THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Gatineau

Things to do in gatineau, explore popular experiences, ways to tour gatineau.

gatineau quebec tourism

Fly over the City of Ottawa in a Helicopter

gatineau quebec tourism

Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

gatineau quebec tourism

Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau

gatineau quebec tourism

Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

gatineau quebec tourism

Haunted Walk Experience at the Mackenzie King Estate

gatineau quebec tourism

Canadian Museum of History Admission Ticket

gatineau quebec tourism

Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line

gatineau quebec tourism

Pontiac Farm Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau

gatineau quebec tourism

Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour

gatineau quebec tourism

Petite Nation Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau

Half-day tours.

gatineau quebec tourism

Top Attractions in Gatineau

gatineau quebec tourism

Other Top Attractions around Gatineau

gatineau quebec tourism

Historical Tours

gatineau quebec tourism

Extreme Sports

gatineau quebec tourism

Audio Guides

Water tours.

gatineau quebec tourism

What travellers are saying

Kat

  • Canadian Museum of History
  • Gatineau Park
  • Jacques Cartier Park
  • Canadian Children's Museum
  • Parc du Lac Leamy
  • Parc des Cedres
  • Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau
  • Pontiac Farm Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau
  • Kayak & Summit Tour - Ottawa Day Trip
  • Bayou-Outaouais

Top Things to Do in Gatineau, Canada

Places to visit in gatineau, explore popular experiences, ways to tour gatineau.

gatineau quebec tourism

Fly over the City of Ottawa in a Helicopter

gatineau quebec tourism

Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

gatineau quebec tourism

Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau

gatineau quebec tourism

Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

gatineau quebec tourism

Haunted Walk Experience at the Mackenzie King Estate

gatineau quebec tourism

Canadian Museum of History Admission Ticket

gatineau quebec tourism

Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line

gatineau quebec tourism

Pontiac Farm Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau

gatineau quebec tourism

Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour

gatineau quebec tourism

Petite Nation Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau

Half-day tours.

gatineau quebec tourism

Top Attractions in Gatineau

gatineau quebec tourism

Other Top Attractions around Gatineau

gatineau quebec tourism

Historical Tours

gatineau quebec tourism

Extreme Sports

gatineau quebec tourism

Audio Guides

Water tours.

gatineau quebec tourism

What travellers are saying

Kat

  • Canadian Museum of History
  • Gatineau Park
  • Jacques Cartier Park
  • Canadian Children's Museum
  • Parc du Lac Leamy
  • Parc des Cedres
  • Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau
  • Pontiac Farm Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau
  • Kayak & Summit Tour - Ottawa Day Trip
  • Bayou-Outaouais

Download GPX file for this article

  • 1 Understand
  • 2.2 By plane
  • 3.2 By taxi
  • 3.3 By ride hailing
  • 3.4 By bike
  • 5.1 Festivals
  • 7.1 Mid-range
  • 7.2 Splurge
  • 7.3 Speciality and seasonal
  • 9.2 Bed and breakfast
  • 9.3 Campgrounds
  • 10.1 Buckingham/L'Ange Gardien

Gatineau is a city in the Outaouais region of Quebec , on the north shore of the Ottawa River, across from Canada's capital, Ottawa . It is part of the official National Capital Region which constitutes the fourth largest urban area in the country, after Toronto , Montreal and Vancouver . With 291,041 inhabitants in 2021, it is the largest city in the administrative region of Outaouais. Gatineau straddles the Gatineau River, a tributary of the Ottawa River.

Understand [ edit ]

gatineau quebec tourism

Gatineau (municipality) is a city resulting from the amalgamation of the older cities of Gatineau, Hull, Aylmer, Masson-Angers and Buckingham. The old city names are still used as the sector names of the amalgamated Gatineau. The majority of Hullois and Gatinois are francophones, and most are bilingual.

Hull (population 65,000) is the original centre of the city, the most densely-populated (but not most populous) area in the Outaouais region and the closest to Ottawa. On the west bank of the Gatineau River and north of the Ottawa (Outaouais) River, Hull is directly opposite Parliament Hill, Lowertown Ottawa and the Byward Market.

Hull was founded 1800 by Philemon Wright as a lumber camp on the Ottawa River and therefore predates Ottawa, although the town's former principal industry of manufacturing matchsticks led to a major fire; little or nothing from the 1800s remains in Hull today. The downtown waterfront was once heavily industrialized by Scott and Eddy, the two main paper makers, and the Ottawa river was used to generate hydroelectric power. The city's largest employer is the federal government with 20,000 civil servants working in Hull and thousands more who commute to Ontario daily.

Aylmer is a small-town suburb directly west of Hull. Gatineau (secteur), the bedroom community for which the amalgamated municipality was named, is to the east of the Gatineau River. Further downriver is Buckingham, a small rural village. Head further afield and one quickly finds open farmland and the occasional maple sugar shack, a seasonal tradition where trees are tapped and sap distilled to produce Québec's famous maple syrup.

Head north from Hull and one quickly arrives in Gatineau Park ; the Camp Fortune and Edelweiss ski areas are also north of the city, near Chelsea and Wakefield respectively.

Get in [ edit ]

Gatineau is just across the river from Ottawa , which is on the Trans-Canada Highway and offers rail connections to Toronto - Kingston and Montréal . An autoroute connects Gatineau directly to Montréal (A-50).

By bus [ edit ]

  • Orléans Express . Service from Montreal . ( updated Jul 2021 )
  • Autobus Maheux , toll-free: +1-866-863-6066 . Service from Montreal, via Laval. ( updated May 2022 )
  • Autobus Gatineau . Commuter bus service from Wakefield, Gracefield, Maniwaki, and Grand-Remous.  
  • Transcollines , toll-free: +1-866-310-1114 , [email protected] . Route 910: a weekday morning commuter shuttle service from smaller regional centres in the Pontiac region. The service operates along Quebec Highway 148, serving Isle-aux-Allumettes, Waltham, Mansfield, Fort-Coulonge, Litchfield, Campbell's Bay, Bryson, Shawville, Bristol, and Pontiac. ( updated Feb 2021 )

gatineau quebec tourism

  • STO ( Société de transport de l'Outaouais ). Various local Outaouais buses stop at Parliament Hill and in Ottawa's Byward Market. ( updated Mar 2016 )
  • OC Transpo . A handful of OC Transpo (Ottawa city bus) routes terminate at government buildings in Hull, most of which are rush hour only. These buses use OC Transpo fare media, including Presto, even when boarding in Gatineau. On weekdays (excluding holidays), OC Transpo bus 15 connects Lyon O-Train Station to Gatineau, Quebec terminating in front of the Canadian Museum of History (stop: Laurier / Élisabeth-Bruyère). OC Transpo bus 85 passes Pimisi O-Train Station and goes to Terrasses de la Chaudière in Gatineau, about 1¼ KM west of the Canadian Museum of History. ( updated Oct 2019 )

By plane [ edit ]

gatineau quebec tourism

  • Air connections are also available in Ottawa ( YOW  IATA ) locally and Montréal (200 km distant) ( YUL  IATA ) with direct connections to intercity passenger rail at Montréal-Dorval airport.

Get around [ edit ]

gatineau quebec tourism

Gatineau's transit system is the STO . ( updated Oct 2022 ) . It operates service to Ottawa and a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, Rapibus . Single ride is $4.50.

By taxi [ edit ]

  • Aylmer Taxi , ☏ +1 819-684-7777 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • Le Groupe Transit , ☏ +1 819-779-2299 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • Taxi Loyal , ☏ +1 819-663-5252 , toll-free: +1-866-663-8422 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • Xtaxi , ☏ +1 819-639-9990 . ( updated Aug 2022 )

By ride hailing [ edit ]

  • Uber . ( updated Aug 2022 )

By bike [ edit ]

  • There is an extensive network of bike paths throughout the area as well as in the National parks. Enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty while exercising. Long time advocacy group Bike Ottawa (since 1984) maintains an extensive website with a set of interactive bicycle route maps that rate all bicycle routes through Gatineau and Ottawa on a 1-4 scale, with 1 being child-friendly and 4 being very stressful. They also make available information on infrastructure progress. Contact them also with questions about routes, concerns and popular destinations. Although it is a volunteer-run organisation, they are usually fairly fast in responding. #ottbike is the commonly used hashtag on social media.

See [ edit ]

  • Grand Hall , Level 1. The world's largest collection of totem poles , quite an amazing sight when all assembled together.
  • Canada Hall , Level 3. A very well done and surprisingly interesting presentation of Canadian history, with countless life-sized walk-through exhibits and recreations of villages, towns and cities at different stages.
  • Defilé du Père Noël ( Santa's Parade ), rue Principale, Aylmer ( Aylmer main street from Parc des Cèdres to boul Wilfrid-Lavigne ). Annual Christmas parade at the end of November.  
  • 45.419493 -75.759182 2 Domaine de la ferme Moore ( Moore Farm Estate ), 670 boulevard Alexandre-Taché, Hull , ☏ +1 819 595-5551 , [email protected] . Daily 09:00–18:00 (Su brunch 10:00–13:00) . A historic working farm with a bistro, in the Hull sector of Gatineau near the Ottawa River. ( updated Jul 2017 )

gatineau quebec tourism

  • 45.488 -75.677 3 Library and Archives Canada - Gatineau Preservation Centre , 625 boul. du Carrefour ( Gatineau sector ), ☏ +1 613-996-5115 , toll-free: +1 866-578-7777 . By appointment only . The Gatineau Preservation Centre of Library and Archives Canada is a place you need to plan to visit: it's nowhere near downtown, the public can enter only in a guided tour, the tour needs to be booked in advance (you can book a tour at the link in this entry), and you need photo ID other than a health card to be admitted even if you have a reservation. But once you're in, you get to see many of Canada's treasures of original manuscripts and related memorabilia. No flash photography is permitted. No pens are permitted (pencils are allowed). The building itself is worth seeing; the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada included it in their 2000 list of the top 500 buildings built in Canada during the last millennium. ( updated Oct 2019 )

Do [ edit ]

  • Bar/Billard Le Terminus , 84C Jean-Proulx, Hull and 181 Principale, local FF1, Aylmer= , ☏ +1 819-595-7070 (Hull), +1 819-684-7071 (Aylmer) . The best place in the Ottawa/Gatineau region to play pool. $7.50-11.50 .  
  • 45.43431 -75.726485 1 Les Olympiques , 125 Rue de Carillon , ☏ +1 819-777-0661 . Experience championship quality junior hockey in an intimate arena. Go for the game but the ambiance is what makes this unique. $8-14 .  

