From the tranquil walking trails along the Ottawa River to the French charm and relaxed pace of life that Gatineau offers, there are plenty of reasons why retirees would want to settle on this side of the National Capital Region. While there are many suitable Ottawa neighbourhoods for retirees, Gatineau provides something that the Ontario side cannot recreate.
Not only does Gatineau provide access to great healthcare and public services, but it also boasts a number of communities that are especially well-suited for retirees. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, a vibrant francophone community, or beautiful natural surroundings to enjoy your golden years, these are some of the best neighbourhoods in Gatineau for retirees to live in!
6 Best Gatineau Neighbourhoods for Retirees
Aylmer
Located on the western edge of Gatineau, Aylmer offers a unique mix of small-town charm and big-city convenience. Known for its peaceful residential streets, proximity to the Ottawa River, and abundance of parks, Aylmer is a retiree’s dream. There’s a strong community feel here, especially in areas like Wychwood and Deschênes, and plenty of bungalows and condos that are ideal for seniors looking to downsize.
With grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical clinics close at hand—and a steadily growing population of older adults—Aylmer is a top pick for retirees looking for calm, nature, and bilingual services.
Hull (Plateau Area)
While Hull is often associated with urban life and office buildings, the Plateau neighbourhood offers something very different: quiet streets, modern homes, and excellent walkability. Built around several parks and close to amenities like the AGORA shopping district and the Gatineau Park entrances, Plateau is one of the most retiree-friendly spots in central Gatineau.
Whether you want to take up daily walks in the forest or just be close to groceries, pharmacies, and community centres, the Plateau offers accessibility and calm right in the heart of the city.
Limbour
Situated just north of the Gatineau River, Limbour is a quiet and largely residential neighbourhood with a growing population of older residents. The area features generous green space, low traffic, and a mix of newer and older homes—making it an affordable and peaceful place to retire.
One of the benefits of Limbour is its proximity to both natural areas and central Gatineau, meaning you’re never far from a hiking trail or a medical appointment. This neighbourhood is ideal for retirees who want a bit of space without being far from important services.
Masson-Angers
For retirees looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of central Gatineau, Masson-Angers offers an appealing alternative. This eastern suburb of the city has more of a rural-suburban feel, but still has plenty of amenities like pharmacies, community centres, and local shops.
Masson-Angers is ideal for retirees who prioritize a quiet, semi-rural lifestyle. It’s also one of the more affordable areas in the Gatineau region, perfect for those looking to stretch their retirement savings while staying close to the services they need.
Mont-Luc
Tucked between the Gatineau and Blanche rivers, Mont-Luc is a lesser-known gem that is gaining popularity among retirees. Its peaceful, residential layout and abundance of natural surroundings make it a serene place to live. Mont-Luc is particularly appealing for seniors who enjoy a slower pace of life and want to be part of a tight-knit, mostly francophone community.
While it’s a little removed from the hustle of downtown Gatineau, Mont-Luc’s strong local identity, easy access to services, and proximity to nature make it a strong final entry on this list.
Touraine
Often overlooked in favour of its better-known neighbours, Touraine is a hidden gem for retirees in Gatineau. Nestled between the Gatineau and Greenbelt rivers and just a short drive from both downtown Gatineau and Ottawa, Touraine offers the best of both worlds—urban accessibility and suburban peace.
The neighbourhood is home to a number of low-rise apartment complexes and quiet residential streets, with many services such as grocery stores, clinics, and pharmacies located within walking distance. With its mature tree-lined avenues, proximity to transit routes, and relatively high proportion of older adults, Touraine is a convenient and comfortable choice for seniors looking to enjoy retirement with ease.
Each of these neighbourhoods offers something a little different for retirees—from urban convenience to rural peace—but all of them provide the kind of quality of life that makes retirement in Gatineau a joy.
