RCM
Papineau
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
The Papineau RCM is conveniently located between the Greater Montréal area to the east, Ottawa/Gatineau to the west, the Laurentides region to the north, and Ontario to the south.
The Papineau RCM brands itself as “the land of green and blue gold,” referring to its forests and many streams.
The Papineau RCM encompasses 25 municipalities, a record number for the province of Quebec.
Papineauville is the chief-place of the RCM.
The name used in the tourism industry to promote the RCM is “Petite Nation.”
Its total land area is 3,319 km2.
It has a total population of 24,308 people*.
* 2022 demographic statistics
Why study here?
Some of our schools incorporate projects that tie into the region’s history, culture and environment.
Quality education in close proximity
Multiple high-quality schools are located in the region, from primary and secondary schools to vocational training centres, as well as the Institute of Temperate Forest Sciences (ISFORT).
A refreshing outdoor learning environment
Local schools take advantage of the RCM’s natural resources by integrating the outdoors in their educational activities, offering students an active and innovative learning environment.
Interested in having a rewarding student life?
Young students benefit from a vibrant community life and regional cultural activities that foster their personal development.
Why live here?
The area offers a peaceful living environment with vast natural spaces, perfect for people seeking the outdoors and a sense of tranquility.
You deserve the best of both worlds
The quiet countryside at a reasonable distance from large urban areas.
Homeownership is easier than in large cities, and property taxes are lower.
A good work-life balance: quickly going from working to outdoor activities.
Welcoming people is our second nature
43 social and community organizations offering services and planning out events in villages and municipalities.
An exceptional event calendar that even big cities could envy, with activities taking place nearly every week.
A compelling offer of local foods and of various makers and producers.
Vast, awe-inspiring nature
Access to the Outaouais River, the Lac Simon Lake, SÉPAQ facilities, vast spaces and outdoor activities.
The beauty of the scenery is the Papineau RCM’s greatest asset as a living environment.
A sense of calm and security that contributes to the quality of life.
Why invest here?
We’re packed with natural resources
The Papineau RCM’s wealth of natural resources makes it a strategic location for agriculture, forestry and ecotourism businesses.
We support our entrepreneurs’ ingenuity
Assistance and support programs are available to nurture local projects and entrepreneurship, offering personalized coaching for business initiatives.
Urban markets make good neighbours
An hour away from Ottawa, Gatineau and Mont-Tremblant, and an hour and a half from Montréal, the RCM offers easy access to major urban centres with the benefit of lower operating costs.
Why visit us?
The area has a thriving community of artists and craftspeople.
Beautiful scenery, lakes, rivers, and memories
Various parks highlighting nature: the Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve, the Parc des Montagnes Noires near Ripon, and the Bowman Forest Regional Park.
Three SÉPAQ locations offering different activities: the Parc national de Plaisance, the Centre touristique du Lac- Simon vacation resort, and the Réserve faunique Papineau- Labelle wildlife reserve.
Year-round outdoor activities: Petite Nation is a real playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with kayaking, hiking, biking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, among others.
Trending historical and cultural heritage
The village of Montebello houses one of the most famous hotels in Canada: Fairmont Le Château Montebello.
The Manoir Papineau National Historic Site in Montebello was once the home of Louis-Joseph Papineau, an important French-Canadian political figure of the 19th century.
Beds and meals to suit everybody’s taste
A great variety of lodges, outfitters and camping grounds on offer — the largest selection in the Outaouais region.
A mouth-watering assortment of restaurants scattered all around the RCM.
Did you know?
For more information,
visit: petitenationoutaouais.com
The seigneury of La Petite-Nation, the only seigneury in the Outaouais region, celebrated its 350th anniversary in 2024.
Watercolour artist Jean-Yves Guindon, hailing from Saint-André-Avellin, celebrated 40 years as a painter in 2024.
Henri Bourassa, founder of newspaper Le Devoir, also served as mayor of Papineauville.
The Papineau RCM is known for its festivals, notably the Festival Western de Saint-André-Avellin which attracts visitors from all over Quebec thanks to its rodeos and other country events.
Parc Oméga won the prestigious Thomas R. Baines Award from Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) in 2023.
The Twist Fibre Festival in Saint-André-Avellin is the largest textile festival in Canada.
Famous “Flower” or “démon blond” Guy Lafleur is a Thurso native.
The Kenauk Nature ecological reserve is one of the largest in the world. Each lodge has its own private lake.
The Papineau RCM is located 120 km away from Montreal, 45 km from Gatineau, 50 km from Ottawa and 35 km from Mont-Tremblant, and is two ferries away from Ontario.
