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Things to do in Old Hull and Gatineau

The easiest day trip from Ottawa doesn't need a car: cross the river and you're in Quebec, with Canada's most-visited museum and the best view of Parliament Hill.

Updated October 2026 · How we make money

Canadian Museum of History

At 100 Laurier Street, directly across the river from Parliament Hill. It's Canada's most-visited museum, and it includes the Canadian Children's Museum, the best rainy-day stop for families.

Museum tickets

Jacques-Cartier Park

A riverside park by the museum with one of the best views of Parliament Hill. It hosts Canada Day events and Winterlude's Snowflake Kingdom. Cycle or walk the riverfront paths in summer.

Vieux-Hull at night

Old Hull's bars and clubs, around Promenade du Portage, stay open later than Ottawa's, and they've drawn Ottawa crowds for decades. These days it also has good restaurants and microbreweries.

Casino du Lac-Leamy

A casino with a theatre for concerts and comedy, next to the Hilton Lac-Leamy. In summer, Leamy Lake Park nearby has a beach.

Hotels in Gatineau

More in Gatineau

  • Gatineau Park starts at the city's northern edge. See our Gatineau Park guide.
  • Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea is 15 minutes north. See Chelsea.
  • Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival fills the sky each year around Labour Day weekend.
  • Aylmer, in the west end, has a marina and a quieter village feel.

Free things to do in Gatineau

Jacques-Cartier Park, the riverfront paths, most of Gatineau Park (summer parking fees aside) and Winterlude's Snowflake Kingdom are all free.

Getting there

Several bridges connect downtown Ottawa to Hull, and STO buses run between the two cities. Parking on the Gatineau side is usually easier and cheaper than downtown Ottawa.

Keep planning

FAQ

Is the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa or Gatineau?

Gatineau, Quebec, at 100 Laurier Street, directly across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill.

What is there to do in Old Hull?

The Canadian Museum of History and Children's Museum, Jacques-Cartier Park, the bars and restaurants of Vieux-Hull, and the Casino du Lac-Leamy nearby.

Can you walk from Ottawa to Gatineau?

Yes. Downtown Ottawa and Hull are connected by bridges with sidewalks and bike lanes, and STO buses also run between them.

The weekend, sorted

One short email on Thursdays: what's worth doing in Ottawa and the Gatineau Hills this weekend, and nothing you'll skip.

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