The geology of Gatineau Park, which encompass these foothills is related to the Eardly Escarpment, which is a fault line that lies along the southern edge of the hills. This escarpment makes the part an attractive location for rock climbers and hikers, offering a beautiful view of the relatively flat fields below, and leading up to the Ottawa River.
The Gatineau Hills are also significant as a skiing destination, serving the neighbouring communities of Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec. Popular skiing locations include Camp Fortune, Mont Cascades, and Vorlage. The ski hills are small compared to the ski areas in the north east (like Mont Tremblant and Mont Ste. Anne) or south east in Vermont, New Hampshire and New York in the USA.
The location of the hills, also make it useful for communications, and a prominent communications tower at Camp Fortune provide a large portion of the areas broadcast television and radio signals.
The area is a prime tourist attraction, particularly during the October weeks when the folliage is turning colour. Photographs and paintings of the area are a popular tourist item.