Why choose Gatineau and the Outaouais to retire?
The Outaouais is an administrative region of the Canadian province of Quebec, located on the north shore of the Ottawa River and bordering the province of Ontario. The Outaouais is a land of history, with a strong attachment to its heritage, which includes architectural jewels, while offering an environment conducive to the development of its rich history. There are more than 60 residences for seniors in the Gatineau, Hull and Outaouais region. Each of these residences meets different needs and offers different types of care, services and environments for all budgets. Our housing counselors can guide you in your choice of retirement home, free of charge. But are Gatineau and the Outaouais region suitable for seniors?
Learn more about Gatineau
Gatineau is located in the province of Quebec. It is the fourth most populous city in the province with approximately 290,239 inhabitants. It is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River, opposite the city of Ottawa, Ontario. Gatineau lies to the east and west of the Gatineau River. Together with Ottawa, it forms Canada’s National Capital Region (Ottawa-Gatineau) and is the fourth largest city in Canada after Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
What to do in Gatineau and the Outaouais?
It’s easy to find things to do in the beautiful city of Gatineau! When you want to leave your home and explore the surrounding area, you can walk through the downtown core on the extensive network of recreational trails. You can also visit Canada’s most popular museum, the Canadian Museum of History. In the evening, why not try your luck at the Casino du Lac-Leamy and try your hand at the slot machine? Fireworks, hot air balloons, concerts, ice or sand sculptures: a wide range of events are also available throughout the year. Gatineau is truly the city where fun is the order of the day! Good news for those who would like to enjoy a more active retirement.
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Gatineau for your retirement : health care
In the Outaouais, people aged 65 and over represent 11% of the population. By 2026, the proportion of people aged 65 and over will double. Most people 65 and over in the Outaouais are active and healthy. It is estimated that only 20 seniors require services because of a disability.
Depending on the person’s autonomy, certain specialized programs and services may be offered in the Outaouais.
The range of services offered by the CISSS de l’Outaouais includes home support services, activity programs and rehabilitation services offered during the day in different types of facilities and, finally, when the person is no longer safe in his or her own home, resources for accommodation, such as seniors’ residences. For help, you can also contact our counselors for free assistance in your search for a retirement home in Gatineau.
Why choose the Outaouais to retire?
There is a lot to do in the Outaouais when you are retired. For example, you can discover the seven national museums:
- National Gallery of Canada;
- Canadian Museum of History ;
- Canada Science and Technology Museum;
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum;
- Canada Agriculture and Food Museum;
- Canadian Museum of Nature;
- Canadian War Museum.
But also nature, history, technology, science or aviation will eventually have no more secrets for you. During a family visit, you can also come into direct contact with Quebec wildlife at Omega Park, where bison, elk, bears, wolves and white-tailed deer await you. For nature lovers, escape to Gatineau Park, where numerous trails open up before you.
How to get around Gatineau or the Outaouais?
Whether you want to store, go out to a restaurant with your family or visit the city’s various tourist attractions, everyone can easily get around thanks to the STO (Société de transports de l’Outaouais) bus. You can also hop aboard an aqua-taxi for a quick and scenic ride along the Ottawa River, which connects many different locations in Ottawa and Gatineau. All in an environmentally friendly way!
