RCM
Vallée-de-la-Gatineau
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
Bordered by the Laurentides and Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions, the RCM’s territory follows the Gatineau River and Highway 105, which spans the entire region from north to south.
The Vallée-de-la-Gatineau is known for its hospitality and its commitment to preserving and highlighting its rich natural and historical heritage.
The Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM occupies 40.5% of the Outaouais region’s territory.
The land is also home to two Indigenous communities, where 1,583 people live.
The chief-place of the RCM is Gracefield.
Its total land area is 12,178 km2.
It has a total population of 21,074 people.
Why study here?
Nature as school playground
A calm environment, perfect for focussed work and general wellbeing.
Access to a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing and kayaking, that help maintain a balance between school and leisure.
Striving for students’ success
A local community and regional organizations fostering the education and integration of young students.
Incentives to encourage student retention, scholarships and partnerships with educational institutions.
Hands-on learning opportunities
The strong presence of the forestry, agriculture, tourism and nature conservancy industries in the region allow students to access internships, cooperative programs, and field experience relevant to their degrees.
Many dynamic entrepreneurs call the region home, opening the door to business acquisition opportunities for students who get to learn from experience. They can gain valuable skills in management, innovation and entrepreneurship, while benefiting from local expertise and business networks.
Why live here?
A deep calming breath
A living environment far from the hustle and bustle of the city, for a peaceful, meditative and re-energizing lifestyle.
A serene atmosphere, ideal for people seeking a balanced life at a slower pace.
Life is easier among friends
Small lively communities where people truly feel that they belong.
A strong drive to help and support others, from both citizens and organizations, creating a social network where everyone feels valued and supported.
Over fifty community organizations active all over the region, offering a wide variety of services to the residents.
Nature as far as the eye can see
Quality of life made even better by the fresh air and majestic scenery of this exceptional environment.
A breathtaking natural landscape made up of vast forests, mountains and crystal-clear lakes, where every corner has something amazing to discover.
Protected ecological zones, including two controlled harvesting zones (ZEC), part of the La Vérendrye wildlife reserve and the Baskatong Reservoir, ensuring a privileged access to beautiful natural environments.
Remarkably pure lakes and rivers — a paradise for fishing, canoeing and other water sports.
Why invest here?
A fertile ground for businesses
Entrepreneurs benefit from a favourable economic situation thanks to the RCM’s vast open spaces and local support networks that encourage innovation and sustainable development in the agriculture, forestry and renewable energy industries.
Life here just feels good
The region’s tranquility, wide open spaces and exceptional quality of life help investors develop businesses where employees can flourish while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Opportunities ripe for the taking
Local authorities and organizations offer a variety of development and financial support programs to stimulate investment and help establish and grow businesses.
Why visit us?
Recreational activities offered year-round
More than 3,200 lakes, reservoirs and rivers for all kinds of water sports.
More than fifty outfitters offering exceptional hunting grounds and fishing waters.
An offer for all seasons, from hiking and kayaking, all the way to snowmobiles.
Chalets and lodges surrounded by nature
An unbelievable amount of chalets that offers a wide variety of housing options for those seeking the peace and the amazing landscapes provided by nature in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM.
The region features 44 outfitters with lodging facilities, allowing visitors to be fully immersed in nature and providing specialized services for hunting, fishing and various outdoors activities.
Celebrating the richness of Indigenous cultures
The rich Indigenous heritage of the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau offers a unique opportunity to discover and celebrate Algonquin culture and traditions in an authentic and welcoming environment.
The Kitigan Zibi Anishinabe Reserve provides a privileged access to Indigenous culture.
The Cultural Centre offers interesting and rewarding exhibitions about Anishinabe history and culture.
Cultural events like the Pow Wow are great opportunities for cultural exchange and learning.
Did you know?
For more information, visit,
visit: valleedelagatineau.com
The Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM features 105 km of walking paths, with trails available in 12 of its 17 municipalities.
The Baskatong Reservoir, an artificial lake created by the Mercier Dam, stretches over more than 400 km (413 km2).
There are around 900 businesses active in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM.
The Thirty-One-Mile Lake is a landmark lake renowned for its clear waters. It is a perfect diving location, with some areas offering up to 20 metres of visibility, while also being a popular fishing spot.
The Vallée-de-la-Gatineau receives 18% of the Outaouais region’s tourists and sightseers, making it a destination of choice for tourism and adventure.
The RCM is home to the tallest ski mountain in the Outaouais, the Mont Ste-Marie.
There are two observation towers in the RCM, both open to the public. One is on Mont Morissette (also a regional park) and the other is on Mont Cayamant.
The development of the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau region started in earnest toward the end of the 19th century, thanks to the forestry industry and the burgeoning agriculture sector.