Eardley Escarpment, Gatineau Park

  • 45.44 -75.76 2 Gatineau Park , 125 Rue de Carillon , ☏ +1 819-827-2020 , toll-free: +1-800-465-1867 . Gatineau Park has its own Wikivoyage page; the map pointer here marks the park's southern extension into Gatineau. The outdoor playground for Canada's National Capital Region ( Ottawa and Gatineau). It offers amazing possibilities for outdoor recreation, within a 20-minute drive of either city. This includes: skiing (cross-country and downhill), mountain biking (cross-country and downhill), hiking, canoeing, camping, rock-climbing and bird-watching. Free .  

gatineau quebec tourism

  • 45.446134 -75.727209 3 Casino du Lac-Leamy , 1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau , ☏ +1 819-772-2100 . always open . Run by the government of Quebec, the Casino du Lac-Leamy is the largest casino in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. ( updated Jul 2017 )
  • Interzip . An interprovincial zipline operating from Chaudière Island in Ottawa , Ontario to downtown Hull. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Festivals [ edit ]

Gatineau shares several activities and festivals with the capital, Ottawa. These include the Ottawa Bluesfest and the Winterlude (Bal de Neige) winter festival. In 2001, les jeux de la Francophonie were hosted jointly by Ottawa and Hull.

  • Canadian Ski Marathon , 81 Jean-Proulx, Suite 200, Hull , toll-free: +1-877-770-6556 , fax : +1 819-770-7428 . Held annually in February. A two-day cross-country ski marathon from Gatineau to Lachute. $180/adult .  
  • Fête nationale du Québec ( Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day ). Quebec's biggest party of the year starts June 23. Saint-Jean-Baptiste is Québec's patron saint, his feast day is June 24. Events held at various locations. Some events have been used as demonstrations to promote Quebec sovereignty, so be cautious about expressing an opinion on the matter. ( updated Jul 2021 )
  • Fête nationale du Canada ( Canada Day ). July 1, events held at various locations including Ottawa's Parliament Hill. Some events have been used as demonstrations to promote Canadian unity, so be cautious about expressing an opinion on the matter. ( updated Jul 2021 )
  • Festival d'Humour de Gatineau ( Gatineau Comedy Festival ). Annual comedy festival, early July. Events held at various locations. $10-20 .  
  • Wonders of Sand , Parc du Lac-Beauchamp . Early July. Sand-sculpting competition. $8 .  
  • Festival Country du Grand Gatineau , 110 rue Georges , ☏ +1 819 986-3552 , fax : +1 819-986-8342 . Annual country music festival held in the second week of August. Cost: $10 to $40.  

gatineau quebec tourism

  • Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau ( Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival ) ( La Baie Park ), ☏ +1 819-243-2330 , toll-free: +1-800-668-8383 . Annual hot air balloon festival held in the September long weekend. Cost: $15 to $53.  
  • Rendez-vous des saveurs de l'Outaouais ( Outaouais Food Festival ), 25 Laurier Street . Annual food festival held in September. Events include cooking classes and wine tasting.  

Buy [ edit ]

  • 45.479705 -75.69541 1 La Trappe à Fromage de l'Outaouais (Gatineau) ( Trap Cheese Outaouais (Gatineau) ), 200 rue Bellehumeur, Gatineau , ☏ +1 819 243-6411 , [email protected] . M Tu 09:00–18:00, W 09:00–19:00, Th F 09:00–21:00, Sa 08:30–17:30, Su 09:00–17:00 . Cheese and regional food products.  

Eat [ edit ]

Mid-range [ edit ].

  • 45.42495 -75.71865 1 Le French Quarter , 80 Promenade du Portage , ☏ +1 819 777-1125 . M–F 11:30–23:00, Sa 17:00–22:00 .  
  • 45.426708 -75.718397 2 Piz'za-za – restau bar à vin , 36 rue Laval , ☏ +1 819 771-0565 . M Tu 11:30–22:00, W Th 11:30–23:00, F 11:30–01:00, Sa 17:00–23:00, Su 17:00–22:00 . Great pizzas here. Thin crust, personal size pizzas are served for about $12, there is no option for a larger pizza. Tropical pizza is good, if a bit spicy. If pizza is not your thing the salads are also great. There is lots of parking space in the area and a few pubs within the same block.  
  • 45.426868 -75.718702 3 Le Troquet , 41 rue Laval , ☏ +1 819 776-9595 . Daily 10:00–02:00 . Bistro  

Splurge [ edit ]

Speciality and seasonal [ edit ].

The érablière, cabane à sucre or maple sugar shack is a seasonal tradition across a wide region extending from southeastern Ontario to Québec's Eastern Townships. With rare exception, these are found in the countryside near tiny rural villages. Local maple syrup is produced seasonally; the sap begins to flow early during the spring thaw and is collected for distillation. This places the start of the season at the mercy of the elements, although there is usually fresh syrup to be had in late March or early April - usually before the last of the snow is gone. Maple sugar shacks are typically large rural communal dining halls in which diners fill up on a dietician's nightmare of traditional high-calorie lumberjack food, cost starts around $20/person but varies as some venues offer entertainment, "tire sur neige" (maple toffee on snow) or sled rides. Once the season ends, many of these venues close or are used for other agritourism activity - an open field often becomes a summer campground.

  • Cabane à sucre Brazeau , 316 Côte St-Charles, Papineauville , ☏ +1 819-427-5611 , fax : +1 819-427-9740 . Seasonal, March-April . Sugar shack. Enjoy a traditional lumberjack meal in a communal setting. Educational programs available. Products sold on premises.  
  • Cabane à sucre Chez Ti-Mousse , 442 Côte St-Charles, Papineauville , ☏ +1 819-427-5413 , fax : +1 819-427-9694 . Open year-round by reservation . Sugar shack. Sale of maple products, entertainment and carriage rides. Educational programs available.  

Drink [ edit ]

70 promenade du Portage.jpg

Québec has traditionally had less restrictive liquor laws than nearby Ontario: minimum drinking age is 18, beer and wine are available in corner stores and the rules on opening hours for bars are less restrictive. The Promenade du Portage area in the Hull sector city centre is known to attract rowdy, drunken patrons from across the Ottawa River.

  • 45.426902 -75.718328 1 Aux quatre jeudis – Café Bar , 44 rue Laval , ☏ +1 819 771-9557 . Daily 14:00–02:00 .  
  • 45.429754 -75.729051 2 Les Brasseurs du Temps , 170 rue Montcalm , ☏ +1 819 205-4999 ext 1 . Su–Th 11:30–00:00, F Sa 11:30–02:00 . A brewpub with an impressive selection of high-quality homemade beers, a great patio and good food. Highlights are a "dégustation" (tasting) of their beers, interesting salads and a laid-back atmosphere.  
  • 45.427039 -75.718282 3 [dead link] Où-Quoi! Lounge Urbain , 48 rue Laval , ☏ +1 819 777-6555 . Daily 15:00–02:00 . A great little bar to get a drink at and hang out with the locals. Its low-key vibe attracts a steady crowd of regulars. The back room offers some privacy if you're partying VIP style. Quebec law prohibits smoking inside but it is still allowed on the terrace. Treat the bartenders right and they will take very good care of you.  
  • 45.424904 -75.721314 4 Le Petit Chicago , 50 du Portage, Vieux-Hull , ☏ +1 819 483-9843 . M–F 16:00–02:00, Sa Su 20:00–02:00 . Large bar with dance floor and a vibrant social scene. Each night has a different theme. Check out the improvisational jazz on Monday nights.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Hotels [ edit ].

gatineau quebec tourism

  • 45.43456 -75.735474 1 Auberge de La Gare , 205 boul. St-Joseph, Hull , ☏ +1 819-778-8085 , toll-free: +1-866-778-8085 , [email protected] . 42 rooms with queen-sized beds, including five with a whirlpool and 21 with two beds. Parking and continental breakfast are included. From $130 . ( updated Jul 2017 )
  • 45.433217 -75.712416 2 Best Western Plus Gatineau-Ottawa , 131 rue Laurier , ☏ +1 819 770-8550 , toll-free: +1 800 265-8550 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Waterfront hotel, 133 non-smoking rooms and suites, free Wi-Fi, cardio fitness, indoor pool. Conference centre and on-site catering for 10 to 270 people. Parking $12/day. From $144 single, +$10/double . ( updated Jul 2017 )
  • 45.455988 -75.698299 3 [dead link] Condo Touristique Au Paradis ( Au Paradis Tourist Condo ), 863 rue Jacques-Cartier, Pointe-Gatineau , ☏ +1 819-243-1680 , toll-free: +1-855-577-1680 . Short-term apartment for up to 4 persons; large waterfront house with massage therapist office on-site. $127-150/night, except during special events . ( updated Jul 2017 )
  • 45.42523 -75.725016 4 Crowne Plaza Gatineau-Ottawa , 2 rue Montcalm, Hull , ☏ +1 819-778-3880 , fax : +1 819-778-3309 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Parking $18/day From $150 . ( updated Jul 2017 )
  • 45.409764 -75.779801 5 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Gatineau - Ottawa , 1170 ch. d'Aylmer , ☏ +1 819 778-0000 . Check-in: 16:00 , check-out: 12:00 . On the Château Cartier Golf Course $139 single/$259 double .  
  • 45.428705 -75.713063 6 Four Points by Sheraton & Conference Centre Gatineau-Ottawa , 35 rue Laurier, Hull , ☏ +1 819-778-6111 , fax : +1 819-778-3647 . $195 .  
  • 45.446134 -75.727209 7 Hilton Lac-Leamy , 3 Boul. du Casino, Hull , ☏ +1 819-790-6444 , fax : +1 819-790-6408 . $259-2500 single/double .  
  • 45.476862 -75.693506 8 Quality Inn & Suites , 111, rue Bellehumeur , ☏ +1 819-568-5252 , fax : +1 418-266-1535 . Check-in: 16:00 , check-out: 11:00 . From $103 single/double . ( updated Jul 2017 )
  • 45.44951 -75.732969 9 Ramada Plaza Gatineau/Manoir du Casino , 75 Rue d'Edmonton, Hull , ☏ +1 819-777-7538 , toll-free: +1-800-854-9517 . Check-in: 16:00 (early check-in available) , check-out: 12:00 . From $149 single/double .  

