Outaouais (quebec)

This chapter on the Outaouais region is taken from the Ulysses guide to Québec. The first inhabitants of the beautiful and varied Outaouais region were the Algonquin people. European explorers and trappers discovered the region early on during the exploration of New France, but it was not settled by Europeans until the arrival of Loyalists from the United States in the early 19th century. Today, the region's main city is Gatineau (which includes the former cities of Hull and Aylmer), located just across the Ottawa River from Ontario and the nation's capital, Ottawa. Gatineau is home to one of the best museums in the country, the Canadian Museum of Civilization. North of Gatineau stretches an expanse of rolling hills, lakes and rivers, as well as magnificent Gatineau Park. The park is the location of the official summer residence of the Canadian Prime Minister and is a wonderful place for cycling, canoeing and cross-country skiing. This guide provides all the information on the region's must-see attractions, charming towns, parks and historic sites, as well as the lowdown on its best hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, shops, bars and outdoor activities.