Jacques-Cartier Park

Jacques-Cartier Park extends over 22.68 hectares and offers breathtaking views of the Ottawa River, Rideau Falls and Parliament Hill. As one of the Capital’s major parks, it is often the site of national events, such as Canada Day and Winterlude.

Jacques-Cartier Park is close to the Alexandra Bridge, Canadian Museum of History and the Maison du Tourisme.

Jacques-Cartier Park is located in the Hull sector of Gatineau, along the Ottawa River on Laurier Street.

• Parking: The park offers several options for free parking (two hours), at the Charron House, Maison du vélo and in the northern part of the park. These are open from 7 am to 5 pm from mid-April to mid-May, then from 7 am to 10 pm until the winter closure. There are also paid parking spaces at 210 Laurier Street and at the marina.
• Washrooms: There are no public washrooms in the park.
• Picnic areas: There are a few picnic tables in the park’s northern sector, one of which is universally accessible.

Jacques-Cartier Park offers many recreational opportunities. The Capital Pathway, which runs through the park, is a perfect place for a nice walk with a view of the river. The park’s large expanses of grassy areas are great for spreading out a blanket and having a picnic. The park is also the location of the Hull Marina and a public dock.

Food and beverage services

Jacques-Cartier Park offers a new spot for food and beverages. Maison Charron Terrasse and Bar is a restaurant located in this historical building. The patio offers plenty of seating to experience the great ambience of this urban park.

• Menu: shareable plates, pizzas, desserts and a variety of wines, beers and cocktails.
• Hours: daily, noon to 10 pm (weather-dependent)

Cycling

Take the recreational pathway to the Capital’s downtown core, to admire the beauty of nature at Leamy Lake or explore Gatineau Park — and beyond.

Boat launch

The boat launch accommodates both large and small boats, including motorboats.

Rentals

Offered by the Grenier du petit sportif, the Maison du vélo is open from June 17 to October 18. Services offered there include bike rental, minor mechanical repair, tourist information, and restrooms on site. Guided tours are also available on Thursdays.

• Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm

Boat Cruises

Ottawa Boat Cruise, Capital Cruises and Palapa Tours offer boat tours from the marina.

Built in the 1930s, the park was named after Jacques Cartier, one of Canada’s early explorers. In the past, this area was a place to stop and camp before portaging around Chaudières Falls.

Two buildings of historical interest can be seen in the park:

• The Charron House was built in stages between 1826 and 1841. The house was likely built by Francois Charron on land rented from Philemon Wright, the founder of Hull. It is a recognized federal heritage building, designated because it is a rare surviving example of a traditional “maison Québécoise” in the National Capital Region and a landmark in Jacques-Cartier Park. It also housed the offices of the Ottawa Transportation Company in 1912.
• The Gilmour and Hughson Limited Office (1892) is located at the north end of the park. It is one of the last sites on the Ottawa River linked to the Gilmour Hughson Lumber Co., a major Canadian lumber company of the 19th century. The building now houses the Maison du vélo.