Gatineau River
Gatineau River, river in Outaouais region, southwestern Quebec province, Canada. The river rises in a chain of lakes north of Baskatong Reservoir and flows generally southward for 240 miles (390 km) to join the Ottawa River at Hull. It was named for Nicolas Gatineau, a fur trader who is reputed to have drowned there about 1683. Having once served for centuries as a major artery for the lumber trade, the Gatineau became an important source of hydroelectric power in the 20th century.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Gatineau River
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
22 May 2020
Access Date:
November 14, 2026