Gatineau, QC Area Guide

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Family friendly Public transit is accessible Walkable to grocery stores Yards are well-kept Lots of parks Walkable to restaurants Friendly neighbors Safe at night Pet friendly Streets have sidewalks A quiet area Sense of community

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Gatineau, QC

Gatineau sits on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River facing Ottawa, which together is considered to be the Ottawa–Gatineau census metropolitan area. But Gatineau is a city in its own right, having a population of over 250,000 people. Since its amalgamation with Aylmer, Hull, Buckingham and Masson-Angers in 2001, it has become Quebec’s fourth largest city. Plus, being part of the National Capital Region means that Gatineau is home to a number of federal and provincial government offices, all of which are in the Hull neighbourhood. In fact, over 20,000 people work in these offices, making it the city’s main economic source.

Hull is considered to be Downtown Gatineau and has recently gone through some major changes. In the past, this area had the highest crime rate in the province, but today it is has been redeveloped into a centre for business and retail. It is home to the Université du Québec en Outaouais, the Canadian Museum of History and Casino du Lac-Leamy, making it high on the list of areas to explore in any Gatineau guide. It is also one of the trendiest areas in the city to live in, albeit an expensive one.

Gatineau is a French-speaking city with the majority of schools following suit. There are English-language schools in the city, most of which are in Aylmer. In terms of living here, if you want to live amongst English speakers than this is the best area to live in. However, buses only run through the area during rush hour, which is something to consider. Hull is much better connected in terms of public transportation and even has a direct link into Ottawa. If you would prefer to cycle, you will really enjoy living in Gatineau, as there is an extensive network of paths.

Greenery is a big thing in the city, with parks like Gatineau Park, Lac Beauchamp Park and Jacques Cartier Park being major attractions. Any Gatineau resident will also say to enjoy one of the city’s many festivals, like the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, Wonders of Sand or the Outaouais Food Festival. You should also be sure to buy local cheese, pâté and chocolate from specialty shops, or to dine in one of the city’s traditional French bistros.