With more than 200,000 inhabitants, it is the city resulting from the amalgamation of the older cities of Gatineau, Hull, Aylmer, Masson-Anger and Buckingham in the province of Québec.Its size means that it offers the services and entertainment found in a larger city without being one. One can find quiet corners without having to necessarily endure rush-hour evenings and mornings.The whole area is located across the city of Ottawa, with thousands crossing the river every day to work. However, downtown Hull also has some government offices, and many people cross the other way to work there. Gatineau is part of what you call the National Capital Region. http://wikitravel.org/en/Gatineau