Bed and breakfast [ edit ]

  • 45.423576 -75.731849 10 Au 55 Taché , 55 Boul. Alexandre-Taché, Hull , ☏ +1 819-772-1454 , fax : +1 819-772-1461 . $75-85 single, $85-95 double .  
  • 45.447254 -75.737523 11 La Belle Corbeille , 23 boul Saint-Raymond, Hull , ☏ +1 819-777-4584 , [email protected] . $85 single,"$95 double .  
  • 45.44883 -75.744507 12 Gîte Fanny et Maxime , 31 rue Lessard, Hull , ☏ +1 819-777-1960 . $95-105 single, $105-120 double .  
  • 45.437283 -75.737459 13 [dead link] Le Philémon , 47 Dumas, Hull , ☏ +1 819-776-0769 . $90 single, $115 double .  
  • 45.405334 -75.79191 14 [dead link] La Villa Rivermead , 912 chemin d'Aylmer , ☏ +1 819-778-8024 , fax : +1 819-772-4354 , [email protected] . $99-149 single, +$10 double .  

Campgrounds [ edit ]

  • 45.5582 -75.5054 15 Camping Lamoureux , 671 Chem. Lamarche, L'Ange-Gardien , ☏ +1 819-968-3402 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 .  

Nearby [ edit ]

Buckingham/l'ange gardien [ edit ].

  • [dead link] La Sucrerie Le Palais Gommé , 562 ch. Doherty, L'Ange-Gardien , ☏ +1 819-281-9882 . Maple sugar shack, seasonal.  
  • Domaine de l'Ange Gardien , 1031, rue Pierre-Laporte L’Ange-Gardien , ☏ +1 819-281-0299 , toll-free: +1-877-281-0299 , fax : +1 819-281-8388 . Campground and maple sugar shack, seasonal.  

Go next [ edit ]

  • Gatineau Park is a 10-minute drive north from downtown Hull, near Chelsea .
  • Ottawa , Canada's Capital, is directly across the Ottawa River.
  • Wakefield is a small, picturesque, artist village about a 25-minute drive north on highway 5.

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PlanetWare.com

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Gatineau

Written by Lura Seavey and Chloë Ernst Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Known as Hull until 2002, Gatineau is a French-speaking city located just across the Ottawa River from the city of Ottawa. There is a fine view from Jacques-Cartier Park over to the Parliament buildings, the Rideau slopes, and other major features in Ottawa.

Gatineau is Quebec's fourth-largest city and home to some of the province's best museums, parks, and other attractions. In particular, the city's large Gatineau Park has been a favorite with Canadian prime ministers such as William Lyon Mackenzie King.

The area is also known for its extensive history, with numerous archaeological sites revealing that First Nations peoples inhabited the region as far back as 6,000 years ago.

Learn about the best places to visit in this culture-rich city with our list of the top things to do in Gatineau.

See also: Where to Stay in Gatineau

1. Canadian Museum of History

2. gatineau park, 3. canadian children's museum, 4. mackenzie king estate, 5. leamy lake park, 6. skiing in the gatineau hills, 7. jacques cartier park, 8. gatineau hot air balloon festival, 9. belvédère champlain, 10. moulin de wakefield, 11. vintage wings of canada, 12. take an amphibious sightseeing tour, where to stay in gatineau for sightseeing, map of things to do in gatineau, gatineau - climate chart.

Canadian Museum of History

The magnificent Canadian Museum of History stands on the Gatineau riverbank, opposite Ottawa's Parliament buildings , and a wall of windows looks out to Parliament Hill . Its architect, Douglas Cardinal, wanted its flowing lines to call to mind the immensity and diversity of the Canadian landscape.

The museum's collections hold more than a million artifacts, many of which are on display in the First Peoples Hall, Canada Hall, and Grand Hall.

The Grand Hall is dedicated to the First Peoples of Canada's Pacific Coast, an exhibit which showcases the longhouses and totem poles of Pacific Northwest native cultures within a breathtaking six-story open exhibition space.

First Peoples Hall is dedicated to the native peoples, including the Métis and Inuit peoples. Exhibits combine artifacts, reproductions, images, and multimedia presentations, which cover all aspects of these cultures, from creation stories to daily life.

Canada Hall explores the history and cultures of Canada throughout history, divided into three sections that focus on early Canada, the colonial era, and modern-day Canada. Exhibits include religion and spirituality, social change and conflict, sports, agriculture and fishing, trade, and more.

There is also a special exhibit of the Canadian Stamp Collection where philatelists can see more than 3,000 historic stamps and learn about their creation and context.

The museum also hosts a variety of traveling exhibits from museums around the world, as well as providing online exhibitions and resources. Every Sunday, the museum offers special events for younger visitors, including demonstrations and hands-on projects.

The museum is also home to the Canadian Children's Museum , which is full of hands-on activities and things to do for kids.

Address: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Québec

Official site: www.historymuseum.ca

Philippe lake in Gatineau Park

Part of the Canadian Shield, Gatineau Park is a hilly woodland and lakeland district near the Gatineau River . Some places are set aside for outdoor activities such as camping, jogging, walking, riding, swimming, fishing, cycling, and downhill and cross-country skiing.

Footpaths through the southern part of the park make for an especially beautiful walk in the autumn, when the leaves change colors.

There are also a number of sightseeing attractions within the park. Lusk Cave is a marble cave that is open to the public for underground tours, while the Mackenzie King Estate is the grand historic residence of the former prime minister. The official summer residence of the prime minister of Canada is on Lac Mousseau , also known as Harrington Lake, in the center of Gatineau Park.

Address: 33 Scott Road, Old Chelsea, Québec

Official site: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park

Parc de Gatineau - Floor plan map

In this enchanting museum within the Canadian Museum of History , children can discover the world's most remote corners. The museum's focus is on getting kids excited about exploring the world, and its "The Great Adventure" exhibit does just that. Kids are able to "visit" countries from around the globe to learn about their cultures and the everyday lives of those who live there by using costumes and props.

Kids can get on a bus in Pakistan, camp out in a traditional Mexican home, and then hop on a rickshaw in Thailand in one afternoon - and still have time to check out Nigeria and India before dinner. Through interactive play, exhibits encourage imagination and hands-on learning for kids up to 14 years old.

Official site: www.historymuseum.ca/visit/childrens-museum

Abbey Ruins at the Mackenzie King Estate in Gatineau Park

The country estate of Canada's longest-serving prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King, can be found in the heart of Gatineau Park . The estate includes several cottages on a lakeshore, which are open to the public and contain a variety of exhibits exploring the property's history and the life of the prime minister.

In the main house, Moorside , visitors can enjoy afternoon tea or a meal in the dining room while admiring memorabilia from the Mackenzie King days. The park is laced with walking paths, and there are romantic gardens with picturesque ruins, which are frequently used as the backdrop for weddings and special occasions.

Tourists can get a guided tour of the estate and learn more about its history.

Official site: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/mackenzie-king-estate

Leamy Lake Park trail

Leamy Lake Park is a 174-hectare natural space, which surrounds Lac Leamy , a body of water accessible by boat via navigation channel from the Gatineau River. Summer tourists can enjoy the spacious beach, which has public facilities and lifeguards in-season, as well as concessions, a picnic area, volleyball courts, and a playground.

The park is also popular with bird-watchers and contains many walking trails and paths, but perhaps its most remarkable features are its numerous archaeological sites, with artifacts from indigenous peoples who inhabited the land for more than 5,000 years before Europeans arrived. Among items recovered here in the park are pottery, tools, and items made from local copper.

Leamy Lake Park is also home to the Wright-Scott House , the farm established by the founder of Hull colony, Philemon Wright. Excavations at that site have uncovered more artifacts, these originating from the 19 th century, including dolls, housewares, and religious artifacts.

Official site: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/leamy-lake-park

Cross-country ski trail in Gatineau Park

At the foothills of the magnificent Laurentian Mountains are the Gatineau Hills, an area that is home to numerous cross-country skiing trails, as well as downhill ski areas. While there are public trails throughout Gatineau Park , the Nakkertok Nordic Centre maintains 80 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails, including several that are lit for night skiing.

Downhill skiers and snowboarders can enjoy excellent conditions at Camp Fortune Ski Aerial Park , which features 24 runs of varying difficulty, from beginner to expert. Half of these are lit for night skiing, and two lodges provide plenty of room to warm up or relax between runs. The park also has an excellent terrain park, and offers ziplining in the summer.

Thrill-seekers looking for double-diamonds should head over to Vorlage ski hill in nearby Wakefield, where nearly all trails are blue and above.

Jacques Cartier Park

Situated on the banks of the Ottawa River, Jacques Cartier Park becomes the outdoor venue for many events and festivals throughout the year. Canada Day celebrations take place here, as does Winterlude (Bal de Neige), when the park is transformed into a snow playground.

The park is also home to two historic buildings, including Maison Charron , which was built by Philemon Wright in the early 19 th century and now serves as a cultural education center during the summer. The second is the 1892 Gilmour Hughson Building, one of the last remaining riverside lumber industry buildings.

Note that this Gatineau park is easily confused with a larger national park of the same name near Québec City.

Official site: https://ccn-ncc.gc.ca/endroits/parc-jacques-cartier

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

Held each year in early September at Gatieneau's Bale Park , the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival fills the city with balloonists and spectators. This massive festival is known for the spectacular variety of creative and unique balloons of varying shapes, sizes, and designs, which take to the sky.

Spectators can sign up for a hot air balloon ride during the festival or make reservations for a ride any time of year by calling ahead.

In addition to the balloons, the festival offers a ton of family-friendly activities and things to do, including entertainment, amusement park rides and kiddie play zones, fireworks, classic cars, and shopping.

Location: Bale Park, Gatineau, Québec

Official site: www.montgolfieresgatineau.com/en/

Belvédère Champlain (Champlain Lookout)

The Belvédère Champlain, also known as Champlain Lookout, sits about 26 kilometers from the Gatineau Park entrance and provides a wonderful view over the Gatineau hills. Especially in autumn, the orange-and-golden slopes cut a sharp contrast as they meet the rolling farmland in the Ottawa and Gatineau river valleys.

The lookout sits at the top of the Eardley Escarpment , just off the Champlain Parkway in Gatineau Park . The Eardley Escarpment is home to many of the park's most at-risk plant and animal species, some of which are only able to live here because of the unique microclimate created by the southern exposure of the massive ridge.

Gendron Covered Bridge in Wakefield, Quebec

The Moulin de Wakefield stands about 40 kilometers north of Gatineau (Highway 105) above the River Pêche, just before it joins the Gatineau. Built in 1838 to mill flour, it has been restored to working order and now operates as the (much more glamorous) Moulin Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa .

