Hull, former city, Outaouais region, southwestern Quebec province, Canada. It lies on the north bank of the Ottawa River, opposite Ottawa, Ont. Originating in the early 19th century as a lumbering settlement named for Hull, Yorkshire, Eng., the city grew to become the chief business and administrative centre for southwestern Quebec and the industrial centre for metropolitan Ottawa. In 2002 Hull was merged into the adjacent city of Gatineau, becoming, along with three other nearby former cities, a section of the larger entity.
Abundant timber resources and hydroelectric power from Chaudière Falls support large pulp, paper, and match factories. Other industries include printing, meat-packing, and the manufacture of cement, textiles, steel, clothing, and furniture. The seat of a Roman Catholic diocese is located there.