Gatineau is a Canadian city on the north bank of the Ottawa River, facing the national capital across the water. For visitors, it offers a distinctly French character alongside the waterfront setting that draws people to the river's edge.
What to expect
- French culture: Daily life, language and atmosphere reflect the city's French heritage, which gives a visit a different feel from its neighbour across the river.
- Historic sites: The city has places of historical interest worth seeking out on foot or by car.
- Waterfront parks: Parks along the Ottawa River make pleasant places to walk, sit and watch the water.
Why visit
Gatineau suits a visitor who wants to combine the views and open spaces of the river with a slower, francophone pace. Because it sits so close to Ottawa, it is easy to pair the two in one trip, crossing between them to compare cultures and cityscapes within a short distance.
If you are planning a visit, the riverside parks are a natural place to begin, with the historic sites and French-speaking neighbourhoods filling out the rest of a day.