Other historic attractions in the area include a steam train and the pedestrian-only Wakefield Covered Bridge .

The village of Wakefield is also home to the Fairbairn House Heritage Center , with historic and cultural exhibits, educational programs, craft workshops, and events. Summer outdoor activities in Wakefield include spelunking at Laflèche Caves, horseback riding, and bungee jumping, and winter activities include cross-country and alpine skiing, dogsledding, and "fat biking" on snow.

Address: 60 Mill Rd, Wakefield, Québec

Official site: www.wakefieldmill.com

Wings Over Gatineau Air Show at Vintage Wings of Canada

Although not open to the public all the time, Vintage Wings of Canada provides guided tours of the hangar on Saturdays or by appointment, introducing visitors to their collection of historic and rare aircraft.

In this 1.5-hour tour, tourists will learn about each craft's significance while enjoying stories and anecdotes. Among the collection are military and civilian craft, including WWII-era Spitfires and a Hawker Hurricane, a Canadair Sabre cold-war fighter jet, and a 1932 Fox Moth that was first owned by the Prince of Wales.

The Vintage Wings of Canada Foundation is dedicated to the restoration of vintage aircraft, and each of its planes are in full working order thanks to members and volunteers. They also present spectacular air shows and host special events throughout the summer months.

Location: Ottawa/Gatineau Airport (CYND)

Official site: www.vintagewings.ca

View of Gatineau from the Ottawa River

The one-hour Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water gives tourists the chance to see highlights in both Gatineau and Ottawa – and in between. Tourists board the "amphibus" in Ottawa, and after admiring major landmarks including the National Gallery of Canada and Parliament Hill , the bus slides into the river.

The cruise to Gatineau gives passengers the opportunity to see the landmarks from a new perspective before emerging on the other side to admire attractions like Gatineau Park and Gatineau City Hall .

We recommend these great hotels in Gatineau near popular museums, shops, and restaurants:

  • Hilton Lac-Leamy : This centrally located luxury high-rise offers spacious rooms and suites with views over Lac Leamy. Property amenities include both indoor and outdoor pools, an upscale spa, pet-friendly rooms, and on-site dining.
  • Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Conference Centre : This dependable mid-range hotel is conveniently located close to the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian Children's Museum and within an easy walk to numerous restaurants. Amenities include a heated indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and a wide range of room options including pet friendly accommodations.
  • Ramada Plaza Gatineau : Located near Lac Leamy , this three-star hotel is an excellent mid-range option. The property features modern rooms and split-level suites, all equipped with electric fireplaces and jetted bathtubs. Property amenities include a heated pool, sauna, on-site spa and dining, and room service.
  • Les Suites Victoria : This 3-star hotel offers budget-conscious travelers contemporary suites with fully-equipped kitchens, while those who prefer not to cook can dine in the on-site restaurant.
  • Motel Adam : This is an excellent budget option located within a few minutes' drive of La Baie Park. The property features an outdoor pool and offers free parking and Wi-Fi, with refrigerators and coffee makers in every room.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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Gatineau's Neighbors: Divided by the Ottawa River, the cities of Gatineau and Ottawa can be conveniently visited during the same trip. The Parliament Buildings overlook the river toward Gatineau, and Canada's capital city of Ottawa is home to numerous historic and cultural attractions, including several fine museums like the National Gallery.

The city is situated at the edge of the province of Ontario in its easternmost region, around 4.5 hours from Toronto, Canada's largest city .

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Exploring Québec : The incredibly diverse and immense province of Québec stretches from the southernmost regions, where Gatineau borders Ottawa, to the far north, reaching toward the Northwestern Passages , almost to the Arctic Circle.

The province is most densely populated along the route of the St. Lawrence River , and the historic capital of Québec City is situated on its banks where the waterway narrows. Montreal , which sits less than an hour north of the New York state border, has several excellent museums and historic landmarks, including the Parisian Old Montréal district, which is home to top tourist attractions including the Old Port and Notre-Dame Basilica .

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Home » Travel Guides » Canada » 15 Best Things to Do in Gatineau (Canada)

15 Best Things to Do in Gatineau (Canada)

Sitting right along the Ottawa River opposite Canada’s capital city is Gatineau; a small city with loads of character. Gatineau has all of the recreation, attractions and entertainment that any large city has, although it is much smaller.

Tourists often miss out on the city, visiting Ottawa instead, but there is so much to see and do here. It is well worth crossing the river and spending a few days here. Gatineau is filled with parks, has a vibrant nightlife, numerous attractions and some exciting annual events. If you are in the area, you should not miss the chance to discover the city a little bit and enjoy all that it has to offer.

Lets explore the best things to do in Gatineau:

1. Wander around Canada’s most visited museum

The Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History is the city’s star attraction and the one not to miss. The museum explores the history of the country and its cultural diversity.

Not only is it a museum, but it is also a major research centre, with its staff being experts in Canada’s archaeology, history, folk culture and more. It also happens to be one of the oldest cultural institutions in all of North America.

There are three permanent galleries at the museum; the Grand Hall, Fort People’s Hall and Canada Hall. It is also home to a large IMAX theatre.

2. Take the kids to the Children’s Museum

Canadian Children's Museum

Inside the Canadian Museum of History is an area just for the kids; the Canadian Children’s Museum. It is a fabulous interactive museum that attracts over half a million visitor each year.

The museum was specifically designed for children under the age of 14. Its main exhibition is ‘The Great Adventure’, which is an interactive journey through various countries around the world.

Kids can visit Nigeria, India, Japan, Mexico and Indonesia without ever setting foot in an airplane. There are cafés, cargo ships, desert treks and market bazaars, giving the kids a hands-on experience to learn about cultures around the world.

3. Spend a day at the park

Gatineau Park

Not only is Gatineau Park a great place to spend a day, but it is also one of Canada’s largest outdoor playgrounds. There is so much to do here throughout the entire year, making it a wonderland for any outdoor lover.

Head to the park in the winter and enjoy skiing or snowshoeing. Visit Gatineau Park in the summer and spend the day at a beach, hiking, mountain biking or canoeing.

In the fall, the park is filled with magnificent colours that will make any photographer salivate. You can also go rock climbing, enjoy bird watching or spend a night in a tent under the stars.

4. Play poker

Casino du Lac-Leamy

Or roulette, baccarat, craps or blackjack. Or put your coins in one of the 1,800 slot machines at the Casino du Lac-Leamy.

The Casino du Lac-Leamy is a government-run casino that features over 65 tables where you can try your luck 24 hours a day. There is also an amphitheatre, restaurants and numerous bars onsite.

The casino was built on a quarry along the shore of Lac Leamy, which is how it got its name. Over three million people come to the casino each year.

5. Go skiing

Camp Fortune alpine ski centre

The Gatineau Hills sits in the foothills of the magnificent Laurentian Mountains. The hills are a popular skiing spot not only for tourists, but also for residents of Gatineau and other cities in the area.

There are over 190 kilometres of cross-country ski trails in Gatineau Hills. If you prefer downhill skiing, head to the Camp Fortune alpine ski centre or Vorlage ski hill.

If you are visiting the city in the fall you will also want to visit Gatineau Hills to see the foliage changing colour. It is truly spectacular.

6. Enjoy a festival

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

Gatineau plays host to countless festivals and events throughout the year, though one of the most renowned is the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival. This festival takes place over Labour Day weekend and is absolutely magnificent.

Just after this festival is the Rendez-vous des saveurs de l’Outaouais, which is fabulous for foodies wanting to sample delicious food and wine. In the summer, be sure to head to Parc du Lac-Beauchamp for the annual Wonders of Sand sandcastle competition.

The biggest festival of the year is Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day; or Fête nationale du Québec. Hotels, museums and arenas all take part in the June festival, hosting shows and exhibitions.

7. Wine and dine

Wine and dine

Being a French speaking city with a lot of French charm, it should be of no surprise that Gatineau has some excellent restaurants and bars. Dine on delicious French cuisine that is cooked to perfection and paired with a great bottle of wine.

Listen to live jazz, funky beats or rock and roll while sipping on a cocktail, a bottle of craft beer or a glass of wine. The nightlife in Gatineau is top-notch, with the Vieux-Hull area being the trendiest.

If French food is not your thing, there are plenty of other cuisines to enjoy in the city. Authentic Italian is quite common, as is food from other parts of the world.

8. Step back in time

Symmes Inn

See what life was like in Gatineau in the 1900s by visiting L’auberge Symmes; or Symmes Inn. This inn was built in 1831 by Charles Symmes and became a museum in 2003.

The National Heritage Site was once a hotel that welcomed people passing through from Montreal before getting on a ship along the Ottawa River. It is situated on the banks of the river and Lac Deschênes.

The main focus of the museum is the Ottawa River and rivers that branch off of it.  Guided tours are available in both French and English, lasting around 60 minutes.

9. Head to the beach

Leamy Lake

From June until September the beach at Leamy Lake opens to the public for swimming and the like. The lake is, of course, open year-round, though there are lifeguards present if you visit during the summer season.

Leamy Lake beach is especially great for swimming, though many come to just lay around and sunbathe. There are washrooms and change rooms onsite, as well as picnic areas.

There are also other beaches in Gatineau if this one gets too busy. A great thing is that you can purchase a day pass that will give you access to Leamy Lake beach as well as others in the area.

10. Gaze at historic aircraft

Vintage Wings of Canada

If you have ever wanted to see classic aircrafts, then a visit to Vintage Wings of Canada is a must. The aircraft museum is located in a 2,100 square metre hangar at the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport.

Combat aircrafts like the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang and trainers like the Fairchild PT-19 are on display, as are civilian aircrafts. Vintage Wings of Canada even has aircrafts for sale.

Nearly all aircrafts at Vintage Wings of Canada are in working order or are being restored, and all are flown today in parades and air shows. You can also arrange to fly in one of these vintage gems.

11. Go to Wakefield

Wakefield

This quant village is just a 25-minute drive from Gatineau and makes for a great day trip. The village is known for its picturesque setting along the Gatineau River.

There are a few things to see in the village, including the covered bridge and the historic Maclaren Mill. Wakefield also hosts the annual Wakefield Covered Bridge Run.

The village has quite a bohemian feel to it, featuring numerous lovely cafés, galleries and pubs. It is a nice place to spend a sunny summer afternoon.

12. Visit The Farm

The Farm

Not just any farm, but The Farm. This is the home of the Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons. It is named the farm because it was once an old farmstead.

