2 OFFERS #7303 & #19297 – In winter we travel to Europe – Summer in Canada
Translated from Français
Apartment • Gatineau QC Canada
4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
2 Beds
2 Bathrooms
Wheelchair accessible
1 Car space
Primary home
Exchange types accepted
Simultaneous
Non-Simultaneous
Non-Reciprocal & Globe
Hospitality
Statistics
Listed July 2020
Views 3443
General overview
This 1st residence is located in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. About 10 minutes from the city of Ottawa. The latter being the National Capital of Canada.
Our goal is to live there 6 months a year as long as our health allows us to travel. So, from mid-May to mid-November. The other 6 months we spend in our apartment in Canet en Roussillon in France. Don't hesitate to view offer #19297 to learn more about this apartment.
We live in a region of Quebec where bilingualism, French and English, is very present.
Our apartment is located on the 5th floor of a 60-unit building, commonly known as the ZIBI Building.
30 minutes walk from the Parliament of the National Capital of Canada. 10 minute walk to trendy restaurants in downtown Gatineau ("Vieux Hull") or 5 minute drive to Ottawa's legendary ByMarket (public market/restaurants/shops).
10 to 15 minute walk to the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of History including the popular Canadian Children's Museum.
Many other museums accessible by public transport or by car, including several in downtown Ottawa.
The city of Ottawa is geographically located in the province of Ontario while the city of Gatineau is in the province of Quebec. Only the Ottawa River separates these 2 cities.
However, both are bilingual (English/French) and multicultural.
Beaches, mountains, walking and cycling trails. So much to do and see in Canada's National Capital.
On Saturdays and Sundays in spring, summer and early autumn, the various roads in the region called "Promenades" are closed to car traffic to allow cyclists to ride their bikes in complete safety... a very family activity popular.
The space
Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment located on the 5th floor of a building containing 60 apartments with elevators, waste room, small gym, balcony and a beautiful terrace on the roof of the building, i.e. on the 7th floor accessible via the elevator and a underground garage where we have 1 parking space.
The master bedroom has a very large "King" adjustable bed (194 X 204 cm) - perfect for finishing the evening in front of the TV or for reading a good novel before falling asleep or for adapting the bed to your sleeping preferences . In addition, this bedroom gives direct access to a full bathroom including a double shower.
The 2nd bedroom contains a very comfortable "Queen" retractable bed (160 X 200 cm). The mattresses in the 2 bedrooms are a little over 2 years old but only used 6 months a year for the master bedroom. The one in the 2nd bedroom has only been used a few times when we have visitors staying over to sleep.
The kitchen is fully equipped and merges with the dining room and the living room. The kitchen is newly equipped with all household appliances. Crockpot, bread oven, mixer, etc. are also available.
A 2nd full bathroom with bath and shower and a small office complete our apartment.
In addition to these rooms, our balcony, which we use from spring and as long as fall allows, to take our meals, rest, get some fresh air and even watch TV while respecting the tranquility of our neighbours.
A central vacuum cleaner and a small robot vacuum cleaner in addition to appliances for washing and drying clothes are very useful.
Our large format televisions offer a variety of French and English channels in addition to Netflix, Disney & Prime.
A superb well-stocked library, a little over 600 books, different themes, for all ages, including about twenty in English, is also at your disposal.
NOTE THAT THERE IS NO SMALL BED FOR YOUNG CHILD AND NO TOY
Guest access
Elevators and stairs, roof terrace offering a beautiful view of the Parliament of Canada, the city of Ottawa, the city of Gatineau and the Chaudière Falls, indoor garage, room reserved for bicycles, garbage room at garage level, mail at the entrance of the building and a small gymnasium shared by the other occupants of the building. The backyard overlooks the Ottawa River. In addition, access to the bike and pedestrian path is just outside the building. This bicycle and pedestrian path allows you to safely get to downtown Ottawa and/or to Gatineau National Park. 2 bicycles for adults are at your disposal. We could provide you with children's bikes on request.
Notes
Small shadow on the board. Our apartment building is the first building to have been built on a real estate development project that will last several years. This does not prevent us from living in peace because there is generally no construction work on weekends (weekends). In addition, on weekdays, work that could cause inconvenience to citizens does not start until after 8 am. Also, when doors and windows are closed we hear nothing coming from outside.
PLEASE NOTE that SMOKING is PROHIBITED by the co-owners' agreement in the common areas of our building. This includes ALL PRIVATE BALCONIES AND THE ROOF TERRACE which are considered common areas. No object may be thrown over the balcony railing or snagged outside this railing. Also, drying clothes is prohibited on the balconies.
