Things to do in Gatineau
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Top 10 attractions in Gatineau
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River atParliament Hill, a Gothic Revival architectural complex consisting of the Centre Block, East Block, West Block, and the Library of Parliament. Construction began in 1859 and was largely completed by 1876. A fire in 1916 destroyed the Centre Block, and the rebuilt Peace Tower was completed in 1927 to commemorate Canadians who sacrificed their lives in World War I. The towering clock tower is now a prominent landmark on the Ottawa skyline. The daily Changing of the Guard ceremony and light shows in the summer add a sense of historical depth and modern vitality to this famous Canadian landmark. The Centennial Flame, the open plaza, the towering Peace Tower, the lifelike sculptures, and the Parliament buildings, which are open to the public, attract visitors from all over the world year-round.Ottawa · 5.9km from Gatineau
Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is an artificial canal that runs through downtown Ottawa. Construction began in the 1820s to create a military supply route away from the border, and it was completed in approx. six years. It runs from Ottawa to Kingston, spanning a total length of approx. 200 km. Dozens of stone locks along the route are still in operation today, and the entire canal is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thanks to the strategic value provided by this waterway, Ottawa was later chosen as the capital of Canada, and the canal is often regarded as one of the contributors to the capital's success. In summer, you can paddle a canoe along the canal to enjoy the beautiful city scenery. In winter, the ice surface turns into a natural skating rink, where you can skate to get around.Ottawa · 9km from Gatineau
ByWard Market
ByWard Market dates back to the 1820s, when British military officer John By decided to build a market on George Street in the Lower Town, marking its beginning. This area is a well-established commercial hub along the Ottawa River, making it perfect for a stroll or leisurely shopping. Today, it has evolved beyond a simple farmers' market into a bustling, mixed-use area. During the day, it is a shopping district selling fresh produce, flowers, and handicrafts. At night, it transforms into a dining and entertainment area, with bars and restaurants brightly lit. It blends historical heritage with modern urban vitality, serving as a window into the pulse of Ottawa.Ottawa · 5.4km from Gatineau
Rideau Hall
Rideau Hall has been the workplace and residence of successive Governors General since Canada's founding in 1867. The residence still frequently hosts state ceremonial events, such as investiture ceremonies and cabinet swearing-in ceremonies, serving as a window into Canadian ceremonial traditions. The main building is a three-story gray structure with a simple and dignified style. The grounds, covering dozens of acres, are a highlight for visitors and offer something to see in every season. The grounds continue a century-old tradition of commemorative tree planting, where visiting royals and heads of state have personally planted saplings. These have now grown into a forest, and strolling through it feels like reading an open-air history of diplomacy. Former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson was the first Chinese-Canadian to reside here.Ottawa · 3.8km from Gatineau
Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint opened in 1908. Its main limestone building is in the Tudor Revival style, with a rustic, imposing stone exterior, and it still produces actual coins today. It does not mint coins for daily circulation here, but rather commemorative coins, bullion coins, and various medals—the medals for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics were produced in this facility. Guides will explain the coin production process, from design and mold-making to stamping, take visitors to overlook the production floor, and provide an up-close look at the gold and silver refining process. The actual Winter Olympics medals are also on display, a spot where many visitors stop.Ottawa · 5km from Gatineau
Canadian Museum of Nature
The Canadian Museum of Nature is located in Ottawa and is an ideal place to explore natural history. The museum building itself is a historic Gothic Revival-style building with a magnificent exterior and rich and diverse exhibitions inside, covering a variety of fields from geology to biodiversity. There are several permanent exhibition halls in the museum, including the Dinosaur Hall, the Mineral and Gem Hall, and the Canadian Nature Hall. The Dinosaur Hall displays many dinosaur fossils, which is especially suitable for family tourists and dinosaur enthusiasts. The Mineral and Gem Hall attracts the attention of geology enthusiasts with its rich collection of minerals and gems. The Canadian Nature Hall introduces Canada's ecosystems and wildlife through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational activities suitable for visitors of all ages. Visitors can learn about recent exhibition information and event arrangements through the museum's official website. There is a cafe and gift shop in the museum for visitors to rest and buy souvenirs. The museum is conveniently located in the city center and is accessible by many bus routes. It is an important stop on the cultural exploration tour of Ottawa.Ottawa · 7.2km from Gatineau
