hillregion

Hill Region is an informal geographic designation used to describe the upland and urban area around Ottawa, the capital of Canada, spanning parts of Ontario and Quebec. In common usage it refers to the National Capital Region and its hinterland, centered on Ottawa in Ontario and Gatineau in Quebec, with the Ottawa River and the Gatineau Hills forming a distinctive landscape.

Geography and landscape: The region sits in the Ottawa Valley and contains rolling hills, forests, and river corridors. The Gatineau Hills north of the city are a prominent upland feature, offering outdoor recreation such as hiking and skiing. The area experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, and supports a mix of urban, suburban, and rural land use.

Population and governance: The Hill Region encompasses Canada’s federal seat of government and associated populations in multiple municipalities. The core is the City of Ottawa; across the river sits the City of Gatineau and other municipalities in the Outaouais. There is no single regional government; planning and service delivery are handled by separate municipal, provincial/territorial, and federal authorities.

Economy and infrastructure: The regional economy is dominated by public administration, education, health, and related services, with technology and tourism as growth sectors. Transportation infrastructure includes Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, intercity rail links, and major highways connecting Ottawa and Gatineau, along with regional transit networks.

The term Hill Region is informal and usage varies; it should not be treated as an official administrative boundary.