Port Hood to Gatineau

• Language

  Gatineau is a French-speaking city; knowing basic French is helpful.
• Road Conditions

  Check Quebec 511 for any construction on Highway 417.
• Fuel

  Fill up in major towns along the route to avoid running low.
• Dining

  Try the local French-Canadian cuisine, especially the poutine.
• Parking

  Downtown parking is generally easy to find.

• Wildlife

  Watch for deer and moose on the rural sections of the highway.
• Speed Limits

  Adhere to speed limits, as police patrols are frequent.
• Weather

  Winter driving in Quebec can be challenging; use winter tires.
• Emergency Kit

  Always carry a basic emergency kit in your vehicle.

• How long is the drive?
  The drive takes about 16 hours.
• Is there a bus?
  There is no direct public bus service between these two cities.
• Can I take a train?
  Yes, you can take a train from Halifax to Ottawa, then a local bus to Gatineau.
• Are there tolls?
  There are no tolls on this route.
• Is it a scenic drive?
  Yes, the route through the St. Lawrence River Valley is very scenic.

• From Port Hood, Nova Scotia, Canada
• To Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
• Modes

June to September for pleasant weather and city festivals.