The tourist area of Outaouais

The big river of the Outaouais gave its name to this territory which is, simultaneously, the urban heart of the cities of Hull, Aylmer and Gatineau, and a vast forest of hardwood trees and conifers.

The Outaouais adjoins the province of Ontario, which holds the capital of Canada; Ottawa. During your stay in Outaouais, cross one of the bridges which spans the river of the Outaouais for a tour of "Colline Parlementaire", (Parliamentary Hill), its buildings are imposing. Rideau Hall, official residence of the governor general is located in the heart of a splendid 32 hectares domain. Make sure to watch the changing of the guards; the children will appreciate the ceremonial (free admittance).

Accommodation

Restaurants

Lac Lemay Casino and City of Hull

The urban area is full of effervescence; the casino, the hippodrome and the night life are much in demand by visitors. Furthermore, you'll discover several museums relating our history... each in its own way.

Canadian Museum of Civilization

Festival des tulipes

Festival des mongolfières de Gatineau

But eventhough the territory encompasses more than 33 000 square km, Outaouais is more than justa large city.

Chateau Cartier Resort

Forests, lakes and rivers unveil their beauty. The frenzy of the city is dissipated in the blue sky and stress vanishes in the water of the rivers.

Tourist sub regions

The hills of Outaouais surround the large cities of the area. At only 25 minutes from Hull-Ottawa, the Laflèche cave, a 20 000 years old phenomenon, is accessible to visitors. Its 402 meters of dried out galleries are exceptional (reservation required). The Gatineau park offers numerous activities, during summer or winter. Many activities can be practiced, like golfing and snowmobiling.

The "Vallée de la Lièvre et de la Petite Nation", located at less than one hour from Hull welcome nature lovers.

The "Chutes de Plaisance", 75 meters high are classified as a historical site ($). The "réserve faunique de Plaisance" is ideal for anyone who appreciates hiking trails, whereas the "réserve faunique de Papineau-Labelle" offers 500 km of forest roads. The wildlife of the Oméga park wanders freely on a territory of 1500 acres. At Oméga, it's the humans who must adapt to the environment of the animals, the territory is visited by car.

The "Vallée-de-la-Gatineau", north of the town of Hull, is also a landscape dominated by nature. Some 3200 lakes are scattered in a sylvan setting. The large concentration of lakes is to the advantage of amateurs of nautical sports who are definitely spoiled. The forestry development plays an important role in the local economy.

Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Vapor Train

Departure from Hull in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau

The "Pontiac" sector is the last one of the Outaouais area and borders the Provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Of Algonquin origin,Pontiac is the distortion of the name of a great man : Obwondiag who was the chief of the Odawas tribe and supreme head of the Algonquins confederation of the Great Lakes, who devoted his life to the amalgamation of the American Indian nations. For those interested in the glorious past of the raftsmen, a stopover at "Coulonge" falls ($) is a must; you'll discover the era when pine was squared by brave loggers.