Cities
Gatineau
St. Lawrence RiverWhere wild and urbane meet
Located in the extreme westernmost corner of Québec, Gatineau is at the confluence of the Ottawa and Gatineau rivers. The city sprang up in the early 19th century with the growth of the logging industry. A stone’s throw from Ottawa, the Canadian capital, and within easy reach of the great outdoors, Gatineau offers up a wealth of cultural assets and breathtaking natural attractions!
The vivacity of youth
Gatineau (pop. 235,000) and its vicinity boast a number of top-notch attractions. These include the Canadian Museum of Civilization, as popular with children as it is with fans of Aboriginal art and culture; the great national museums of Ottawa; and, of course, the Parliament Buildings. The Casino du Lac-Leamy is another local landmark; with first-class gaming tables, shows and gourmet fare, the site is also host to a well-attended fireworks festival in the summer.
Amply endowed with green space, the city is the perfect spot to enjoy boating excursions along the Ottawa River and outdoor activities such as cycling in Gatineau Park—a peaceful haven that also offers interpretation trails, hiking and cross-country ski trails, a sand beach, and the estate of Canada’s tenth prime minister, W. L. Mackenzie King, boasting splendid gardens and picturesque ruins.From Gatineau, an old-fashioned steam engine chugs through the Gatineau valley to the picturesque village of Wakefield. At the end of summer, the skies over Gatineau fill with the colours of the Hot Air Balloon Festival.
