Jacques Cartier Park

Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau is one of the Capital’s main event parks. It is used for national events and festivities such as Canada Day and Winterlude, when it becomes one of North America’s largest snow playgrounds. Jacques-Cartier Park offers excellent views of the Ottawa River and Rideau Falls. Jacques-Cartier Park is a great location for cycling. You can take the recreational paths to the Capital’s downtown core or you can seek out nature at Leamy Lake, Gatineau Park and beyond. La Maison du vélo in the northern area of Jacques-Cartier Park is an information centre and bike rental location. The park was named after one of Canada’s early explorers, Jacques Cartier. In the past the area was a place to stop and camp before portaging around the Chaudière Falls. Two historic buildings can be seen in the park. Maison Charron was built by Philemon Wright, the founder of Hull, between 1826 and 1841. It is an example of an early European settler home and also housed the offices of the Ottawa Transportation Company (1912). Maison Charron is now home to the Maison des auteurs, which offers cultural programs daily throughout the summer (mid-May to Labour Day).