Is Gatineau in Ontario?

No, Gatineau is located in the province of Quebec.

Can I use my Presto card?

No, Presto is for Ontario transit; you need a separate ticket for STO buses.

It is approximately 450 kilometers from Scarborough.

The train goes to Ottawa; you must transfer to a bus or taxi to reach Gatineau.

What is the best time to visit?

Summer and early autumn offer the best weather for outdoor activities.

Scarborough

Gatineau

Train Driving

Scarborough to Gatineau

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Scarborough to Gatineau is a straightforward journey of about 450 kilometers. You can take the VIA Rail train from Guildwood Station to Ottawa, then a short taxi or bus ride across the river to Gatineau. Alternatively, driving via Highway 401 East and Highway 416 North takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. Gatineau is located directly across the Ottawa River from the nation's capital. This route is popular for both business travelers and tourists visiting the Canadian Museum of History.

Total Distance: 450 km driving distance; 360 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is generally the fastest method, taking about 4.5 hours depending on traffic.

Cheapest Way

VIA Rail 'Escape' fares booked in advance are often cheaper than driving when considering parking costs.

Compare Scarborough to Gatineau Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours 45 mins	4 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	$60 - $120 CAD	$70 - $100 CAD in fuel
Operator	VIA Rail	Personal Vehicle
Route	Guildwood Station to Ottawa Station, then local transit.	Highway 401 East to Highway 416 North, then Highway 417.
Tip	Book 'Escape' fares early to save significantly on ticket prices.	Use the 407 ETR if you want to bypass heavy traffic in the Greater Toronto Area.

Travel Tips

Language
Gatineau is primarily French-speaking; knowing basic phrases is helpful.
Public Transit
The STO bus system connects Gatineau seamlessly with Ottawa's OC Transpo.
Parking
Parking in downtown Gatineau can be limited; check for public lots near your destination.
Booking
Always book your train tickets online to guarantee a seat on popular weekend routes.
Connectivity
Most trains offer free Wi-Fi, making it a productive way to travel for work.

Safety Tips

Traffic
Be cautious of heavy traffic during rush hours on the bridges connecting Ottawa and Gatineau.
Pedestrians
Yield to pedestrians in the busy downtown core near the museum.
Weather
Check weather forecasts before driving, as Highway 417 can be icy in winter.
Emergency
Dial 911 for any emergency services in both Ontario and Quebec.