Across the Ottawa River: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Hull

The tour starts outside the Canadian Museum of History, an architectural masterpiece located on a site that has ancient historical significance. As you walk through its grounds, you'll find out what the museum's design represents.

You’ll stop at the statue of Chief Tessouat and learn about the activities of the Algonquin people at this important part of the Ottawa River for thousands of years. As you proceed along the river, you’ll hear about the early European explorers who first came through here.

Though the walk is across the river, it offers some of the best views of Ottawa's most iconic buildings, including Parliament Hill and the Supreme Court of Canada. This is a great spot to take photos.

As you follow this footpath along the river, you’ll discover more about the birth of the timber trade when the river was a sea of floating logs en route to the sea. You’ll even walk along the route of an old timber slide.

You'll cross this historic steel truss bridge spanning the Ottawa River, offering spectacular views of the powerful Chaudiere Falls rushing beneath your feet. Experience the thundering sound of cascading water while walking between Ontario and Quebec on this vital link that has connected the two provinces since 1919.

We'll get a good look at the powerful Chaudiere Falls which played such a significant role in Hull's development. There'll be an option to go even closer to the falls if you're interested.

In old downtown Hull, we'll admire the Bank Hotel and learn about its role during the Prohibition era, serving liquor to people from 'dry' Ottawa. Note that this building is not currently open to the public.

This quiet street, now lined with restaurants and shops, was once party central for young people from Ottawa. Along the way, you’ll pass one of Hull’s former chateau-style mansions that became a luxury hotel in the 1930s.

On this street with its brutalist office towers, you’ll see the results of Hull’s redevelopment in the 1970s.

Passing by Gatineau City Hall, you'll see another example of modern urban development that replaced the charming old streets and buildings of Hull in the late twentieth century. We won't go into City Hall itself.