The property was purchased by William Lyon McKenzie King in 1927. When he died, he left the home to the government to be used by Canadian officials.

The Farm sits on 1.74 hectares of land that include not only the main house, but five other buildings. There are also beautiful gardens onsite.

13. Explore parliament

Parliament Hill

Being so close to Ottawa, it is hard to visit Gatineau without also exploring Canada’s capital city. It is hard to do this in just one day, but a wander around Parliament Hill is a must

Parliament Hill is home to the parliament of Canada. It is a suite of phenomenal Gothic revival buildings that see over three million visitors each year.

Explore the 88,480 square metre grounds and enjoy gardens, statues, monuments and buildings. It is a jaw-dropping experience.

14. Go bike riding

Parc des Cèdres

Gatineau is home to numerous cycling trails, both within and around the city. In fact, there is an extensive network of trails in the area.

Cycle through some of the city’s beautiful parks, like Jacques-Cartier Park, Lac-Beauchamp Park or Parc des Cèdres. Or opt to just cycle in designated lanes within the city itself.

Gatineau is a beautiful place, and taking it all in while on a bicycle is an excellent way to enjoy it. Plus, you get to breath in the fresh air.

15. Join a ski marathon

Canadian Ski Marathon

The annual Canadian Ski Marathon is a three day cross-country skiing marathon that is held every February. The trail runs from Lachute to Gatineau and is divided into 10 sections.

Each section of the trail is a different level of difficulty, from easy to extremely difficult with endless ups and downs. All in all, the marathon trail is over 160 kilometres.

If you are not up for the full marathons, there is also a half marathon, where you ski the last 3 sections of each day. You can also just do a taster or even just do whatever section of the trail you would like.

15 Best Things to Do in Gatineau (Canada):

  • Wander around Canada’s most visited museum
  • Take the kids to the Children’s Museum
  • Spend a day at the park
  • Enjoy a festival
  • Wine and dine
  • Step back in time
  • Head to the beach
  • Gaze at historic aircraft
  • Go to Wakefield
  • Visit The Farm
  • Explore parliament
  • Go bike riding
  • Join a ski marathon

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19 amazing things to do in gatineau this year for a great time.

  • April 30, 2020

Gatineau Activities

Located just minutes from downtown Ottawa, they are so many great things to do in Gatineau.

Whether you are looking to relax, explore nature or go on an adventure, you can trust to find something in Gatineau to do.

Gatineau is a beautiful city in western Quebec, Canada.

It is the fourth-largest city in the province after Montreal, Quebec City, and Laval.

Not a lot of people know about Gatineau and no one really talks about it.

But it is a really great city with amazing attractions and several great activities you can participate in with family and friends. 

Get ready to find out more about:

Great places to visit in Gatineau

Fun gatineau activities you can with family, amazing gatineau restaurants you can enjoy, as well as having a list of things to see in gatineau.

Travelling to Gatineau is extremely easy if you are coming from Ottawa. 

It’s literally minutes from downtown. 

Here are best tips for Visiting Gatineau Quebec. If you plan to visit Gatineau, here are few things to see!

We are hoping by sharing some of the best attractions in Gatineau, it will encourage to go out and check it out for yourself. 

We are also going to be answering some of the popular questions our readers had about visiting Gatineau: 

What are the top attractions to visit in Gatineau?

What are the best outdoor activities in gatineau, what are the most popular things to do in gatineau with kids.

Before we get started on the best things to do in Gatineau, we did want you to follow us on Instagram  for more tips. 

We also wanted to take the opportunity to let you know that we use Affiliate links on some of our blog posts. This means that we could make a commission if you click on an affiliate link and purchase something. Read our  full disclosure and blog policy  for more information.

An Epic List of Things To do in Gatineau

Are you looking for things to do in Gatineau? Gatineau is located near Ottawa in Canada and it is how to plenty of amazing things. Enjoy some good food, great people and sightseeing activities when you visit Gatineau. #Gatineau #Traveltocanada

1. Spend Time at the Casino Lac Leamy

The Casino Lac Leamy is one of the most entertaining areas in Gatineau in my honest opinion.

Here you will find bars, clubs, restaurants and a lot of live entertainment specifically on weekends. 

In fact, if you are here on Canada Day , or on New Year Eve, you can expect some great firework displays. 

If you fancy playing blackjack then this is the Casino you want to go to.

They have over 1,800 slot machines at the Casino du Lac-Leamy that you can enjoy.

As I mentioned, there is so much happening at the Casino that even those that are not into playing with slot machines can have a really good time.

The casino was built on a quarry along the shore of Lac Leamy, which is how it got its name.

Did you know that over three million people come to the casino each year? What are you waiting for?

Visit the Casino Lac Leamy. If you are looking for things to do, be sure to check out this venue! #lacleamy

2. Visit the Famous Château Montebello

Every time I have visited Montebello, I have had a blast. 

Visiting Gatineau to spend some time at Montebello is definitely worth it. 

Le  Château Montebello  is in one of the most charming villages in the Outaouais region, Montebello.

Famed for its rustic charm and elegance, superb architecture and beautiful natural surroundings, you are guaranteed to have a true Canadian experience when you visit. 

Formerly and commonly known as the Château Montebello , it is a historic hotel and resort complex in Montebello, Quebec and it has a lot of great activities you can participate in.

With beautiful surroundings and year-round activities, Château Montebello offers countless possibilities of adventures, including golf, curling, as well as Canada’s only Land Rover off-road driving experience. 

You can enjoy ice skating, cross-country skiing and hockey in winter!

3. Have Relaxing Time at Le Nordik Spa

Gatineau and Ottawa are home to some of the best spas in there are in the area.

If you want to relax and feel completely rejuvenated then head on over to Le Nordik Spa located in Gatineau!

Le Nordik Spa is the largest spa in North America and we encourage you to pay it a visit.

They have an infinity pool, great restaurants and a yoga area that you can enjoy.

Be sure to treat yourself to the outdoor baths, sauna, relaxation areas, massages and more! 

4. Participate in the Downtown Gatineau Culture Trail

The n ew and improved  Gatineau Culture Trail is one thing you want to visit in this beautiful town of Gatineau.

Inspired by Boston’s legendary Freedom Trail and marked by a painted red line, the 3-km Culture Trail invites pedestrians to discover or rediscover downtown Gatineau.

This urban walking tour links points of interest, exhibition spaces, entertainment venues and some great restaurants.

It was designed to get visitors to venture a little further into the city, which will allow them to experience some authentic French Canadian culture!

The Gatineau Culture Trail will help you explore the vibrant urban area of downtown Gatineau, especially if you are new to the area. 

This summer we urge you to follow the red line!

If you do, we want to see it, use #GatineauTrailLEC

Red trail of Gatineau. Explore Gatineau today!

Source: Tourism Outaououais

5. Visit the Quaint Village of Wakefield

Located approximately 20-minutes from Gatineau, this amazing city is a must-visit!

Wakefield is definitely a popular tourist destination with a bohemian feel to it, which visitors from the Nation’s Capital and other major cities can enjoy.

Here you will find a variety of cafés, pubs, galleries and boutiques and a lively and eclectic arts scene.

For those that enjoy the outdoors, Wakefield has access to the Gatineau Park and the Gatineau River for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, hiking, cycling and more.

Other things to see in the village, include the famous covered bridge and the historic Maclaren Mill.

Wakefield also hosts the annual Wakefield Covered Bridge Run.

Come and experience Wakefield today!

6. Check out the Luskville Falls in Gatineau

The Luskville Falls is located on the south side of Gatineau Park.

Luskville Falls flows over the Eardley Escarpment, a unique natural habitat in the western sector of the Park.

Spring is the best time to visit the area, as melting snow transforms the waterfall into a raging torrent.

I don’t know about you, but I love waterfalls and I am glad that Gatineau has a few waterfalls you can enjoy if you happen to be in the area. 

The trail climbs for nearly 300 m up the Eardley Escarpment and leads to lookouts and a fire tower.

7. Bungee Jump at The Great Canadian Bungee

If you are looking for the highest bungee jump area to fulfil your bucket list, look no further than this. 

At 200 feet, this is Canada’s highest jump!

Just 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa is “The Rock”, home to Great Canadian Bungee’s 200 ft. Goliath.

Here you’ll find one of the world’s most spectacular and unique Bungee Jumping sites.

Great Canadian Bungee uses state-of-the-art equipment and employs only the most competent staff to assure you a safe trip over the edge – every time!

Have I ever jumped over the edge? 

Yes, for my 27th birthday, my gorgeous boyfriend at the time took me bungee jumping here. 

The adrenaline I experienced after the jump was out of this world for sure.

8. Go hiking in the Gatineau Parks 

They are so many things to things to do in Gatineau park, like swimming, camping and hiking.

And you even have the option of doing a picnic!

Whether you are new to the activity or already an avid hiker,  Gatineau Park  offers excellent spots  for  a nature  hike.

More than 165 kilometres of trails are available to hikers at the Gatineau park so there is something for everyone.

My favourite trails are the Pink Lake Trail Loop, the Lauriault Trail and the Sentier Champlain Trail! 

9. Enjoy Some Delicious Food

I am not a self-proclaimed foodie, although I should be. 

I enjoy good food and if you do too, head on over to the other side of the river and enjoy some good food in Gatineau. 

You can definitely find some great restaurants and bars in the Gatineau area. 

Expect to find some delicious French cuisine which is often served with great wine. 

You can also find some authentic Italian restaurants in Gatineau that you can enjoy. 

Gatineau is definitely  home to many great restaurants, so be sure to check them out. 

10. Gatineau Museum of History

You will find a lot of amazing museums in Ottawa and Gatineau. 

My personal favourite is the Canadian Museum of History located on the other side of the river. 

Canadian Museum of History is one of the oldest museums in North America and it’s by far the best attraction in the city!

If you really want to explore the history of the country and its cultural diversity, then this is a museum for you.

There are three permanent galleries at the museum; the Grand Hall, Fort People’s Hall and Canada Hall.

The Museum of History’s permanent galleries explores Canada’s 20,000 years of human history and a program of special exhibitions expands on Canadian themes and explores other cultures and civilizations, past and present.

The museum is one of North America’s oldest cultural institutions!

It is also home to a large IMAX theatre.

11. Have Fun at Camp Fortune Aerial Park

A small ski resort featuring a terrain park & base lodges, along with an aerial park with zip lines, this is where you want to be if you plan to visit Gatineau this weekend. 

Take in the beauty of the Gatineau Hills by zip-lining through them!

