Gatineau

Gatineau is a city in western Quebec, Canada, located on the north bank of the Ottawa River opposite Ottawa, Ontario. It is a major urban center in the Outaouais region and part of the National Capital Region, which surrounds Canada’s capital.

The area has a long history of settlement and development. In 2002, Gatineau was formed by amalgamating several pre-existing municipalities in the area, including Hull and Aylmer, into a single city.

Geographically, the city features diverse landscapes, with Gatineau Park occupying the northern reaches and the Ottawa River valley shaping the region. The Outaouais River forms part of the southern boundary and provides recreational opportunities along its shores.

The economy of Gatineau is anchored by public administration, health care, education, and tourism. The city supports federal and regional services within the national capital region and hosts attractions such as the Canadian Museum of History in the Hull sector and the Casino du Lac-Leamy.

Culture and education in Gatineau reflect its predominantly French-speaking population, with a growing bilingual presence from cross-border ties to Ottawa. Higher education institutions include the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) and Cégep de l’Outaouais.

Transportation and infrastructure connect Gatineau to Ottawa by two major bridges across the Ottawa River: the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge and the Chaudière Bridge. The city is served by provincial highways and the STO public transit network for local travel, with cross-border commuting to Ottawa.