Les Chemins d'eau: Gatineau from shore to shore
The waterways that wind through the City of Gatineau are very versatile: they serve as a source of water, a shipping route and an aquatic playground, but they are also key features in Gatineau’s history. Travel the Chemins d’eau (“waterways”) tourist route to learn about their important role in Gatineau’s cultural heritage, and visit the attractions along the way!
Focus on the river
Blessed by its proximity to nature, Gatineau has something for everyone, from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts. A day in Gatineau lets you combine these two interests in a single visit! Start your Chemins d’eau tour on Jacques-Cartier Street, which borders the Ottawa and Gatineau rivers, to view the nautical-themed urban development that highlights the area’s natural features, local history and Indigenous heritage. Admire the riverside views and stop off at the information station. Like to ride? The recreational pathway along the river is a cyclist’s delight.
Focus on the river
Blessed by its proximity to nature, Gatineau has something for everyone, from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts. A day in Gatineau lets you combine these two interests in a single visit! Start your Chemins d’eau tour on Jacques-Cartier Street, which borders the Ottawa and Gatineau rivers, to view the nautical-themed urban development that highlights the area’s natural features, local history and Indigenous heritage. Admire the riverside views and stop off at the information station. Like to ride? The recreational pathway along the river is a cyclist’s delight.
Outdoors in the city
Get the full Chemins d’eau experience by staying close to the water, or better yet, by taking the plunge! At the Centre de plein air du Lac-Beauchamp outdoor centre, you can enjoy a wide range of water sports. Rent a canoe, kayak, mayak or paddleboard and take to the water on Lac Beauchamp. Back on dry land, relax on the beach, play a game of volleyball or go for a hike.
Leamy Lake Park also gives you lots of water access: it’s bounded by Leamy Lake, the Gatineau River and the Ottawa River. Enjoy water sports (equipment rental available) and swimming at the supervised beach. And how about a picnic by the water?
Moussette Park on the Ottawa River also has very attractive amenities: a beach, a cycle path, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a baseball diamond, a picnic area, and changing rooms with showers. You’re all set for a great day out!
Tour routes to explore
The Chemins d’eau route offers several different ways to explore the city and its history. Downtown Gatineau’s Culture Trail links fascinating works of urban art and highlights local history, culture, and the city’s key attractions. The Voyageurs Pathway stretches for 30 km along the north shore of the Ottawa River, offering magnificent views of Ottawa and Parliament Hill. By bike or on foot, it’s well worth discovering! Finally, the “Brewery Creek: From Industrial to Cultural” walking tour will tell you more about the important economic role this creek has played in the region’s industrial development.
On the water in Aylmer and Buckingham
Continue your Chemins d’eau tour in Old Aylmer at the Symmes Inn Museum, which will captivate the curious with its history and heritage charm. Aylmer’s founder, Charles Symmes, built the inn in 1831 on the shore of Lac Deschênes and the Ottawa River to accommodate travellers arriving from Montréal. Learn the history of this carefully preserved building and visit the permanent and temporary exhibitions on display. Fancy admiring a magnificent sunset over the Ottawa River? Des Cèdres Park is just the place. And that’s not all: you can also enjoy cycling, water sports, picnicking and even swimming at the supervised beach. You can rent equipment at the Robert Middlemiss Pavilion in the park.
In the Buckingham sector, the Centre Nautique de la Lièvre offers original aquatic activities such as moonlight excursions on the Lièvre River followed by a campfire. You can also rent a canoe, kayak, pedal board or paddleboard to enjoy the calm of the river. 18 km of navigable water await you. A whole new way to experience the Chemins d’eau!
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Discover or rediscover Gatineau through the Chemins d’eau. Consult the Chemins d’eau map to plan your next getaway to Gatineau, and extend your adventure with the Grand Chemins d’eau Expedition in the Outaouais!
