Once called “Hull” after Kingston upon Hull in the United Kingdom, Gatineau has a rich colonial heritage as North America’s oldest European settlement. The city lies across the Ottawa River from Canada’s capital in western Quebec and is brimming with culture and heritage.

Things to do

Explore over 20,000 years of human history at the Canadian Museum of History, the country’s most-visited museum. Witness the world’s most extensive collection of totem poles in the Grand Hall, discover the culture, history and artistic achievements of Canada’s indigenous people at the First Peoples Hall and enjoy period costumes and musical instruments in the children’s exhibit.

For fantastic views of both Quebec and Ontario, hop aboard the Empress of Ottawa and cruise along the Ottawa River between the two states. Discover an intriguing history as you pass by the region’s most famous sights, including Parliament Hill, Rideau Falls and the Prime Minister’s residence.

Get back to nature in Gatineau Park, a year-round destination for hiking, biking, swimming, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spanning more than 30,000 hectares, Gatineau Park features magnificent scenery, including the mesmerizing Pink Lake and the Eardley Escarpment, as well as opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, beavers and black bears.

Are you a night owl? Don’t miss the nightlife in “Vieux-Hull”, the historic old quarter of Gatineau where you’ll find bars, restaurants and clubs. For craft beers and board games, head to Ou Quoi or sample creative cocktails over live music at Aux Quatre Jeudis, a beautifully restored Victorian pub with a rooftop terrace.

Getting around

You can fly into the Executive Airport Gatineau-Ottawa in Quebec and take a 15-minute taxi into Gatineau. Regular buses arrive from Ottawa, while cross-country trains and coaches arrive from Quebec City and Toronto. Walking and cycling are popular ways to explore.