Location: Gatineau
Top Things to do in Gatineau
Top Restaurants in Gatineau
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Gatineau, Canada
Gatineau (/ˈɡætɪnoʊ/, French pronunciation: [ɡatino]), officially Ville de Gatineau, is a city in western Quebec, Canada. It is the fourth largest city in the province after Montreal, Quebec City, and Laval. It is located on the northern bank of the Ottawa River, immediately across from Ottawa, together with which it forms Canada's National Capital Region. As of 2016, Gatineau had a population of 276,245, and a metropolitan population of 332,057. The Ottawa–Gatineau census metropolitan area had a population of 1,323,783.
Restaurants in Gatineau
1. Jacques Cartier Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Only 20 minutes from Quebec City, the Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier earned its nickname, “Québec City's Great Outdoors,” with its four-season playground. Winter play is on the area's two ski resorts, snow slides, and its new snowshoeing and Nordic skiing trails. Summertime finds travelers hanging at the lakes. Feeling adventurous? Spend the night in a yurt, primitive campsite or cottage in the woods.
Reviewed By timouneio - Gatineau, Canada
This park is located in Gatineau and it is always nice to visit. The Winterlude festival every winter and last summer I enjoyed Mosaicanada a couple of times. I could visit the park to look at the exibition everyday, it was so beautiful to see all the sculptures and all the beautiful work these artisans have made with trees, flowers and grass. It is also close to the museums, to Ottawa and close to the Lac Leamy Casino. Great location!
2. Gatineau Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 843 reviews
This vast and scenic Ottawa park is ideal for walking, biking or cross-country skiing and also houses the MacKenzie King Estate, once the home of Canada's former Prime Minister.
Reviewed By Alain C - Ottawa, Canada
We went snowshoeing in the park on Sunday the 21 of January. The Ottawa area had experienced mild temperature during the previous days and some of the snow had melted, which made the trails hard packed and less favourable for snowshoeing. Nevertheless, we went on for about 1 1/2 hours and had an enjoyable time. Along the way, we saw several people on cross-country skies. Their trail was in excellent condition. We will try the snowshoe trail again in another week and hope for a fresh snowfall before we go.
3. Canadian Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Located within the Canadian Museum of History (formerly the Canadian Museum of Civilization) Hands on adventure! The Canadian Children's Museum is one of the most popular attractions at the Canadian Museum of History, and has been since it opened its doors in 1989. Passports in hand, visitors discover one incredible destination after another. Whether on a visit to homes in the International Village, a trek to a desert pyramid, a jaunt to the Port of Entry to help unload a cargo ship, or a stroll through the bustling Market Bazaar, visitors encounter endless ways to learn about the world and one another. A world of discovery where parents have as much fun as their kids!
Reviewed By ThisMomOf2 - Brampton, Canada
Kids ( 9 and 7 at the time) really liked it here, but I could tell they would have liked it even more if we came when they were younger. I think it might be best for kids around 6 years or younger. Nevertheless, they liked all the "around the world" stations and activities and art. We spent the whole afternoon there and saw the Museum of Civilization as well.
4. Canadian Museum of History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Formerly the Canadian Museum of Civilization At Canada's most visited museum, discover the events, experiences, people and objects that have shaped the nation's history. Take in the beauty of this architectural gem and its spectacular setting on the banks of the Ottawa River. Marvel at the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles, explore the traditions and achievements of Canada's First Peoples and this summer, step aboard the Empress of Ireland and relive the experience of the worst maritime disaster in Canada's history - with its stories of tragic loss, courage and human kindness - through artifacts and eyewitness accounts. Be a kid again at the Children's Museum and live the ultimate cinema experience at the IMAX(R) Theatre.
Reviewed By rochestervacationer - Rochester, NY
It's really informative. As an American, I learned so much about Canadian history. It was just a very informative and interesting museum. Also, it is in a beautiful location. The view of Parliament across the river is excellent. The totem poles were also very cool.
5. Mackenzie King Estate
Overall Ratings
4 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By steve m - Ottawa, Canada
We decided to have High Tea at the Mackenzie King Tearoom to warm up after a morning of walking in mist and rain. We really enjoyed the Darjeeling Giddapahar tea along with 5 unique Sandwich types, scones with home made raspberry jam and 4 kinds of petit fours, sitting in a room full of windows looking out on the open expanse in front of the cottage. We will return next year.
Parking: $11 dollars if you park in the lot for the estate, but next time we will continue past the turn-off for the estate to the Waterfall Trail parking lot (300 meters) which I believe is free, and walk up from there on the trail from the right hand corner of the lot.
6. Parc du Lac Leamy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By Vincent_Theriault - Gatineau, Canada
This is a nice park where you can walk, run, bike and rent kayaks and other water sport equipment. The bike path is nice and goes around the lake and near the Casino. It connects to other bike paths that can bring you either to Gatineau, Hull or Aylmer. I know that the water quality is not great but there is often people swimming when it's nice out. On site you have: a beach, a couple volley-ball courts (sand), plenty of trees and shade, picnic tables, bbq's (charcoal) and plenty of parking space (some free and others $).
7. Meech Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
20 minutes from downtown Ottawa, this lake has two sandy Beaches patrolled by lifeguards.
Reviewed By KatikaOttawa - Ottawa, Canada
Meech Lake is within easy driving distance (20 mins) of downtown Ottawa. It has two Beaches, I prefer the second, further beach (Blanchet) because the parking is closer to the beach and it is better for distance (open water) swimming. The last 5km of roadway is not in great shape and is quite narrow. Watch out for cyclists and pedestrians. (I wouldn't bike up there for the reasons above and I bike a lot)The facilities are kind of basic: a couple toilets and change stalls. There aren't a lot of picnic tables. There is also a boat launch in between the two Beaches. The parking kind of sucks - it's 11$ flat rate, 24 hours a day, so if you're up for a training swim, it's pretty steep. BUT...the informal system of passing on a parking pass to another person arriving is nice when it works.
8. MosaiCanada 150
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By lhousesoccer - Rutland, Vermont
We were fortunate to stumble across Parc Jacques Cartier's Canada Mosaic 150 exhibit purely by accident as we took a walk across the Alexandra Bridge for a view of Ottawa. We saw the crowds and wondered what was going on, and were surprised to find that you could enter the park for free to look at the amazing garden exhibits. Horticulturists told the story of Canada's History, exploration, development, multi-culturalism (as part of the Canada 150 celebration) through incredible and fantastic planted sculptures. The only way to fully appreciate and describe them is through photos. Words are not sufficient. Magnifique!
9. Luskville Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Nancy B
Luskville Falls trail is a scenic hike that takes you to some pretty spectacular views. The trail itself is quite demanding and can be very rocky so good hiking shoes are recommended. Bring bug spray, sunblock and water if you're attempting this in the summer. Hiking poles, crampons/grippy boots or snowshoes are a must in the winter. In all seasons the Waterfalls along the trail are mesmerizing. It's a long trail so a couple snacks are a good idea too. Happy hiking!
10. Parc des Cedres
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
