Using the JQ-II high pressure hydrogenation micro-reactor unit, the reactivity of Athabasca bitumen derived heavy gas oil was studied over commercial and homemade hydrotreating catalysts. The effects of catalyst preparation variables and the influences of operation conditions, such as pressure, temperature, hydrogen/oil ratio and space velocity were also examined. It was shown that the optimal concentrations of the active components were 5% of NiO, 20% Of MoO3 and 3.5% of phosphorus (by mass), and the suitable operation conditions were determined experimentally.