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
NotreDame Basilica was built between 1839 and 1885. The entire building is magnificent. The impressive two towers, the pillars inside the church, the carvings on the walls and the statues of saints are all the elaborate works of 19th-century artists. The stained glass in the church is even more exquisite, and when mass is not held, tourists can enter it. A brochure can be picked up at the church entrance outlining many of the special features of the church, including the intricate wood carvings and the dazzling violet-blue ceiling.Ottawa · 5.2km from Gatineau
Peace Tower
The Peace Tower is the tallest building in the Capitol. There is a 4.88-meter four-sided clock and a 53-bell bell in the tower, which is played regularly. The war memorial under the Peace Tower, the exquisite stained window is not inferior to the European church. There is a book in the memorial hall that records the name of every soldier who died for the country. It is said that a special staff member will turn the book every day so that each name can be seen by the world.Ottawa · 5.7km from Gatineau
Victoria Island
Victoria Island is renowned for its blend of British charm and natural beauty. Its varied coastline is ideal for water activities such as kayaking and whale watching. Visitors can take boat trips to observe marine life including dolphins, sea lions, and whales. The island also offers numerous hiking and cycling trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Culturally, Victoria Island boasts a rich Aboriginal cultural heritage, and visitors can explore the Royal British Columbia Museum to learn about local history and culture. The island also features many restaurants and cafes offering fresh seafood and local specialties. Transportation to Victoria Island is convenient; visitors can reach the island by ferry or plane. Advance planning is recommended to fully experience the island's natural and cultural charm.Ottawa · 6.3km from Gatineau
Jacques-Cartier Park
Jacques Cartier National Park is located about 40 kilometers from Quebec and can be reached by car in about an hour from the city. Hiking or biking on the park's trails is a way to get away from the hustle and bustle. Not far from the Laurentians Animal Sanctuary is a great fishing spot.Gatineau · 4.1km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Gatineau
Featured Cultural experiences in Gatineau
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Free things to do in Gatineau
Parliament Hill
Ottawa · 5.9km from GatineauRideau Canal
Ottawa · 9km from GatineauByWard Market
Ottawa · 5.4km from GatineauRideau Hall
Ottawa · 3.8km from Gatineau
The National War Memorial
Ottawa · 5.9km from GatineauNotre Dame Cathedral Basilica
Ottawa · 5.2km from GatineauPeace Tower
Ottawa · 5.7km from Gatineau
Centennial Flame
Ottawa · 5.9km from Gatineau
Gatineau Park
Chelsea · 9.5km from Gatineau
Ottawa River
Ottawa · 2.8km from Gatineau
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What travellers say about Gatineau
YoYo_1I8Q7O5O1 October 2026
5.0
Visiting the Canadian Parliament was a great experience. The building's exterior is exquisite with delicate stone carvings, and the interior chambers feature spectacular dome paintings. The guided tours provided clear explanations of federal history, and the free reservation system made it easy to book admission.
Parliament Hill
_TI***dv12 October 2026
5.0
A must see and do if you are in Ottawa. It is very relaxing and peaceful stroll. We are here in the fall and with the colourful leaves, it felt fresh and beautiful scenery.
Rideau Canal
M25***4012 December 2020
4.0
Byward Market is very interesting. Friends who like to visit the market and see local life should not miss it. There are many things on sale here, fresh and inexpensive. It is very interesting and you can buy a lot of delicious and fun things.
ByWard Market
BetTerDAY28 July 2020
4.0
I went to the Governor General's Palace of Canada twice. The first time was just to check in, and the second time was because I saw in a travel note that there were trees planted here by two Chinese leaders, so I went there specifically to look for them one by one, but still couldn't find them.
Rideau Hall
小思文17 May 2021
4.0
The Royal Mint is also a place you can visit. It is an important coinage place in Canada. It cannot be visited here. The external buildings are quite old. Currently, paper money is the main currency. The previous metal currency is becoming less and less common inside this foundry.
Royal Canadian Mint
tedbaker3316 April 2020
5.0
This is not the first time I have played here. I feel different every time.
Canadian Museum of Nature
zhulei8312306 August 2020
3.0
This church is really large, and the space inside is also spacious, but for some reason there are very few people, even tourists. You can quietly visit the beautiful arrangements inside.
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
_TS***zc2 August 2019
4.0
Spring time is the best time to go! Bring along your friends and families to visit the Peace Tower. Welcome to Ottawa!
Peace Tower
M34***2615 March 2021
5.0
I like it very much, the environment is very good, the location is excellent
Jacques-Cartier Park
