Things to Do in Hull
Hull, Gatineau: Post-industrial Hull hums with laid-back Quebecois energy, distinct from Ottawa's polished capital vibe across the water.
Hull remembers its working-class roots, with old brick factory buildings now housing art studios and microbreweries. You'll hear the constant hum of traffic crossing the Alexandra Bridge from Ottawa. But also the clinking of glasses from packed terraces on Rue Laval. The air carries the sweet, malty smell from local breweries mixing with the scent of fried dough from Portuguese bakeries. It's the kind of neighborhood where you might debate hockey in a dimly lit bar one minute and admire contemporary sculpture in a sunlit gallery the next. Hull attracts travelers curious about the French-speaking side of the National Capital Region, offering a grittier counterpoint to Parliament Hill across the river. On summer evenings, conversation from cafe patios fills the humid air. The sunset paints the Ottawa River in orange and pink. Worth staying for.
Perfect For
Top Attractions in Hull
Canadian Museum of History
You'll see Douglas Cardinal's soaring, curved architecture echoing the Canadian Shield landscapes. Inside, the Grand Hall fills with whispered awe under vast windows looking across the Ottawa River towards Parliament buildings. The cool, quiet air in the First Peoples Hall carries the faint scent of aged wood from towering totem poles. It's peaceful here.
Rue Laval and the Vieux-Hull
This main artery pulses with live music spilling from bar doorways and fairy lights crisscrossing above the street. Worn cobblestones feel rough underfoot while strong coffee wafts from classic casse-croutes. Brightly painted brick facades house independent boutiques where locally made ceramics feel smooth in your hands. The street lives.
Gatineau Park
Just a short drive from central Hull, deep green maple forests surround you with the crunch of gravel under hiking boots. Cool breezes drift off lakes, and autumn brings blazing red and orange foliage everywhere. You might catch the sharp, clean smell of pine needles on humid trails. Pure Quebec wilderness.
Maison du Citoyen
This cultural hub echoes with jazz or folk music in its concrete-and-glass atrium. Rotating exhibits of modern art from regional artists hang on clean, white walls. It pulses with the city's contemporary creative energy, a world away from its industrial past. The transformation stuns.
Brewery Alley
Along Rue Aubry and nearby streets, rich, hoppy brewing aromas drift from several microbreweries. The hiss of taps being pulled mixes with low conversation in industrial-chic tasting rooms. You'll taste everything from crisp blonde ale to smoky dark porter, often with food trucks outside serving salty, greasy snacks that complement the beers well. It's beer heaven.
Where to Eat in Hull
Les Vilains Garçons
Modern Quebecois bistro
Casse-Croûte Chez Bob
Classic Quebec casse-croute
Bistro CoqLicorne
French-inspired fine dining
Boulangerie Aux P'tits Gourmands
Portuguese bakery
Piz'za-za
Neighborhood pizza joint
Hull After Dark
Le Bop
A converted space draws local indie bands and singer-songwriters for live music nights. The sound rocks.
Bar Minotaure
Le Troquet
A cozy wine bar hides on a side street with acoustic performances on its small stage. Find it. Stay late.
Getting Around Hull
Walking works best for exploring Hull's compact core, Vieux-Hull and Rue Laval. The STO bus system connects Hull to downtown Ottawa and other Gatineau areas; a single fare costs less than most European capitals, and day passes offer good value for multiple trips. The 400 series buses cross bridges into Ottawa's downtown core. For Gatineau Park or distant neighborhoods, rideshares or rental cars work better, though central Hull parking challenges visitors on weekend evenings. In winter, the enclosed walkway from the Canadian Museum of History to Portage Bridge offers escape from biting wind and snow. Dress warm anyway.
Where to Stay in Hull
Hotels near the Museum of History
Mid-range, mid-range for Gatineau
Chain hotels along Boulevard Maisonneuve
Budget, budget-friendly
Explore Activities in Hull
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Hull.
See All Hull Tours on Viator