VERY IMPORTANT, we would like to point out that it is ALSO strictly FORBIDDEN to SMOKE inside our APARTMENT AND ON THE BALCONY.
Features
Washer
Dishwasher
Clothes dryer
Oven
Microwave
Coffee machine
Fridge
Iron
Hair dryer
Heating
Air conditioning
TV
WiFi
High Speed Internet
Bathtub
First aid kit
Wheelchair accessible
Smoke alarms
Fire extinguisher
Bed sheets
Towels
Workspace
Fireplace
Home cinema
Toys
Gym
Sauna
BBQ
Pool
Hot tub
Balcony
Garden / yard
Deck / patio / courtyard / terrace
Covered porch / verandah
Kosher home
Meat-free kitchen
Gated community
EV Home Charger
Bikes
Camping gear
Kayak
Tennis court
Standup paddleboard
Travel Styles
Long term
Budget
Family
Romantic
Sport and leisure
Foodie
Relaxing
Eco
City
Mountains
Beach
Water
Remote
Skiing
Culture
Hiking
Cycling
Good public transport
Golf
Cross-country skiing
Accessibility
Step free access
Easy entrance
Single level
Elevator
Accessible stairways
Wide hallways
Accessible door handles
Accessible tap hardware
Accessible windows
Accessible bedroom
Accessible height bed
Accessible toilet
Shower stool
Slip resistant bathroom flooring
Handheld shower
Slip resistant kitchen flooring
Accessible parking space
House rules
Unsuitable for infants under 2
Suitable for children ages 2-12
Pets not allowed
No smoking
Allergens
Cat free
Dog free
Carpet free
Smoke free
Fragrance free
Low allergen
Dates of Availability
Click on availability periods to see exchange types and descriptions.
Available
Neighbourhood
Gatineau is part of the Outaouais tourist region.
Nearby, access to all the highways that will take you to the different regions of Quebec and Ontario.
Restaurants for all tastes and budgets 5 minutes walk from our apartment.
A small bar open only in the summer season offers craft beers from all regions of Quebec.
At our doorstep, the "Traveller's Trail" cycle and pedestrian path, the longest cycle path in the world, crosses Canada from one end to the other.
A Zip Line behind our building.
Grocery stores and shopping centers about 15 minutes by car.
The Casino du Lac-Leamy 10 minutes drive from the house where you can attend shows or try your luck at the slot machines or gaming tables.
Parks and green spaces including Gatineau Park less than 10 minutes from the house accessible by bike, car or on foot for walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, beaches, fall colors, etc. .
Ottawa ByWard Market 5 minutes by car or 3.5 km walk.
Bus routes to walk around Gatineau or go to downtown Ottawa where the Parliament Hill of Canada is located (3 km from our home).
Museums:
- of the war,
- currency,
- Canadian History and Children's Museum,
- of nature,
- Air Force,
- Technologies, etc.
In summer, the Place des festivals Zibi located right next to our building hosts various activities, as during the first COVID Summer: a cinema-park and a stage for performances by artists, comedians and singers have been set up while spectators remain well seated in the comfort of their car in order to comply with the health rules imposed by government authorities.
In 2019, this same Place des Festivals hosted the Cirque du Soleil with its show Alegria. He returned in 2022 with his presentation Kooza which was to be presented in 2021.
The Festibières returns every year and other festivals as well.
All kinds of festivities and festivals generally take place in the National Capital of Canada throughout the summer, not to mention Winterlude, which takes place every winter on both sides of the Ottawa River.
In addition, the Feux du Casino du Lac Leamy (fireworks) usually presented in mid-August are visible from our balcony and the roof terrace.
If you are inclined to go a little further from the apartment, about 1 hour 30 minutes by car, you could visit the Omega Park where the animals roam freely and where you could rent a chalet for a night to observe the wolves alive in their natural state, visit the Mackenzie-King Estate bequeathed to Canadians by a former Prime Minister of Canada, do Arbraska, visit the Laflèche Caves, etc.
There are so many things to do and see in the Outaouais.
Getting to my home
Ottawa International Airport is located approximately 30 minutes from our home.
Via Rail also located in Ottawa is about 30 minutes also from our house.
We are located about 5 to 10 minutes from the various highways that could take you to Montreal, Quebec or Toronto.
Montreal International Airport is just under 2 hours from us.
The Toronto one at 4:30 a.m. from home.
