Getting Started in Quebec

 Just over the bridge from Ottawa, Ontario is the City of Gatineau. We have moved to Aylmer, a suburb of Gatineau.

Our small two bedroom apartment. Just right for us!

Plus lots of space to park the trailer.

Our apartment is attached to a larger house that holds three units. The grounds are large with a forested area in the back. The wildlife here is abundant. Like everywhere, we have aggressive squirrels which chew through the plastic garbage and recycling bins, shy chipmunks, a wide variety of birds, rabbits and a family of deer. We can also walk around the property as exercise if we don't want to go too far.

The young buck that comes out to eat vegetation.

Produce from the landlord's garden. We are so grateful he is willing to share!

We soon discovered the marina and the trails alongside it, which is a short car ride from here. We can walk along the shore of the Ottawa River past the beach, volleyball nets, playgrounds, BBQs and people. It is very lovely to spend an evening walking and observing the activities occurring. It is a busy place. Also nearby is a museum about the history of Aylmer and an outdoor art exhibit.

Welcome to Gatineau!

Logging Boots that were on display at the Symmes Inn Museum.

As we learned, logging and hydro electricity were (and still are)

a major part of Quebec's history. More to follow in the next post.

Boats at the marina

Mural on the wall of a recreation centre.

An art piece in Le Parc De L'Imaginarie. 

As you can tell, this exhibit is worn. There are

some weird pieces in the park.

A beautiful sunset down at the beach

We have only been here for a few weeks and we have discovered so much. We are a 5-minute drive from one of the many gates to the Gatineau Park. This national park is the largest space in the region which occupies an area of more than 361 square kilometres so lots of areas to explore. It is a place of rich and unique biodiversity. It is the second most visited park in Canada. Here is what we saw on one walking trail.

I am sure we will be spending more time in this park exploring various areas. Have you spent time in nature this week? You never know what you will see or hear.