RCM
Collines-de-l’Outaouais
Area Map
An RCM (Regional County Municipality) is an administrative division that encompasses several local municipalities to help coordinate land management, economic development, urban planning and regional services.
A brief overview
Sitting on top of the Gatineau-Ottawa urban centre, the Collines-de-l’Outaouais RCM covers around 6% of the Outaouais territory.
A unique blend of urban life and beautiful four-season natural landscapes, with a strong commitment to ecoresponsibility.
The most populated RCM of the Outaouais, with six municipalities: Chelsea, Cantley, La Pêche, Pontiac, Val-des-Monts and L’Ange-Gardien.
Its population is the youngest of the Outaouais region, and has one of the highest median income in the province.
Its total land area is 2,076 km2.
It has a total population of 58,293 people.
Why study here?
A high quality school offer
A diverse and well-structured network of primary and secondary schools that fosters a personalized training approach.
Four school boards service the RCM, one of which is anglophone, allowing access to education in both French and English.
A learning environment surrounded by nature
School programs that include outdoor activities and environmental awareness. Certain institutions also implement educational projects specifically targetting the environment and sustainable development.
An ideal framework for young students wanting to learn differently by getting in touch with nature. Forest-bound field trips and sports events that supplement their schooling.
Close proximity with higher education institutions
Easy access to learning institutions based in Gatineau and Ottawa, including worldrenowned universities and colleges. Students can benefit from high-quality education without moving away from their home community.
A diverse offer of training programs and academic opportunities adapted to the needs of the labour market. Institutions provide courses in a variety of sectors, including sciences, arts, administration and technology.
Why live here?
Lakes and rivers constitute 8% of the terrain of the Collines-de-l’Outaouais RCM.
A cozy living environment
A well-rounded lifestyle that combines nature, serenity and access to the services and opportunities of urban centres. Its towns offer peaceful neighbourhoods, modern infrastructure and unrivalled quality of life.
A region where life feels good, with a dynamic and welcoming community. A variety of local activities, shops and events that help create a rich and active social life.
An exceptional quality of life
Municipalities on a human scale that make people feel like they truly belong, fostering a strong community spirit. Each town has cultivated its own welcoming identity that helps build relationships among its residents.
A dynamic social life with local events, public markets and a diverse cultural offer. Daily life moves to the beat of outdoor concerts, festivals and art exhibitions.
Direct access to nature
Gatineau Park, nicknamed “the Outaouais’s green lung,” provides a playground of choice for outdoor enthusiasts. A wide variety of activities are on offer year-round in this protected area.
Diverse scenery: mountains, forests, lakes and rivers allowing for four-season recreational activities. Throughout the year, visitors and residents can enjoy hiking, bicycling, skiing, canoeing and snowshoeing, among others.
Why invest here?
A booming sector of the economy
A favourable market for sustainable tourism and ecotourism. The region’s draw for visitors creates interesting business opportunities in the lodging, restaurant, agrifood and entertainment industries.
A local consumer base committed to buying responsibly and supporting regional businesses. The growing interest in local products and services helps boost the region’s economy.
A highly strategic location
The close proximity to Gatineau and Ottawa provides quick access to urban markets and the Ontario population. This geographical advantage facilitates trade and is attractive to entrepreneurs.
Transportation infrastructure that helps streamline trade and establish businesses. Mobility made efficient through a well-developed road network and the closeness of major transportation routes.
A qualified workforce in a growing area
An educated and creative young population, perfect to foster innovation and economic development. Business owners benefit from a constantly evolving pool of talents.
Appealing growth in the residential and commercial real estate markets. Demand for housing and commercial spaces stimulates the construction industry and encourages real estate investment.
The proximity of public workers allows for a vast pool of potential clients, and numerous business opportunities as well.
Why visit us?
The Nordik Spa Village Chelsea is the largest spa in North America.
A paradise for outdoors enthusiasts
Gatineau Park, nicknamed “the Outaouais’s green lung,” is a giant natural playground, perfect for hiking, bicycling, alpine skiing, snowshoeing and camping. It is one of the most valued tourist attractions of the Outaouais.
1,800 lakes, plus the majestic Outaouais River, that offer a variety of water sports and fishing opportunities yearround. The idyllic waterfront scenery is a perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
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4 alpine ski resorts
4 golf clubs
Some unusual lodging options
A relaxing wellness experience
With its many leisure and relaxation options, including the largest spa in North America, the Collines-de-l’Outaouais RCM is a must for anyone seeking a unique place to unwind.
Lodgings and ecotourism retreats in the heart of nature for complete immersion. A variety of rejuvenating wellness retreats offered by multiple different facilities.
A rich and vibrant heritage
The quaint villages, colourful markets and thriving culture all contribute to the region’s appeal, enchanting both visitors and residents with its history and architecture.
Restaurants, microbreweries and artisanal cafés shine a spotlight on the local cuisine. Authentic flavours and regional foods are at the heart of culinary experiences.
Did you know?
For more information,
visit:
mrcdescollinesdeloutaouais.qc.ca
La Pêche has one of the region’s oldest and most scenic farmers’ markets, an ideal spot to discover local products and artisans year-round.
The Parc régional de Champboisé regional park features 5 km of hiking trails accessible to all. The Arts Trail features a dozen monumental sculptures spread out all over the site, letting visitors enjoy artwork year-round.
Situated in Val-des-Monts in the Arbraska Laflèche park, the Caverne Laflèche is considered one of the largest caves of the Canadian Shield. Arbraska is also home to one of the largest outdoor trampoline park in North America.
The Pointe-Indienne archeological site, located in Quyon in the Pontiac municipality, is open to the public. It sits on the ruins of an old fur trading post, offering a uniquely immersive experience of the region’s Indigenous and colonial history.
Wakefield, in the La Pêche municipality, offers one of the tallest bungee jumps in Canada, the Great Canadian Bungee, sitting 200 metres high. Meanwhile, the Parc Nature Éco-Odyssée offers a 5 km water maze to navigate on boats.
Cantley is known for its unique geological formations, notably its quartz cliff, a site not to be missed for geology and hiking enthusiasts. Alvars and stromatolites can also be found in Pontiac.
Gatineau Park occupies an area of 361 km2. Every year, it welcomes around 2.7 million visitors (of which 19% are tourists).
The Collines-de-l’Outaouais RCM features more than 300 km of marked trails, ideal for hiking, bicycling and cross-country skiing, making it one of the most popular destinations in Quebec for outdoor enthusiasts.
