Family Neighbourhoods in Gatineau
Choosing the right neighbourhood means choosing your family's daily life for years to come. This is a frank portrait of the areas families favour in Gatineau.
Aylmer: The Premium Family Choice
Single-family median price: $530,000 in the Aylmer sector, according to QPAREB (Centris data), in Q3 2026
Aylmer draws Gatineau families for several reasons:
- Beach and marina: Summer swimming and cycling paths along the river
- Gatineau Park: Quick access to a vast trail network
- Schools: French and English, subject to eligibility
- Village atmosphere: Old Aylmer offers cafés and local shops
- Ottawa proximity: About 14 km from Old Aylmer to downtown Ottawa via the Champlain Bridge
Good fit for: Outdoor-loving families, including those who work in Ottawa.
The Plateau: Residential and Family-Friendly
Median price: QPAREB does not publish a separate figure for the Plateau, which straddles Hull and Aylmer. According to QPAREB (Centris data), in Q3 2026, the single-family median price was $475,000 in the Hull sector and $530,000 in the Aylmer sector.
The Plateau is a quiet residential area:
- Spacious homes: Mostly recent construction
- Parks and green spaces: Neighbourhood parks, close to Gatineau Park
- Schools: Good options in French and English
- Access to Boulevard des Allumettières: toward Hull and the Ottawa bridges
- Shopping: grocery stores and services in the area
Good fit for: Young families and first-time buyers who want space.
Hull: Urban and Lively
Single-family median price: $475,000 in the Hull sector, according to QPAREB (Centris data), in Q3 2026
Hull offers a more urban lifestyle, well suited to active families:
- Steps from Ottawa: About 2 km to downtown Ottawa via the Portage Bridge
- Zibi project: Developing neighbourhood with modern condos
- Culture and dining: Canadian Museum of History, culinary quarter
- Transit: dense STO network
- Prices: a $475,000 median, below Aylmer
Good fit for: Families working in Ottawa and urban lifestyle lovers.
Buckingham: Nature and Space
Single-family median price: $395,000 in the Buckingham/Masson-Angers sector, according to QPAREB (Centris data), in Q3 2026
Buckingham and Masson-Angers offer a lot of space for the price:
- Lots: often larger than in the central sectors
- Lièvre River: Water sports and fishing
- Tight-knit community: Small-town feel
- Lowest prices: The lowest single-family median of Gatineau's four sectors
- Nature everywhere: Forests and trails nearby
Good fit for: Families looking for space and nature on a tighter budget.
How to Choose?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Where do you work? (The daily commute matters)
- What's your total budget? (Including closing costs)
- What are your priorities? (Schools, nature, urban life, space)
My Support
I live in Gatineau and know each neighbourhood personally. We do a tour together so you can feel the vibe of each area before deciding.