This ziplining Ottawa area attraction is only 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa/Gatineau in Chelsea Québec.

If you love the outdoors, then you will definitely have fun at Camp Fortune Aerial Park!

Camp Fortune Aerial Park from Camp Fortune on Vimeo .

12. Visit the Mackenzie King Estate

There’s so much to discover at this amazing Park.

The Mackenzie King Estate is a special place where you can spend the whole day enjoying nature.

The Estate features exhibits, magnificent gardens and historical ruins, as well as activities for the whole family.

Now is the perfect time to come and see one of the treasures of Gatineau Park.

The Mackenzie King Estate belonged to Canada’s 10th and longest-serving Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.

He donated it to Canada and it is open to the public to visit.

You can absolutely enjoy the Haunted Walk Experience this summer, in the heart of Gatineau Park that takes place at the Mackenzie King Estate.

13. Have A Picnic  overlooking Lake Philippe

If you are looking for fun things to do in Gatineau, be sure to visit Lake Philippe .

This large lake is a great place to spend the day outdoors and explore the natural beauty of Gatineau Park!

With three sandy beaches,  a large campground , boat rental facilities and plenty of hiking trails, your discovery options are nearly unlimited.

It is the perfect place to barbecue with family and friends as well as to build sandcastles. 

A hike along the lake will take you to  Lusk Cave , a superb example of a marble cave and a natural geological phenomenon.

14. Gatineau City Tour by Land and Water

Enjoy your time in Gatineau and Ottawa by taking part in a sightseeing tour by land and water in an amphibious bus !

This main city attraction tours around Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, the National War Memorial Monument and more.

It is definitely fun for the whole family!

The Lady Dive specializes in guided tours of the National region of Ottawa-Gatineau. The tours definitely help you appreciate Ottawa and Gatineau a lot more. 

15. Visit the Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau

If you are visiting Gatineau in winter, you can enjoy Winterlude which also takes place at Jacques Cartier Park. 

Jacques-Cartier Park is a park in Gatineau where you can find plenty of amazing activities.

Canada festivals typically also take place at this park. 

Other than that, you can find two historical buildings at the park Maison Charron and The Gilmour Hughson Building! 

Maison Charron is home to the Maison des auteurs, which offers cultural programs daily throughout the summer (mid-May to Labour Day).

It was built between 1826 and 1841 by Philemon Wright, the founder of Hull. 

The Gilmour Hughson Building which was founded in 1892 now houses La Maison du vélo.

It is the last site that linked to the Gilmour Hughson Lumber Company, a major Canadian lumber company in the 1800s.

If you love history, you will totally love Jacques Cartier park! 

16. Canadian Children’s Museum

The Museum lets the kids travel the world while enriching their lives and broadening their experience by exploring other cultures through exhibitions, costumes, hands-on props, and artifacts, including an extraordinary assortment of toys and games.

I took my daughter to the Children’s museum and we both had a ball. 

The Museum’s diversity and richness engage children of all ages, allowing them to explore and learn through play at their own pace.

It’s a fun, memorable first step in a child’s understanding of the arts, culture and history.

The Canadian Children’s Museum is located inside the Canadian Museum of History. 

17. Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Gatineau  Hot Air Balloon Festival features colourful balloons from all over the world, live entertainment and fun for the whole family. 

Each summer at the end of August, the  Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (Festival des Montgolfières de Gatineau, or FMG) celebrates much more than giant balloons floating through the skies of Canada’s Capital Region.

This popular weekend event is also full of family-friendly fun like amusement rides, fireworks and, live music so you need to make sure you visit it when in town!

The festival is held in the large Parc de la Baie in Gatineau, a few minutes from downtown Ottawa.

Enjoy the Hot Air Balloon Festival ride in Gatineau this summer.

Source: Festival des Montgolfières

18. Spend time at Omega Park 

I have a 2-year old daughter and all she wants to do is be around animals.

And the best place to do that is at Parc Omega !

You can absolutely visit the Park at any time, but for me, a day trip to Omega Park with my child was one of my favourite things to do in Ottawa in winter . 

Bring some foods such as carrots to feed the animals as you drive around the park because you will be greeted by friendly animals such as deers, elks and more. 

The park is open all year round and it opens up at 10 am.

They typically recommend visiting it in winter as many of the animals are more active at this time. Otherwise, you can visit it whenever you are in town. 

Omega Park is located 1 hour from Montreal, Ottawa, Laurentian, and Mont Tremblant if you are wondering. 

19. Beaches in Gatineau

You can find some pretty amazing beaches in Gatineau. 

My favourite beach in Gatineau apart from Lac Philippe is Lac Leamy!

It’s a busy beach, usually packed with families on weekends or after work. 

What you need to know:

It has supervised swimming with lifeguards, a play area for the kids which my daughter loves and plenty of sandy areas perfect for building sandcastles.

If you know me, then you know I love sandcastles. 

Gatineau Attractions

You will definitely find some of the best attractions in Gatineau!

Two major tourist attractions located in Gatineau are the Canadian Museum of History  and the  Casino du Lac-Leamy .

What’s there to do in Gatineau at Night?

Gatineau nightlife is one of the best in the area.

Most of the nightlife in Gatineau takes place in the “Vieux-Hull” sector behind the Federal office complexes of downtown.

You will definitely find various bars and restaurants that you can enjoy and they are all within minutes from Ottawa.

Gatineau is definitely a popular spot for young Ontarians as the legal drinking age in Quebec is 18 instead of 19 in Ontario! 

Check out Tourisme Outaouais for More Activities in Gatineau

If you are looking to discover more of the beautiful Outaouais,  the tourism site has more updated information for you.

They have plenty more ideas for you to tackle. 

And there you have it, an epic list of things to do in Gatineau. If we missed anything, please tell us in the comments below.

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Little Miss Ottawa

Find Hidden Gems on the Downtown Gatineau Culture Trail

Downtown Gatineau Culture Trail

This 3km stretch will bring you to incredible attractions in Gatineau from restaurants, art installations, murals, and more. Here’s some information to guide your journey on the Gatineau Culture Trail. The best part is that it’s completely self-guided so you can do it at your own pace and really savour each new section. I’ve walked the trail myself a few times and what I love is that you can always expect something new along it. It’s the perfect way to discover the area yourself and be pleasantly surprised with what you find along the way. Get your camera ready because there are lots of Instagram-worthy moments along the way. 

How To Find The Gatineau Culture Trail 

You’ll see these stickers on the ground that will guide your journey. Follow them to bring you to your next destination. You can also download a map here. 

You can access a Gatineau Culture Trail Map here .

Downtown Gatineau Culture Trail

Where To Start the Gatineau Culture Trail

I recommend starting at the Canadian Museum of History. The trail will take you on a 3km journey that will end at Brewery Creek.

You can choose a time that works best for you. Keep in mind business opening hours if there are specific spots you want to visit.  I usually go in the afternoon into the evening but you can also go during the day if you want a quieter time. 

Where The Gatineau Culture Trail Ends

The Trail ends at Ruisseau de la Brasserie (Brewery Creek) in Gatineau. Brasseur de Temps would be a great spot to grab a bite here. You can also do the trail in reverse if you prefer.

How Long Do I Need For The Gatineau Culture Trail

I recommend blocking off a few hours for the Gatineau Culture Trail. Walking the full distance will take about an hour but there’s bound to be plenty of spots you’ll want to stop along the way. There are also lots of wonderful restaurants along the way that are perfect to refuel at. 

Where to Park in Downtown Gatineau

There’s plenty of side streets, parking lots, and parking garages you can park at in downtown Gatineau. Many side streets are free after 5 pm. Leduc Parking Garage at 15 rue Leduc is free after 5 pm. 

Things To Do Along the Gatineau Culture Trail: 

There are so many incredible attractions you can look forward to on the Gatineau Culture Trail. Here are some highlights:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Julia Weber ✨ Canadian Travel (@littlemissottawa)

Current Events Along the Gatineau Culture Trail

Festibière de gatineau.

This is the last weekend of Festibiere de Gatineau . Escape to a tropical oasis right in downtown Gatineau. You can literally be floating on a flamingo, enjoying a beer, with a view of the ferris wheel, and listening to live music. This is the best edition of Festibiere yet. I had such a blast at this event and definitely recommend going. You can get tickets here.

Grands Feux du Casino Lac Leamy

Grands Feux du Casino Lac Leamy is an event I look forward to every summer. Enjoy an incredible fireworks show synchronized to music at the Canadian Museum of History. If you have tickets, head there early to enjoy the attractions inside, food trucks, and a beautiful view from the edge of the Ottawa River.

It’s sold out this year but there’s still plenty of places to catch the fireworks in downtown Gatineau. I recommend enjoying a bite at a restaurant below and then watching from Rue Laurier. 

Grands Feux du Casino Downtown Gatineau

Restaurants Along the Gatineau Culture Trail

In downtown Gatineau, you’ll find an incredible mix of restaurants to try out. From hidden patios, unique food items, and more. I recommend making a reservation in advance if possible. 

Les Vilains Garçons 

I was introduced to Les Vilains Garçons a few years ago and it’s been a favourite ever since. Their menu is constantly changing and influenced by the seasons. What’s special about this restaurant is that instead of getting one big meal, you can choose between 3 or 5 portions which gives you the opportunity to try a bit of each. Every time I’ve been here the dishes have always been unique and delicious. 

Bistro CoqLicorne 

I stumbled upon this restaurant at the beginning of summer and can’t wait to go back. Bistro CoqLicorne has a great patio, especially at the back with the plants. They have some really fun cocktails like one that comes with roasted marshmallows. I recommend getting their fish tacos. I also heard they have brunch on Sundays so I’ll definitely be back soon. 

Downtown Gatineau Cultural Trail

Le Rustiek 

Le Rustiek offers Northern European cuisine with their own twist. Enjoy meals made with fresh and locally sourced products. Enjoy their selection of Quebec craft beers and private import wines. It has a cozy interior and the option of a nice patio to enjoy your meal. 

Rustiek specializes in northern European cuisine with an original twist, prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Beer lovers will appreciate the wide selection of Quebec craft beers, as well as creative cocktails and private import wines.

Le Soif 

Le Soif is all about discovering and tasting new wines in a fun and laid-back atmosphere. Get one of their wine flights with your meal so you can try a few. Véronique Rivest, the sommelier-owner, won Canada’s best sommelier in 2013 and Le Soif was named one of Canada’s top up and coming restaurants in 2015.

