THE GATINEAU LAKES area is one of Canada’s most beautiful lake regions. The area lies in the heart of the Gatineau Hills located north of Ottawa – Canada’s Capital City. It can take 30 minutes to reach more developed lakes, or several hours to the remote areas. Most major lakes are an hour’s drive via Hwy 5 North from Ottawa, Ontario or the neighbouring city of Gatineau,Quebec.

The Gatineau Lakes are known for their freshness, solitude, natural setting and the surrounding hills. There is a huge history of hunting, fishing, tourist lodges and cottages. Aside from generations of Canadian families, Americans and Europeans also own exclusive properties here.

Famous Hollywood celebrities such as Joan Crawford or Zsa Zsa Gabor have also vacationed here. The family of Franchot Tone – one of Hollywood’s leading male actors in the 40’ & 50’s – still has a cottage property in the Gatineau.

The four largest lakes are 31 Mile Lake, Lac Heney, Lac Pemichangan and Blue Sea Lake. They are located in the Upper Gatineau near Gracefield, Quebec – one hour north of Ottawa.

Canada is famous for its country cottages. In provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario, lakeside properties have so escalated in price that they are becoming difficult to obtain. The Gatineau Lakes still represent a good investment because the prices are reasonable and less expensive than other areas of Canada. However, expect current prices to increase significantly. This is due to the expanding population of the Ottawa area and the fact that properties around Montreal and Toronto are becoming expensive and over – developed.

LAC HENEY is one of the largest and most prestigious lakes in the Gatineau, province of Quebec.The lake is over 1 mile wide and 7 miles long. Surrounded by the Gatineau Hills, properties are generally priced from $275k to over $1 million. There is an active cottagers association, and most of the residents are seasonal cottagers.

Aside from its tranquility, the proximity of Lac Heney, Quebec is excellent. It is 1 hour 20 min from Ottawa, 20 minutes to shopping in Gracefield, Quebec or 20 minutes to ski & golf at Mont Ste Marie. Lac Heney is located just north of Lac Ste Marie, Quebec.

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