Exploring Old Hull, the oldest part of the city of Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
After decades of Toronto living, my husband and I moved back to our hometown of Ottawa this month. We love the nation’s capital and our traditional lifestyle here. But our mistress city lies on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River—Old Hull (now part of Gatineau).
Our quiet walks in the gentrified shadows of an old industrial town, wonderful meals on terraces, and visits to spectacular indoor and outdoor cultural exhibits feel clandestine. Many tourists to Ottawa (and locals) have yet to discover the surprises that await them here. It’s only a matter of time.
Across the Alexandria Bridge
Many bridges lead to Hull. The Alexandra Bridge that begins beside the National Gallery of Canada is our favorite. One cannot stroll along the pedestrian boardwalk (there are separate lanes for people, cyclists and cars) without stopping to appreciate the unparalleled view—the river below dotted with undulating boats, the Neo-gothic style Parliament buildings behind, and the architectural masterpiece of the Canadian Museum of History straight ahead.
My last visit to the museum was well over a decade ago. While the totem poles of the First Peoples of the Pacific Coast in the Grand Hall stand majestic as ever, I am drawn to the newer galleries. At The Canadian History Hall I’m fascinated by the six-inch incisor of a beaver from 20,000 years ago when they stood as tall as men. At the Medieval Europe gallery, the carved ivory King from the Lewis Chessmen (circa 1150-1200) is very Harry Potter-esque.
Outstanding Restaurants in Hull
For many, the museum is the only reason they cross the river, but everyone should stay a little longer. Close by is a little slice of Europe. A pocket of Laval Street is closed to cars, making eating and drinking on the umbrella-lined terraces of historic brick buildings a quiet escape.
At Troquet, I savor my brie, prosciutto and apple baguette while co-owner Eric Gaudreault talks proudly about the work he and the other independent business owners (there are no chains here) are doing to create something distinct and colorful. “It’s not a vibe that’s easy to find,” he says.
Next to Troquet is Les Imposteurs, a creperie we try another day. We eat buckwheat crepes filled with wild mushrooms, blue cheese and snails, drinking cider beside an open wrought-iron balcony. From our vantage point, we take note of Aux 4 jeudis across the street where I’m told the young and old mix easily over a pint, and watch movies and listen to music on the terrace all summer long.
For the perfect date night, we try Soif Bar À Vin (not far from Laval Street). We sit at a high-top tableon the back terrace, surrounded by colorful planters of edible flowers, lettuce and herbs. Their wine list is unmatched, thanks to internationally renowned sommelier-owner Véronique Rivest. I’m grateful we’ve left just enough room, after sampling many delicious small plates, for dessert—a tart of lemon curd, strawberries, haskaps (a northern berry) and toasted fennel seeds.
Insider’s Tip: If you want to drink beer while learning about Hull’s history (during Prohibition, the city was a portal for smuggling), visit the beer museum at Les Brasseurs du Temps. For a non- alcoholic option, re-hydrate at CHA-YI teahouse (best iced tea ever).
Old Hull Neighborhoods
While undergoing gentrification, Hull remains authentic to its working-class roots. A good example is on Hanson Street. La filature, an artisan workshop and gallery, is housed in the old Hanson Hosiery factory, the old signage still visible on its brick façade. Adjacent are working class homes that lead to stately ones from the later 1800s and early 1900s, where captains of industry lived.
Continuing on our heritage walking tour, we stroll past the handsome 1800s stone Theatre de L’ile (Hull’s first water pumping plant) to the Ottawa River. We arrive beside the shuttered E.B. Eddy factory buildings, once a major employer in the pulp and paper industry. We rest for several minutes beside a contemporary sculpture (one of a few) to gaze across the river.
Walking in Paradise
One place you should not miss is the exquisite Mosai Culture Gatineauin Jacques Cartier Park. This is horticultural paradise. Think Edward Scissorhands but with 100 times the breadth and imagination. Opened for Canada’s 150th, it has expanded to 45 stations of artistic wizardry from over 5 million hand-planted flowers and plants of several hundred varieties.
Don’t miss the Tree of Birds “sculpture,” an intricate depiction of 56 species threatened with extinction. Plan to stay, and enjoy freshly squeezed lemonade, gelato and other treats (no chains here either) on the patio in front of the sculpture of Glenn Gould’s piano and the twirling floral ballerina.
Although my husband and I grew up in Ottawa, we couldn’t believe that it took us this long to discover the real Hull. We won’t continue to make this mistake. We will get to know our secret city even more intimately in the months ahead.