Nearest airport
Ottawa International Airport (30 minutes maximum)
Montreal International Airport (2 hours)
Getting around
We have 2 public transport services. That of Gatineau and that of Ottawa. The 2 companies, although they are independent of each other, honor correspondence from the competing company. Moreover, the bus stops of the 2 companies are often close to each other, a few minutes walk from our apartment. It only takes a 5-10 minute walk to reach the few small grocery stores, pharmacies and stores to buy wine (SAQ). For shopping centers in Gatineau, you have to take the car or public transit since they are 2 to 10 km away. The one in Ottawa is about 3.5 km away, however parking is payable, however it is possible to park on the street.
We also have a "VirtuCar / Communauto" community car available at the exit of our building for a user fee.
Map of Approximate Location
People Like Us Local Guide
We already consider you friends. We could meet you to share a meal at home or at a restaurant. Be a guide to the good addresses in our region and those of Montreal and Quebec. Give you advice on driving, the road safety code as well as the statement of the differences in automobile traffic in Canada versus in France and probably elsewhere in Europe. We could also offer you hospitality for a short stay. Ask us your questions and we will answer them. Welcome to Quebec and especially to the Outaouais Region and the National Capital Region of Canada.
André and Geneviêve's home was beautiful, super central, comfortable, and had everything I needed for my stay. I stayed 3 weeks in their home and would recommend it to anyone going to the Ottawa/Gatineau region. Thank you sooooo much for the lovely experience!
Good morning,
We exchanged our apartment in Gatineau in Quebec, Canada with that of Josée, living in the suburbs of Madrid.
Unfortunately, due to an emergency hospitalization on our part, we were not able to go to Josée's house. However, Josée occupied our residence in Quebec as planned for the duration of our agreement.
Communication with Josée was always very pleasant and simple, from the start of the talks to the end of the exchange.
Josée left our apartment as it was when she arrived, very clean.
Josée really enjoyed her stay with us so much that she plans to return in the near future. Of course, we will not hesitate to accept his offer, hoping that next time we can occupy his apartment and visit Madrid.
We recommend Josée as an exchange partner, you will not regret it.
Geneviève & André
Andre and Genevieve were lovely to host. They are friendly and were respectful to our space. The communication was easy- great experience hosting them!
We stayed with Megan in exchange for a Globe. Communication was very good. We appreciated Megan's speed in responding to our last-minute request and accommodating us. Her home is very conveniently located near downtown Charlottetown. Thank you, Megan!
We stayed with Megan in exchange for a Globe. Communication was very good. We appreciated Megan's speed in responding to our last-minute request and accommodating us. Her home is very conveniently located near downtown Charlottetown. Thank you, Megan!
We started chatting with Leila at the end of April and subsequently communicated at least 1 or 2 dozen times 😉 after that either in writing or on WhatsApp video calls. These discussions with Leila and her husband, Ken and their 2 boys allowed us to get to know each other and to trust each other.
As we couldn't make a simultaneous exchange, we came to an exchange agreement via a Globe. Leila and her family are now our friends.
Leila was on her first exchange and needed to be reassured, but above all to be convinced of the benefits of home exchange. We now feel that she won't do without it.
Being in Quebec at the time of this exchange, we were unable to personally check the condition of our apartment after their departure, but we are convinced that it is in its original condition.
Thank you, Leila, for trusting us and we are especially happy to know that you loved your 1st home exchange.
Geneviève & André
We have never met Jeanne and Antoine except via WhatsApp but we are convinced that we have made new friends.
They occupied our residence in Canet en Roussillon in exchange for a Globe. But above all, we communicated with them multiple times either via the Messages option on the PLU site, via our respective email addresses or even via WhatsApp.
Communications have always been friendly, respectful and above all FRIENDLY.
Jeanne and Antoine even volunteered to buy the small additional gifts that we wanted to add to the welcome basket intended for the PLU family who would occupy our apartment following their stay.
Being, at the moment, a little too far from Canet en Roussillon, we were unable to check, after their departure, if our apartment was clean and met our criteria. But, we are not at all worried and even rather confident that the next visitors will have nothing to complain about this residence. They will just have to settle in and enjoy the beach and the activities that this region offers.
We hope that one day, we will be able to meet them in person either during a future exchange or during a GET TOGETHER organized by PLU in a region where we would be there at the same time as them.
Thank you Jeanne & Antoine for this budding friendship and for ensuring that our apartment in Canet is ready for future occupants.
Geneviève & André
Unfortunately, due to an emergency hospitalization on our part, we were not able to go to Josée's house.
However, Josée occupied our residence in Quebec as planned for the duration of our agreement.
Communication with Josée was always very pleasant and simple, from the start of the talks to the end of the exchange.
Good morning,
We exchanged our apartment in Gatineau in Quebec, Canada with that of Josée, living in the suburbs of Madrid.
