other lies in Westboro's trendy shopping district. However, both locations stay true to the company’s original goal of making fine art and art preservation methods accessible to their clients. The galleries showcase work from more than 50 Canadian artists and jewellers, and the staff works to demystify the custom-framing process for each customer.

Custom framing services draw from more than 5,000 styles including Abe Munn frames. Handcrafted in New York City, Abe Munn frames are inspired by antique museum collections and available in gold and silver leaf or candy-coated designs.

At Play It Again Sports, locally owned and operated for 20 years, athletes suit up to conquer challenges on the ice, in the field, or on the court with new and used gear from major-league brands such as Bauer, Reebok, and Adidas. An ever-rotating inventory keeps lockers stocked with spare balls, dressers filled with run-ready shorts, and dens populated with gleaming treadmills. Proud recipients of the Gold Standard Store award, amiable staffers stand ready to answer questions or assist with fittings, ensuring that each athlete leaves with the appropriate gear for their needs. Neglected equipment ready to leave storage spaces and rejoin the sporting life can be traded in for cash or credit for gear, completing the ethereal Circle of Sports.

Since 1982, AquaSport has equipped competitive and recreational swimmers with suits, accessories, and training equipment. Five brick-and-mortar boutiques carry thousands of trendy trunks, two-pieces, and Victorian-era swimming jackets from more than 100 brands including Nike, Speedo, TYR, and Arena. A large athletic section holds specialty apparel and equipment for watersports such as water polo, triathlons, and professional cat bathing.

With boots from Superfit and walking shoes from Mephisto, The Shoe Inn’s latest collection offers practical choices for a busy day of walking in any weather conditions. The Shoe Inn’s experts shun flimsy, support-free footwear, instead striving to clad feet in practical shoes by European and Australian designers such as Alegria, Birkenstock, Ugg, and Dansko. Though they champion solid arch support, sturdy heels, and durable materials, their inventory strikes a balance between functional and chic, boasting vibrant patterns, pastel colors, and other feminine flourishes.

With 185 stores, a slate of eateries, and a movie theatre, St. Laurent Centre has something for every visitor. Inside the sprawling confines, shoppers can treat their feet to a new pair of shoes at Aldo, snag custom-fit jeans at Levi’s, and play an interactive trivia game at Guess.

At the age of 14, in the midst of a bike trip, Mathieu Albert realized the true beauty of cycling. And in the many years that have passed since, he’s rarely taken his feet off of the pedals, except for when he’s bathing or polishing his pedals. Mathieu has competed in more than 50 mountain bike competitions and 24-hour races, learned to weld and create his own bike frames, and worked as a technician and salesman at a number of bike shops. Now, as the owner of Vélos des Ronds-Points, he performs tune-ups for cycles and skis and equips fellow cyclists with bikes of all makes and models, including an impressive selection of Cannondale cycles.