Le Troquet 

Le Troquet has a hidden back patio you need to visit. Make sure to ask to sit at the back to find their patio covered with trees, twinkle lights, and murals. You need to get a burger (I recommend the G.O.A.T.), chips, and sangria here. I loved the vibe of this restaurant with all the colours and music. 

Olivia Bistro 

This is the perfect spot for quick and healthy bites. Grab a bite here and then bring it to Parc du Portage (details below). Olivia Bistro has everything from smoothies, stuffed avocados, tacos, fun salads, and more.

You’ll find Le Cellier in a charming, red-brick Victorian house in downtown Gatineau. Enjoy their seasonal menu while you sample wines from around the world. The interior is beautiful and they also have a patio you can dine on. 

Pizza Lovers, this one is for you! Piz’za-za has been serving gourmet pizzas and wine for over 25 years. They have an impressive list of pizzas to choose from whether you’re looking for a classic pizza or something more adventurous. Grab a few as a group so you can try a bit of each. Next time I’m getting their charcuterie pizza! 

Les Brasseurs du Temps 

Brasseur de Temps is a brewery, restaurant, and museum all in one! The name Brasseur de Temps was chosen because of the brewers of the area, dating back to the 1800s. The first brewer of the area had their farm in this exact location. Enjoy their craft beer, food, and take a walk through their museum and learn about the history of the beer industry and their brewery.  They have a wonderful patio where you can also enjoy a view of Brewery Creek. You’ll find this restaurant near the end of the Gatineau Culture Trail. 

Art Installation on Rue Aubry

The installations on rue Aubry are something I look forward to every summer. Each year is a new theme. This year the installation was created by Maxime B. Huneault in collaboration with  Véronique Guitard and the Lab CIPTO.

This year you’ll find clothes hanging from a clothesline. It sparks the curiosity of who are the people behind these clothes and who live in the neighbourhood. The silhouettes become characters in themselves and dance quietly together.

Downtown Gatineau Culture Trail

C’est La Vie Mural on Rue Laval

This mural always takes my breath away. I love the vibrant colours and all the music and culture tie-ins. It illustrates how downtown Gatineau has always been a place to bring people together and celebrate. It celebrates how for over two centuries, Vieux Hull, once known as ‘Little Chicago’ has been the host to many characters and stories. This mural was inspired by the work of CREEP DSC and created by artists Phil Landry and Marin Mitrasinovic. 

Îlot A Most Unusual Terrace

Head to the top of Leduc Parking (15 rue Leduc) for an original and vibrant public space on the rooftop. With high-speed internet and 24 computer workstations, this is the most unique coworking space in the capital. There are rest areas and an extensive menu you can enjoy that combines the gastronomic delight of around 50 restaurants in downtown Gatineau.There’s themed teleworking pods you can use. Using the space is completely free, just bring money for food and drinks. Head here before it disappears. 

It’s open 8:30 am to 6:00 pm on Monday and Tuesday and 8:30 am to 8:30 pm from Wednesday to Friday.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Terrasse Îlot (@terrasseilot)

Parc du Portage Installations

Day or night, this is the perfect spot to sit and relax by the picnic tables. There’s plenty of murals surrounding the park, a scenic fountain, and artwork. Here are a few of the things to look forward to here:

Downtown Gatineau Culture Trail

I loved stumbling upon this installation this year. You’ll find a trail of these illuminated spheres you can walk by in the park. Find the Debout photo booth, snap a photo inside and then you’ll see it projected onto one of the domes. 

This installation was designed by Lucion. The soundtrack was created by local composer, Louise Poirier. 

Animosities

You’ll find a series of murals created to showcase animals you’ll see in Canada, especially the Outaouais region. One of these murals is a bear mural inside Parc du Portage. Some of the animals are endangered and it’s a reminder to be aware of environmental issues and make positive changes. This series was created by multiple artists: Maria Rosa Szychowska, Marin Mitrasinovic, Philippe landry, Anthony Léger, Mathieu Strike Désilets.

Downtown Gatineau Culture Trail

Brewery Creek Installation

This year at Brewery Creek you’ll spot a beautiful installation of canoes hanging above the water. It was created by artist Giorgia Volpe. The work pays tribute to Quebec folklore, to the beliefs of sailors, and to the heritage of First Nations know-how, in a place of exchange where all these communities once lived.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ville de Gatineau (@ville_gatineau)

This is just a small preview of what you can expect on the trail. There is so much more to explore on the Gatineau Culture Trail. I would love to see how you enjoy it. Feel free to tag me on Instagram and enjoy 🙂

This post was sponsored by Outaouais Tourism . As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I hope you enjoy the trail as much as I do .

Looking for more Outaouais Fun activities? Check out my guide to Wakefield .

Julia Weber

Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)

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Thanks for the interesting post. Do you have know if the restaurants and shops are requiring Quebec’s vaccine passport?

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Thank you! So many cool finds along the cultural trail. Yes, they are. They’re required to ask for proof of vaccine and ID. I’ve had to show it a few times and no issues getting in anywhere.

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What is Gatineau Quebec known for?

Gatineau Quebec is an exceptional city that offers its residents and visitors a wide variety of attractions and activities. Located just across the Ottawa River from Canada’s capital city, Gatineau has a rich history, unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled entertainment options. Here are some of the things that Gatineau is known for and that you don’t want to miss on your next trip to this beautiful city.

First and foremost, Gatineau Quebec is known for its extensive network of parks, green spaces, and natural areas. The city is home to the Gatineau Park, which spans over 360 square kilometers of forests, hills, lakes, and rivers, offering a vast range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, camping, swimming, and canoeing. The park is also home to several unique attractions, including the Mackenzie King Estate, one of Canada’s most historic and picturesque sites.

Gatineau is also known for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its many museums, art galleries, and historical sites. The Canadian Museum of History is an excellent example, showcasing Canada’s fascinating history and culture through dynamic exhibits, interactive displays, and immersive experiences. Other notable cultural attractions include the Canadian Museum of Nature, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Canadian War Museum.

Another aspect of Gatineau’s culture that sets it apart is its vibrant Francophone community, which is deeply rooted in the city’s history and traditions. French language and culture are celebrated throughout the city, with numerous festivals, events, and activities organized throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Gatineau Loppet cross-country ski race, and the Festival Franco-Ontarien, which celebrates the region’s Francophone heritage through music, dance, and food.

Finally, Gatineau Quebec is known for its excellent culinary scene, with a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving up delicious cuisine from around the world. From locally sourced seafood to classic French dishes, Gatineau offers something for every taste and budget. The city also boasts several microbreweries and distilleries, producing some of Canada’s finest craft beers, spirits, and wines.

In conclusion, Gatineau Quebec is a fascinating and diverse city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culture vulture, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Gatineau is sure to impress. Its parks, museums, festivals, and gastronomy are just a few of the reasons why Gatineau is a must-visit destination in Canada.

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What are the top tourist attractions in Gatineau Quebec?

Gatineau is a beautiful city located in the province of Quebec, Canada. It is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning landscapes, rich history, and numerous cultural attractions. Among the top tourist attractions in Gatineau is the Canadian Museum of History, which is considered to be one of the best museums in the country. It showcases the history and culture of Canada and features various exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the country’s heritage.

Another popular attraction is the Gatineau Park, which is a large natural park that offers various recreational activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing. It boasts stunning views of the Ottawa River and the surrounding hills, making it a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks. Visitors can also explore the park’s various trails, including those that lead to the beautiful Pink Lake.

In addition to these top tourist attractions, Gatineau also has several other noteworthy destinations, including the Canadian War Museum, the Parliament Hill, and the Casino du Lac-Leamy. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor recreation, Gatineau has something for everyone.

What are the most popular outdoor activities in Gatineau Park?

At just a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park is a natural playground for locals and visitors alike. The park features 361 square kilometers of protected natural habitat and offers countless outdoor activities year-round. The most popular outdoor activities enjoyed by visitors to Gatineau Park include hiking, cycling, skiing, snowshoeing, and camping.

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Gatineau Park is hiking. With over 165 kilometers of trails, hikers of all levels can find a trail that meets their personal fitness and skill level. Some of the most popular hiking trails in Gatineau Park include the King Mountain Trail, Lusk Cave Trail, and the Wolf Trail. Many of the park’s trails lead to stunning views of the Gatineau Hills, Ottawa Valley and the Ottawa River.

Another popular activity in Gatineau Park is cycling. Cyclists can explore over 90 kilometers of paved roads that wind through the park’s hills and forests, as well as 50 kilometers of mountain bike trails. Road cyclists will love the challenging terrain, and mountain bikers can take on the exciting descents, obstacles, and jumps on the trails. Gatineau Park offers cyclists some of the most scenic cycling routes in the region. Whether visitors are looking for a leisurely ride or a challenging workout, Gatineau Park has something to offer everyone.

What is the history of Gatineau Quebec, and how has it influenced the city’s culture and identity?

Gatineau is a city located in the western part of the province of Quebec, Canada. The history of Gatineau dates back to the early 1800s when it was a small lumber town known as Wrightsville. In the late 19th century, the city became an important industrial centre due to its timber and paper industries. Gatineau’s proximity to Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, played an essential role in the city’s development as a hub of commerce and industry.

The city’s diverse culture is shaped by its rich history, French-Canadian heritage, and proximity to Ottawa. Gatineau’s French-Canadian roots are visible in its architecture, culture and language. The city has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the popular Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival. Gatineau’s identity is also influenced by its natural surroundings, which include Gatineau Park, the Ottawa River, and numerous lakes and rivers. These outdoor spaces offer residents and visitors opportunities for outdoor recreation and help to define the city’s character.

Overall, the history of Gatineau has played an important role in shaping the city’s culture and identity. Its French-Canadian roots, industrial heritage, and proximity to Ottawa have created a diverse community that celebrates its history and natural surroundings. The city’s ongoing growth and development reflect its commitment to building on its past while looking towards a bright and prosperous future.

What are some notable restaurants or bars in Gatineau Quebec that are worth visiting?

Gatineau, located in the province of Quebec, is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery. But, it also boasts of a diverse culinary scene, ranging from classic French cuisine to contemporary Canadian fare. If you are exploring Gatineau, you cannot miss some of these notable restaurants & bars:

The first one on the list is Le Foubrac. It is a boutique wine bar that specializes in organic and biodynamic wines from small, independent producers in France and Quebec. Pair your favourite wine with charcuterie boards or tapas-style bites, and you will get a perfect evening at Le Foubrac.

