It would be either of indigenous origin or of French origin: The toponym Lettinoe, Gateno, Gatteno and Gatineau appears: The geography of the area was altered with the construction of the Baskatong Reservoir, and it is still possible to travel upstream on the Gatineau and reach a point where a small portage leads to the headwaters of the Ottawa River.

On June 4, 1613, Samuel de Champlain passed here while travelling on the Ottawa River to L'Isle-aux-Allumettes.

Philemon Wright and his descendants played an important role in the development of the lumber industry in the Gatineau valley.

In more recent times, with declining quality in the forests of the region, logs were used for pulp and paper.

In 1925, three hydroelectric dams were constructed along the lower Gatineau River, making them one of the biggest economic and industrial projects in the region's history.