Gatineau

Just one bridge separates Gatineau from Ottawa, yet on the other side people speak French, and the forests begin almost at your doorstep. A trip to Gatineau combines one of Canada's most visited museums with a large nature park and the best view of Parliament.

Lumberjacks and Merger

Philemon Wright, a settler from Massachusetts, founded the first settlement at the Chaudière Falls in 1800. It grew into a center of the timber industry: logs were floated down the river, and sawmills and paper mills shaped the city of Hull. The E. B. Eddy Company made matches here, earning Hull the nickname "Match Capital." In 2002, Hull, Aylmer, Gatineau, and other municipalities merged to form today's city of Gatineau. Today many residents work in the federal government, on both sides of the river.

Sights in Gatineau

The Canadian Museum of History in the Hull district is a curving building designed by Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal. The Grand Hall holds totem poles and Pacific Coast houses, and the exhibits tell the story of Canada from the First Peoples to the present day. From the waterfront promenade behind it, you get the finest view of Parliament Hill. Gatineau Park, a 361-square-kilometer protected area north of the city, offers lakes, hiking trails, lookouts such as the Champlain Lookout, and cross-country ski trails in winter. The Mackenzie King Estate is also here, the country retreat of a former prime minister, with romantic ruins. In Aylmer, the waterfront road with its marina and beach on Lac Deschênes invites you to take a stroll.

Eating and Going Out

The Vieux-Hull district is known for its bars and bistros, which once drew guests from Ottawa because Québec set a later closing time. Today you'll find microbreweries, cafés, and restaurants serving Québécois cuisine such as poutine, tourtière, and dishes made with maple syrup. The Marché Gatineau and farmers' markets in the area sell cheese and products from the Outaouais region. If you're looking for a wellness experience, nearby Chelsea is home to the Nordik Spa, one of the largest spas in North America.

Festivals and Excursions

In September, hundreds of hot-air balloons rise over Gatineau at the Festival de montgolfières, one of the largest balloon festivals in Canada. In winter, Gatineau is part of the Winterlude grounds of the National Capital Region. North of the city, roads lead into the Gatineau Valley to villages such as Wakefield, with its bridge and mill, a popular fall foliage destination. Lac Leamy has a beach, a large casino, and a bike path around the lake. The bike path along the Ottawa River connects Gatineau with the National Capital Region's network, which ranks among the best in North America.

Getting There and Best Time to Visit

Ottawa's international airport is about 20 kilometers away, and Gatineau has a small regional airport. Several bridges connect the city with Ottawa, and STO buses and the Rapibus express line serve the city's neighborhoods. On foot or by bike, you can cross the river in a few minutes. The best time to visit is from May to October; fall, with the glowing forests of Gatineau Park, is especially appealing. In winter, the park is ideal for cross-country skiers.