Another popular spot is L’Orée du bois. Located in the scenic hills of Gatineau Park, this restaurant serves up modern Canadian cuisine using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently and features dishes such as Quebec foie gras, seared scallops, and game meats. The setting of the restaurant is beautiful with lots of trees, flowers and greenery.

Lastly, Tavern on the Hill is a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts. From local to international brews, you can find here all types of beers. They have a wide selection of burgers, sandwiches, and pub fare to go with your drinks. The best part about this place is the rooftop patio with a beautiful view of the Parliament Hill of Ottawa, which is a perfect place to enjoy a drink during summer evenings.

How does Gatineau Quebec compare to other Canadian cities in terms of economy, population, and quality of life?

Gatineau, Quebec is a city located in western Quebec, Canada, and is home to a population of over 270,000 people. When compared to other Canadian cities, Gatineau has a reasonably stable economy, with a lower unemployment rate than the national average. The city’s economy is primarily driven by the federal government, with departments such as Statistics Canada, Canadian Museum of History, and the Canada Revenue Agency all having their headquarters in Gatineau.

In terms of population, Gatineau ranks as the fourth-largest city in Quebec, following Montreal, Quebec City, and Laval. It is a bilingual community, with both French and English being spoken widely. This linguistic diversity is reflective of the larger Quebec province itself, which is a mix of Francophone and Anglophone communities.

When it comes to quality of life, Gatineau is considered to be a highly desirable place to live. It offers a range of amenities and outdoor recreational opportunities, including several parks, lakes, and ski hills. The city also boasts a strong arts and culture scene, with several festivals and events taking place throughout the year. Overall, Gatineau is a thriving and dynamic city that offers its residents a high-quality of life, as well as excellent economic and employment opportunities.

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Invitation to media – MP Sophie Chatel to visit Gatineau SME Aidexpress’s facilities

From: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media advisory

The media are invited to participate in a tour of Aidexpress along with Sophie Chatel, Member of Parliament for Pontiac.

Invitation to media - ced.canada.ca

Gatineau, Quebec, April 26, 2024 – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The media are invited to participate in a tour of Aidexpress along with Sophie Chatel, Member of Parliament for Pontiac.

Aidexpress is an online sharing economy business that offers services to seniors or individuals with decreasing autonomy who need help or care to live safely at home.

MP Chatel will take the opportunity to announce a CED contribution for the business and will be available to answer the media’s questions after the tour.

Date: April 29, 2024

Time of the visit: 9:30 a.m.

Location: Aidexpress 20 Allée de Hambourg, Suite 210 Gatineau, Quebec J9J 4K3

Any journalists interested in participating in this tour must confirm their presence by writing to the following email address by 8 a.m. on April 29, 2024: [email protected] . CED will use the email addresses received to send out the news release.

Stay connected

Follow CED on social media Consult CED’s news

Information

Media Relations Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions [email protected]

Marie-Justine Torres Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions Cell: 613-327-5918 [email protected]

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COMMENTS

  1. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Gatineau

    Top Things to Do in Gatineau, Quebec: See Tripadvisor's 30,071 traveller reviews and photos of Gatineau tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in May. We have reviews of the best places to see in Gatineau. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

  2. Gatineau

    25 Laurier St., Gatineau (Québec), Canada. 1 866 299-2002 / 819 595-2002. [email protected]. Catch the urban vibe of Gatineau! Discover the downtown core on foot or by bike using our extensive network of recreational trails and discover the Cultural Trail, a fun and colorful art trail. Explore the Canadian Museum of History, the most popular in ...

  3. Gatineau, Quebec: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)

    Gatineau Tourism: Tripadvisor has 30,067 reviews of Gatineau Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Gatineau resource. Skip to main content. Discover. Trips. ... Quebec Craft Beer Tour - From Ottawa & Gatineau. 11. from $82 per adult. Kayak & Summit Tour - Ottawa Day Trip. 14.

  4. 30 BEST Places to Visit in Gatineau (UPDATED 2024)

    Other Top Attractions around Gatineau. 2023. Parliament Hill and Buildings. 9,614. 5.9 km away. Ottawa. Historic Sites. 2023. Canadian War Museum. 4,652. 6.9 km away. Ottawa. Military Museums. ... My husband and I took a pre-arranged shuttle that picked us up at the main entrance of the Quebec train station and took us to Jacques Cartier ...

  5. Activities, events, outdoor sports, wellness and more

    Must-see attractions ; Outdoor activities ; Culture, art and heritage ; Festivals and events ; Gourmet pleasures ; Family activities ; Spas and wellness ; ... Marina Kitchissipi de Gatineau. Parc de la Ferme-Dalton. Relais Plein Air du parc de la Gatineau. Bistro la Gargouille. À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale.

  6. Tourism

    All the information you need to plan a visit, a getaway or a short visit to Gatineau is easily available by simply contacting Tourisme Outaouais or stopping by Maison du tourisme at: 103 rue Laurier. Gatineau, Quebec J8X 3V8. 819-778-2222 or 1-800-265-7822. [email protected].

  7. Downtown Gatineau

    Gatineau (Québec), Canada. 819 771-1094. [email protected]. Downtown Gatineau is the place to be for entertaining activities, cultural events, and celebrations of all kinds! Laval Street provides a safe and enjoyable route for pedestrians and cyclists. Discover the Laval-Aubry-Kent and Brewery Creek tourism sectors, with their ...

  8. Gatineau

    Gatineau is a city in the Outaouais region of Quebec, on the north shore of the Ottawa River, across from Canada's capital, Ottawa.It is part of the official National Capital Region which constitutes the fourth largest urban area in the country, after Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.With 291,041 inhabitants in 2021, it is the largest city in the administrative region of Outaouais.

  9. 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Gatineau

    Known as Hull until 2002, Gatineau is a French-speaking city located just across the Ottawa River from the city of Ottawa. There is a fine view from Jacques-Cartier Park over to the Parliament buildings, the Rideau slopes, and other major features in Ottawa.. Gatineau is Quebec's fourth-largest city and home to some of the province's best museums, parks, and other attractions.

  10. 15 Best Things to Do in Gatineau (Canada)

    Visit Gatineau Park in the summer and spend the day at a beach, hiking, mountain biking or canoeing. In the fall, the park is filled with magnificent colours that will make any photographer salivate. You can also go rock climbing, enjoy bird watching or spend a night in a tent under the stars. 4. Play poker.

  11. Things to Do in Gatineau, Canada

    Visitor Centers. 32. Altitude Gym. 38. Game & Entertainment Centers. By SamuelHarvey. Open until late, Altitude Gym is a great place to do boulders and have fun with friends at the Clip N, Climb... 33. Club De Golf Gatineau.

  12. Things to Do in Gatineau, Canada

    Things to Do in Gatineau, Quebec: See Tripadvisor's 30,067 traveler reviews and photos of Gatineau tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in April. We have reviews of the best places to see in Gatineau. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

  13. Top Things to Do in Gatineau, Quebec This Summer

    One of the best things to do in Gatineau is to unwind at the Nordik Spa-Nature. Set in a forest grove just 10-minutes north of downtown Gatineau in Chelsea, Quebec, this sprawling spa is the ultimate haven for luxury relaxation. Soak up the peaceful ambiance at Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea, Quebec. (Credit: Francisco Sanchez) Best known as ...

  14. Tourism, vacations, getaways in Outaouais

    Enjoy an outdoor adventure in the morning and cultural discoveries in the afternoon or evening. Large parks await you, just a stone's throw from Ottawa, the National Capital. Our land is vast and generous; our chefs, inspired and creative. Outaouais is 33,000 km2 (12,738 sq. mi.) of pure delight! Consult the tourist guide.

  15. 19 Amazing Things To Do in Gatineau this Year for A Great Time

    Gatineau is definitely a popular spot for young Ontarians as the legal drinking age in Quebec is 18 instead of 19 in Ontario! Check out Tourisme Outaouais for More Activities in Gatineau. If you are looking to discover more of the beautiful Outaouais, the tourism site has more updated information for you.

  16. La maison du tourisme

    103 Laurier St., Gatineau (Québec), Canada. 1 800 265-7822 / 819 778-2222. [email protected]. Visit the Maison du tourisme, Gatineau's tourist information office, and let the staff help you plan your stay in the Outaouais. Find accommodation to suit your needs, learn about nearby attractions and restaurants, and get suggestions on how ...

  17. THE BEST Things to Do in Gatineau

    Things to Do in Gatineau. 1. Place du Centre. 2. Rush Creek Wines. Things to Do in Gatineau, Quebec: See Tripadvisor's 30,076 traveler reviews and photos of Gatineau tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in May. We have reviews of the best places to see in Gatineau. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

  18. Find Hidden Gems on the Downtown Gatineau Culture Trail

    There's plenty of side streets, parking lots, and parking garages you can park at in downtown Gatineau. Many side streets are free after 5 pm. Leduc Parking Garage at 15 rue Leduc is free after 5 pm. Things To Do Along the Gatineau Culture Trail: There are so many incredible attractions you can look forward to on the Gatineau Culture Trail.

  19. Gatineau

    Gatineau (/ ˈ ɡ æ t ɪ n oʊ / GAT-in-oh; French:) is a city in southwestern Quebec, Canada.It is located on the northern bank of the Ottawa River, immediately across from Ottawa, Ontario.Gatineau is the largest city in the Outaouais administrative region of Quebec and is also part of Canada's National Capital Region.As of 2021, Gatineau is the fourth-largest city in Quebec with a ...

  20. What is Gatineau Quebec known for?

    Gatineau Quebec is an exceptional city that offers its residents and visitors a wide variety of attractions and activities. Located just across the Ottawa River from Canada's capital city, Gatineau has a rich history, unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled entertainment options.

  21. Quoi Faire

    Quoi Faire. Une journée en pleine nature, une visite au musée, une activité familiale, un repas gastronomique ou une expérience relaxante au spa ? Trouvez une activité à faire en Outaouais parmi nos suggestions de catégories.

  22. Invitation to media

    April 29, 2024. Time of the visit: 9:30 a.m. Location: Aidexpress. 20 Allée de Hambourg, Suite 210. Gatineau, Quebec. J9J 4K3. Any journalists interested in participating in this tour must confirm their presence by writing to the following email address by 8 a.m. on April 29, 2024: [email protected]. CED will use the email addresses ...

  23. Tourisme Outaouais

    Découvrez la magnifique région de l'Outaouais : activités en plein air, évènements, festivals, musées, hébergements, camping, chalets, restaurants, cabanes à sucre et plus!