Unfortunately, due to an emergency hospitalization on our part, we were not able to go to Josée's house. However, Josée occupied our residence in Quebec as planned for the duration of our agreement.
Communication with Josée was always very pleasant and simple, from the start of the talks to the end of the exchange.
Josée left our apartment as it was when she arrived, very clean.
Josée really enjoyed her stay with us so much that she plans to return in the near future. Of course, we will not hesitate to accept his offer, hoping that next time we can occupy his apartment and visit Madrid.
We recommend Josée as an exchange partner, you will not regret it.
Geneviève & André
Hospitality
Sandrine and her family had contacted us to do a mutual home exchange with our apartment in Canet en Roussillon in France and their second home in the mountains also in France.
Unfortunately, this was not possible for us, as our time spent outside of Canada, being Canadian, over the past year had already passed. So we offered them hospitality. This allowed them to enjoy the wonderful climate of Canet, the beach, the sea, etc. and this, in all family intimacy.
The many written, telephone and video exchanges allowed us to get to know each other well and to trust each other.
The discussions with Sandrine and her spouse were easy and pleasant. They never hesitated to contact us when they had any questions and even saved us from a real water damage problem as the bathroom sink pipe was leaking and some water had started to accumulate in the drawer below. Thank you Sandrine and Laurent for this troubleshooting.
At the end of their stay, Sandrine made us a short video of our apartment to show us how they left our apartment. A very good idea this video that protects visitors and reassures owners.
Thank you Sandrine and Laurent for trusting us. We can't wait to meet you face-to-face, surely next fall or winter.
We give you a big hug to each of you... Sandrine, Laurent, Jules and the biggest
Genevieve and André
Premium
André et Geneviève
We are a young couple who have been married for 45 years and retired. We speak French and English.
We are both allergic to animals.
Please note that our 2 residences are never rented. We share them with our friends, family members as well as our future home exchange friends.
"Nous aimerions visiter des Marchés de Noël en France ou ailleurs en Europe mais pas trop loin de la France."
Dates flexible
"À l'été 2025, nous aimerions faire le tour de la Gaspésie avec nos petits-enfants (fille 13 ans et garçon 15 ans)... au mois d'août de préférence."
Dates flexible
"À l'été 2026, à la demande de nos petits-enfants, nous aimerions faire le tour de l'Allemagne. Ils seront alors âgés de 14 et 16 ans."
People Like Us is the world's most trusted home exchange community. We believe in sharing, trust, generosity, respect, communication, equality, cooperation, honesty, hospitality, friendship, flexibility and adventure. We take pride in our homes and we care about the environment in which we live: our village, city, country and our planet. We care about the ethos of home exchange and we do it because we love the experience and the friendships that it generates.
Welcome to Canada ! The Parliament of Canada seen from our balcony !
It's us ! André and Geneviève retired. We were both managers in the field of information technology.
This is where we live! On the 5th floor. Elevators, underground parking, 2 bedrooms, roof terrace.
To help you locate where we live!
The main room: our fully equipped kitchen!
The dining area and part of the living room!
Master bedroom with adjustable bed (King), electric fireplace, television.
Washroom with showers adjoining the master bedroom.
This is the 2nd bedroom. Large pull-out double bed (Queen).
Toilet room with shower bath for guests.
Library and small office area! Over 600 books in all categories (about fifteen in English)
The decoration is not finished but it is a start!
Everything you need to keep the apartment and your clothes clean!
Cirque du Soleil visits us frequently. He is our neighbor and presently there setting up his marquee. Shows from August 26 until the 3rd week of September 2022. Also, Casino du Lac Leamy fireworks from the 1st week of August. Photo taken from our balcony.
Come skate on the longest ice rink in the world. Less than 10 minutes by car from home.
Another view of the longest ice rink in the world. Less than 10 minutes by car from home.
Visit the Mackenzie King Estate in Gatineau Park. This site was bequeathed to the Canadian Government by the 10th Prime Minister of Canada upon his death. Only 25 kilometers from our house.
Ottawa Tulip Festival. Every year in May.
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival. Every year during the 1st weekend of September.
Activities for children and adults at Arbraska and Caverne Laflèche 30 km from the house.
Comments from an exchange partner following a home exchange made through another platform.
Another comment from an exchange partner following a home exchange made through another platform.
Another comment from an exchange partner following a home exchange made through another platform.
Another comment from an exchange partner following a home exchange made through another platform.
Another comment from an exchange partner following a home exchange made through another platform.
Another comment from an exchange partner following a home exchange made through another platform.
Another comment from an exchange partner following a home exchange made through another platform.
There you have it, now you know that you can entrust us with your home without worry.