City
Gatineau
Area Map
A brief overview
An exceptional quality of life, with an invaluable balance between sustainable development, accessibility, local services and economic vitality.
Gatineau neighbours the city of Ottawa, in Ontario; together, they form the Ottawa-Gatineau metropolitan area with a total population of 1,323,783 people, making it the fifth largest metropolitan area in Canada (after Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal and Calgary).
Fourth largest city in Quebec, it is the province’s second immigration hub.
With a population hovering around 300,000 people, Gatineau houses more than 70% of the Outaouais’s residents.
The City of Gatineau is made up of five major sectors and includes 19 districts.
It is located at the border of Ontario and the federal capital.
Its total land area is 381 km2.
Why study here?
Education to fit everyone’s needs
Gatineau is home to multiple renowned higher education institutions, offering a wide variety of programs in French and in English. The Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), the Cégep de l’Outaouais, Heritage College and the National Autonomous University of Mexico campus make it a stimulating academic environment rooted in its community.
The new McGill University Faculty of Medicine satellite campus inaugurated in fall 2020 at the Gatineau Hospital has helped reinforce local healthcare services and positions the city as a hub for medical innovation.
Collaborations between educational institutions and local businesses help ensure a smooth transition into the labour market.
A window on the world
Gatineau offers a learning environment that fosters both French and English language acquisition, an invaluable asset when navigating the job market.
Facilitated academic exchanges with Ottawa and other Canadian and international learning institutions, paving the way for diverse and global career paths.
A lively living environment
Quality of life that makes the city a perfect place to learn and grow. Gatineau was ranked as one of the best Canadian cities to work in for young people in 2024, and it attracts a dynamic student population.
Between cultural events, concerts and active student unions, young people can fully thrive in a lively environment, both through their studies and their social life.
Why live here?
Everyone can find their place
Gatineau is an inclusive and humane city that looks to the future, creating sustainable and dynamic living environments to help its citizens thrive.
Residents are kept busy with the variety of cultural, artistic and sports events on offer, fostering a rich and active social life for people of all ages.
The population’s cultural diversity is what creates the richness of the city’s neighbourhoods. Here, everyone can naturally fit into a vibrant, welcoming community that takes pride in its many origins.
Between city energy and the calm of nature
Gatineau offers an harmonious blend of city excitement and the natural serenity of an exceptional living environment. This unique closeness between urban and rural life makes the city a prime choice for its outstanding quality of life.
With more than 365 parks and four rivers, including the majestic Outaouais River, nature is everywhere around Gatineau. Residents benefit from a privileged access to vast natural spaces where they can relax, have fun and get active.
The city’s modern infrastructure helps foster inclusive participation in a wide variety of recreational, cultural and sports activities through the whole year.
Discover infinite opportunities
A dynamic job market offering one of the highest average and median incomes in Quebec, with a diversified job pool, notably due to the proximity of government institutions, technology businesses and expanding industries.
Its growing economy is built on the strong foundation created by the cybersecurity, digital identity, manufacturing and construction sectors, among others. These innovative industries offer exciting possibilities and strengthen Gatineau’s position as a major economic hub.
Why invest here?
An expanding world
The city of Gatineau plays a key role in linking the two Canadian provinces with the largest GDP per capita. The city’s proximity to the American border also makes it a trading hub for international commerce.
Gatineau is an essential destination for business tourism and is a perfect host city for a variety of conferences and business events, thanks to its well-adapted and easily accessible infrastructure.
The right place at the right time
Due to its proximity to major markets and its access to policy-makers, institutions, government clients and a large highly educated bilingual labour pool, Gatineau is a prime strategic location at the centre of the action.
Its advantageous geographical position, combined with the presence of major highways, railways and airways in the region, make it a natural gateway for businesses looking to grow and shine beyond Quebec.
We help you grow
Entrepreneurship is stimulated through a wealth of resources available in the ecosystem such as fiscal incentives, support from local authorities, incubators, accelerators, and research centres that can all help guide entrepreneurs through ever step of their development.
Why visit us?
Take a deep breath of fresh air
The Gatineau experience includes a wide range of activities available throughout the year: cross-country skiing, hiking, sliding, kayaking, cycling… There’s a playground for everyone.
The city’s 350 km of bike paths and trails meander through the downtown core and urban areas, while also leading to many parks and green spaces.
Renowned spas and wellness centres round out the offer, allowing visitors and residents alike to relax in a peaceful and reinvigorating environment.
A food and cultural scene to be discovered
Gatineau moves to the beat of its culture all year long. The Canadian Museum of History, the most visited institution in Canada, is surrounded by art galleries, theatres and venues. The Culture Trail winds through various public works of art, street art, and heritage sites that encourage people to discover or rediscover the downtown core every summer.
A dynamic food scene with appealing award-winning microbreweries, creative restaurants and a local food offer prized by passionate craftspeople.
A rich and varied cultural life that includes dozens of major festive events throughout the year, including the famous Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival.
A real gem with multiple facets to discover
Gatineau impresses by its ability to combine nature, culture, gastronomy and urban life on one territory. Whether you are a thrill seeker, a history buff or simply looking for a good time, the city has something to offer you.
Each neighbourhood has its own personality, from the lively and creative Vieux-Hull, to the coastal Aylmer sector, all the way through the historical and nature-rich Gatineau and Masson-Angers.
Did you know?
For more information,
visit: gatineau.ca
Gatineau stands out as the 8th best city in Canada to raise a family in and one of the best cities for young Canadians to work in.
L’Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau is a symphony orchestra founded over 18 years ago, comprised of 60 musicians and conducted by Yves Léveillé.
Located in Gatineau, the Canadian museum of history is one of the most visited in Canada, seeing more than 1.2 million visitors annually. Its iconic architecture was designed by Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal.
The Salle Odyssée stage of the Maison de la culture venue has received the most awards in Quebec. It is the recipient of 12 Félix awards and 3 Olivier awards for “Performance hall of the year.”
Gatineau hosts around thirty sports events every year, including the Tour de Gatineau, a cycling competition that attracts over a hundred elite cyclists.
The city offers 165 km of walking paths and more than 200 maintained cross-country ski trails. Gatineau Park is one of the largest networks of paths and trails in North America.
