Aylmer, Québec | A few photos

harls · #1 Posted: **Jul 14, 2008, 6:22 PM**

Not too many pics. I went for a walk with my year old son this Sunday and figured I'd take the camera along while he slept (he didn't sleep).

For those of you that are not familiar with the area, Aylmer is part of Metro Ottawa. It's on the Quebec side of the river, and is part of the amalgamated city of Gatineau (pop ~260,000). It has it's own 'older' downtown district which dates back to the 1840's. Aylmer is quite bilingual, about 60% Franco, 40% anglo... but I hear more and more French in my experience. Onto the pics.

Le Vasseau d'Or - Outrageously priced chocolate shop

Café Moca Loca (Outaouais chain, I think) - Really nice place. Good coffee. Lots of bohemian characters.

Why use a spider logo for a TV repair shop, I'll never know..

Le Rendez-vous Resto-Bar

Old city hall - before the amalgamation in 2002.

Parc Commemoratif (come on, think of an original name.. jeez).

This pic is made all the more awesomer with that shopping cart.

Centre Culturel du Vieux-Aylmer

Usually, this place is hopping, but I went during closing time (yes, I wanted ice cream).

Bistro Ambrosia.. really nice selection of beers on tap, nice terrasse (that I managed not to include). The owner is like 25. I am jealous.

Bambou Restaurant across the street, with a flaming Caravan.

I think this place is a pub, but I've never been.

I'd go to this place just for the sign alone.

Just south of the main drag - Bancroft Street.

Since we're on skyscraperpage, I am obliged to post this. A crane (one of two, the other one is too short) for a seniors residence. I think it's a whopping 8 floors. Aylmer hits the bigtime in skyscraper construction.

On my way back home through the suburbs.

C'était magique.

denveraztec · #2 Posted: **Jul 14, 2008, 6:29 PM**

Looks so peaceful!

Top Of The Park · #3 Posted: **Jul 14, 2008, 6:46 PM**

such a pleasant place..nice pics

DC83 · #4 Posted: **Jul 14, 2008, 7:15 PM**

What a great looking lil town. I lived on Aylmer Cres while growing up, so I guess I have a soft-spot for Aylmer, QC

What's so 'magical' about Le Parc Magique?

Evergrey · #5 Posted: **Jul 14, 2008, 7:19 PM**

that flaming Caravan is impressive

harls · #6 Posted: **Jul 14, 2008, 7:23 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC83

What a great looking lil town. I lived on Aylmer Cres while growing up, so I guess I have a soft-spot for Aylmer, QC

What's so 'magical' about Le Parc Magique?

It had an abundance of shopping carts. I did not feel the magic, actually.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evergrey

that flaming Caravan is impressive

I know, right? You'd think he'd be the only one in this town, but you'd be wrong..

Jimby · #7 Posted: **Jul 14, 2008, 8:04 PM**

Good photos. It looks like a really nice place to live and raise a family.

clynnog · #8 Posted: **Jul 14, 2008, 8:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by harls

For those of you that are not familiar with the area, Aylmer is part of Metro Ottawa. It's on the Quebec side of the river, and is part of the amalgamated city of Gatineau (pop ~260,000). It has it's own 'older' downtown district which dates back to the 1840's. Aylmer is quite bilingual, about 60% Franco, 40% anglo... but I hear more and more French in my experience. Onto the pics.

Le Vasseau d'Or - Outrageously priced chocolate shop

Café Moca Loca (Outaouais chain, I think) - Really nice place. Good coffee. Lots of bohemian characters.

Le Rendez-vous Resto-Bar

Usually, this place is hopping, but I went during closing time (yes, I wanted ice cream).

Bistro Ambrosia.. really nice selection of beers on tap, nice terrasse (that I managed not to include). The owner is like 25. I am jealous.

I think this place is a pub, but I've never been.

I'd go to this place just for the sign alone.

Aylmer is w/o a doubt the nicest part of the new Gatineau...the 'old' Gatineau is quite craptastic in places. I've been to that chocolate place and you are right it is expensive. The coffee place you took a picture of is a small chain and the food is quite good...ditto for the coffee. I haven't been to Bisto Ambrosia but will try it next time I'm there. There is a restaurant just past Club 61 on rue Principale that is known for its beer selection. BTW why didn't you take a picture of 61...it looks like the walls could tell stories.

The British Hotel is a pub of the dive nature....I think the owner is trying to sell it...I believe it opens very early in the morning i.e 08h30.

hackunion · #9 Posted: **Jul 15, 2008, 1:58 AM**

I think I was in Aylmer a few days ago... Chemin Pink/ Vanier area? Ha...not as interesting as your photos.

harls · #10 Posted: **Jul 15, 2008, 7:06 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hackunion

I think I was in Aylmer a few days ago... Chemin Pink/ Vanier area? Ha...not as interesting as your photos.

You think you were there? ha.. Yes, it's forgettable. That corner of town is mighty rural.

Quote:

Originally Posted by clynnog

Aylmer is w/o a doubt the nicest part of the new Gatineau...the 'old' Gatineau is quite craptastic in places. I've been to that chocolate place and you are right it is expensive. The coffee place you took a picture of is a small chain and the food is quite good...ditto for the coffee. I haven't been to Bisto Ambrosia but will try it next time I'm there. There is a restaurant just past Club 61 on rue Principale that is known for its beer selection. BTW why didn't you take a picture of 61...it looks like the walls could tell stories.

The British Hotel is a pub of the dive nature....I think the owner is trying to sell it...I believe it opens very early in the morning i.e 08h30.

I didn't get as far as Club 61.. the kid was being difficult and I had to start back home. I was hoping to get to the marina, but it didn't happen.. maybe next time.

The British sounds like my kind of place.. I love the 'dive' kind of atmosphere.

Bistro Ambrosia is a must see.. the food is great. Quite a treat for this corner of town... it's a place that could have been transplanted from the Plateau district of Montreal.

Thanks for the comments everyone.