The Outaouais region has a population of 340,000, or 4.5% of the total population of Québec. It covers an area of 34,000 km2, over three quarters of which is under public ownership. Most people live in the Ville de Gatineau and work in the service industries, but those in outlying areas rely more on natural resources and public land, especially in connection with recreation and tourism and forestry.
Forestry
The forests contain over 80% of hardwood and mixed stands. The Outaouais region is home to the largest stands of white pine and red oak in Québec. Public land is important to the regional economy mainly because of its use for forestry. Over 25 species are harvested and processed into a range of products.
Wildlife-related activities
The variety of wildlife resources found throughout the region make hunting and fishing popular. The region has the largest population of white-tailed deer in Québec, after Île d'Anticosti. Black bears are also present, with moose found in the northern and western sectors. The region’s lakes contain large quantities of lake charr and walleye, and North America ’s largest specimens of muskellunge have been caught in the Ottawa River.
 Cottage development, recreation and tourism
The Outaouais region has been a popular location for cottages for many years. Its varied landscapes include rocky peaks, forests, around 15,000 lakes of which some are very large, and canoeable rivers, and are widely used for recreation and tourism. Hunting and, in particular, fishing are especially popular. Snowmobiling, quad-biking, cycling, golf, horse riding, cross-country skiing, hiking, rock climbing, rafting and pleasure boating are just some of the key attractions in the Outaouais region.
Mining
At the geological level, the region has several deposits of common metals such as iron, zinc, copper and nickel, along with industrial minerals such as feldspar, graphite and mica. However, most of the mineral potential is in the form of stone, sand and gravel deposits.
Hydroelectricity
The region has 20 power stations that, together, produce 3% of Québec’s total hydroelectric output. The main generating stations are found on the largest, strongest-flowing rivers in the region, the Gatineau, Ottawa and Du Lièvre.
Future prospects
The variety of forest and aquatic environments in the Outaouais region, together with a milder climate than in the rest of Québec, explains its remarkable level of biodiversity. It also has a multitude of lakes and rivers. The responsible use of the region’s natural resources will ensure the ongoing vitality of its natural heritage and land base.
Innovation and the development of regional expertise in the development and harvesting of white pine and hardwood stands will help realize the economic potential of the Outaouais region.
Proximity to large population centres and to wide-open natural spaces is the region’s main strength for tourism development, especially in new, popular areas such as tourist routes, overnight stays, snowmobile circuits and outdoor adventure trips.
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