Visiting Gatineau: An Entry Into Quebec Overlooked by the Record-Breaking Terrasses De La Chaudière

In 1978, the new Terrasses de la Chaudière complex, in Gatineau, Quebec, broke the record of building heights not only in Gatineau itself but for neighbouring Ottawa, Ontario also. At a height of 124 metres, the complex's domination of the skyline can be seen in the photo I have supplied, below; the Terrasses de la Chaudière can be seen to the left of the picture.

Its developer was Robert Campeau (1923-2017).

The complex houses various ministries of the Federal Government.

The Terrasses de la Chaudière complex is seen in one of the photos, above, situated behind the intersection of Gatineau's rue Eddy (1) and Boulevard Alexandre-Taché. Rue Eddy itself leads onto the Pont de la Chaudière / Chaudière Bridge which crosses the Rivière de l'Outaouais / Ottawa River into Ontario at Ottawa.

The Pont de la Chaudière / Chaudière Bridge is the fourth structure at that location: a wooden arch bridge existed from 1828 until 1836 (named Union Bridge, for which Colonel By, famous in Ottawa's history, and Thomas McKay were responsible), a suspension bridge dating from 1844, a steel bridge from 1889 and the present steel structure dating from 1919 (2).

In turn, the Pont de la Chaudière / Chaudière Bridge is named for the nearby Chutes de la Chaudière / Chaudière Falls, referring to the cauldron-like appearance of the waters.

The Chutes de la Chaudière / Chaudière Falls also have various indigenous names: Akikodjiwan (for the Anishinaabe), Tsitkanajoh (for the Mohawks) and Katsidagweh niyoh (Onondagas) (2).

Thus the name 'Chaudière' may refer variously to the Falls, the Bridge (or, by extension, Traverse des Chaudières / Chaudière Crossing) and the Terrasses.

Interestingly, while the Terrasses de la Chaudière houses Affaires autochtones et du Nord Canada / Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, the complex's French-origin name has been retained.

But the locale as a whole is a reminder that here, at Traverse des Chaudières / Chaudière Crossing, three cultures indeed meet.

February 6, 2020

Notes

(1) Rue Eddy recalls the former E. B. Eddy Company's site nearby.

(2) This 1919 structure was built by The Dominion Bridge Company.

(3) At nearby Victoria Island, there is a First Nations interpretive centre.

Some sourcing: Wikipedia

In Gatineau itself, the Musée canadien des civilisations / Canadian Museum of Civilization is Canada's most visited museum. Gatineau's Masion du citoyen / Citizen's House has a noted art gallery and the Hall des nations / Hall of the Nations containing valuable cultural artifacts from around the world. Parc de la Gatineau / Gatineau Park has exceptional recreational and scenic possibilities.

In Ottawa (distance: 2 kilometres from Downtown, Gatineau) possesses cultural treasures, structures of architectural excellence and noted museums which are too numerous to mention properly here; but a few of these include Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, the Chateau Laurier, Laurier House, the Rideau Canal, and the Bank of Canada's Currency Museum.

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How to get there: Air Canada flies from various North American destinations to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport / Aéroport international Macdonald-Cartier d'Ottawa, where car rental is available. However, travellers may prefer to use OC Transpo public transit for travel within Ottawa / Gatineau. Please check with the airline or your travel agent for up to date information.