Hull (Québec)

Hull (Québec), city in southwestern Québec, Canada. It is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River, opposite the Canadian capital of Ottawa, Ontario. It is part of the National Capital Region, which includes government agencies, parks, and tourist sites in Ottawa and surrounding municipalities. Manufactures include pulp and paper, processed food, machinery, iron and steel goods, building supplies, chemical products, electronics, and printed materials. In the 1970s numerous government offices were moved from Ottawa to Hull. The majority of Hull's workers are employed in service industries, many of them in government. The high-tech and tourism industries have increased in the city.

The Université du Québec à Hull, the Extension School of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and two community colleges are located in the city. Attractions include the Canadian Museum of Civilization; the Mackenzie King Estate, former home of the tenth prime minister of Canada; the Hull Casino; the Hull-Wakefield Steam Train tours; and the Écomusée, a center devoted to environmental issues. The Chaudière Falls hydroelectric facility is nearby, as are popular resort and recreation areas, including Gatineau Park.

Europeans settled the area in the early 19th century and named it Wrightstown after one of the original landowners. The community grew as a center for producing forest products. It incorporated in 1875 and took the name Hull Township after the city of Hull, England. After the end of World War II (1939-1945), the city’s economy diversified.

Hull covers a land area of 37.4 sq km (14.4 sq mi). Population 60,707 (1991); 66,246 (2001).