This 70,000 resident community, across the river from Ottawa, is the heart of the Outaouais Region. It was founded in 1800 when Philemon Wright came from Woburn, Massachusetts with his family and established a lumber mill. The timber industry dominated the region, though today only E.B. Eddy and Scott Paper remain, and the nearby parkland includes Gatineau Park which includes 3300 of marked recreational trails.
The town was originally called Wrightstown, and was renamed Hull in 1875, for the township in England. Hull became a city in 1875,and now forms part of the regional municipality of Gatineau.
The town has several shopping malls, including Les Galleries De Hull (320 St Joseph Boul.), the 200 store Les Promenade s de l’Outaouais (110 W Maloney Blvd, Gatineau), and the 60 store Place du Centre (200 Promenade du Portage).
In 2002, the Parti Québécois, leading the provincial government, merged the cities of Hull, Gatineau, Aylmer, Buckingham and Masson-Angers into one city. Although Hull was the oldest and most central of the merged cities, the name Gatineau was chosen for the new city.
Annual Events
Winterlude in Hull (early February), Tulip Festival (mid May), Museum Day (mid May), St Jean Baptiste Day (late June), La Super Francofête (late June), Sunset Concerts (late June), Casino de Hull Poker Run (late June), Canada Day (July 1), Grand Boulevard Celebration (early July), International Gourmet Celebration (mid July), Casino de Hull’s Sound of Light (late July to mid August), A Taste Experience (end September), Outaouais Festival of Religious Music (early October),
Hull, Quebec Attractions
Canadian Museum of History
100 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M8
The Canadian Museum of History is Canada’s national museum of human history. It is located in the Hull area of Gatineau, Quebec, directly across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill in Ottawa
More Top Attractions.
Gatineau Park
33 Chemin Scott, Chelsea, QC J9B 1R5
(819) 827-2020
Gatineau Park is located in the Outaouais region just outside Gatineau and administered by the National Capital Commission. Gatineau Park is a 361 square kilometres wedge of land with a parkway, several lakes and attractions,
More about Gatineau Park
Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train
165 Deveault St, Hull J8T 1S7
819-778-7246 fax; 819-778-5007 1-800-871-7246
The 1907-vintage steam train takes you from Hull for a half-day 33 km heritage railway excursion past the beautiful Gatineau hills to Wakefield, a quaint little village. Special Sunset Dinner Train includes a fine dining experience. Reservations required. Runs mid May to late October.
Casino du Lac-Leamy
1 boul du Casino
819-772-100, 1-800-665-2274
This casino, on the shores of Leamy Lake just 4 km from Parliament Hill, is the capital region’s prime gambling destination. There are 1400 slot machines and 55 gaming tables, a 5-diamond restaurant, a 350 seat banquet hall, and a private lounge overlooking the lake. Facilities include a marina, an art theatre hosting intimate live concerts, and the Promenade du Roi art gallery on the Third level. Next to the Hilton Lac Leamy. Open year-round daily from 11 am to 3 am, must be over 18 to be admitted. Dress code in effect. Parking, Admission, coat check are all free.
Maison du Citoyen (City hall)
25 Laurier St
819-595-7175
www.ville.hull.qc.ca
This building houses the municipal and regional governments as well as arts groups. The facility includes a library, concert hall, art gallery, restaurant and meeting rooms.
Hull’s Ecomuseum
170 Rue Montcalm, Gatineau, Quebec J8X 2M2
Ruisseau de la Brasserie, corner of Montcalm and Papineau
819-595-7790
This museum, inside a heritage building, showcases the history of the planet from the origins of life to arrival of man. The insectarium has 5000 specimens of insects from around the world. Also, check out the earthquake simulator. Open May 1 to Labour Day daily 10 am to 5 pm, rest of year 10 am to 4 pm. Admission: adults over 16 $5, seniors and students $4, families $13, kids under 6 free.