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Offered languages
- English
- English
Explore Hull's intriguing back story on this self-guided audio tour across the river from downtown Ottawa. Once Canada's crime capital known as 'le petit Chicago', Hull supplied liquor and late-night vices to Ottawa revelers while growing as a lumber town with a rocky, co-dependent relationship with Canada's capital. Walk from the Canadian Museum of History along Ottawa River shores discovering Wright's Town founded by settler Philemon Wright, learning about entrepreneur Ezra Butler Eddy who built his fortune making fire matches, and strolling Hull's infamous 'Strip' where young people from Ottawa came to party. Hear about the catastrophic Great Fire of 1900, timber slides, lumber barons' massive timber operations, meet Algonquin Chief Tessouat who ruled the Ottawa River in the 1600s, and enjoy spectacular views of Ottawa and Chaudiere Falls on this 75-minute circular tour that reveals Hull's dramatic past and its significance to indigenous peoples, explorers, and lumber barons alike.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
This tour ends at the intersection of Rue Élisabeth-Bruyère and Laurier Street near the Canadian Museum of History.
Itinerary
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Canadian Museum of History (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
Parliament Hill and Buildings (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
On this street with its brutalist office towers, you’ll see the results of Hull’s redevelopment in the 1970s.
Admission ticket free -
Gatineau City Hall (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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