Are you looking for what to do in Gatineau? A stroll through the Hull sector is an opportunity to learn about its history and discover all its attractions. You will have to solve challenges at each step to know your next destination.
Walk from the Maison du Citoyen to Jacques-Cartier Park, passing by the Canadian Children’s Museums and History Museum, as well as Fontaine Park, several monuments, and other sites. You will have fun taking on challenges.
Scavenger Hunt information :
- City Hall
- Canadian Children’s Museum
- Canadian History Museum
- Ottawa River
- Jacques Cartier Park
- Fontaine Park
- New-France Virtual Museum
- and much more
- Starting point: in front of Gatineau’s City Hall at 25 Laurier St, Gatineau, Québec J8X 4C8, corner of Victoria St.
- Distance: 3.1 km / 1.9 mi
- Duration: 3 hours
- Method: walking
- Required: Fully charged smartphone with internet access (data plan) – Wifi will not be enough.
- Suggested:
- Water bottle
- Local map
History
The region was visited by Étienne Brûlé, Nicolas Vigneau, and Samuel de Champlain in the 17th century. Fur traders from New France came here regularly to trade with the natives.
The city of Gatineau is young. It was born in 1800 with the arrival of Philemon Wright who initially named it Wright’s Town. The wood industry took off here in 1806 when the first wood train (floating logs) reached Quebec City.
When incorporated in 1875, it took the name of Hull. The region saw its population grow very quickly. It went from 90% English speakers in 1850 to 90% French speakers in 1920.
The city center of Hull was almost entirely destroyed by a great fire in 1900. This fire also damaged the Chaudière bridges.
Finally, it was only in 2002 during municipal mergers that its name changed to that of the region, Gatineau.
