Your Gatineau Park winter activity guide
The landscape of Gatineau Park changes completely in winter, revealing all the natural beauty of the forest. Take a stroll in the softly falling snow and visit the park’s landmarks in a spirit of conservation and respect for the environment. Looking for ideas for your next excursion? Stop by the Visitor Centre for information and advice or plan your own route using the interactive trail map. You can also take a break in one of the day shelters, rustic chalet-style buildings equipped with the essential amenities for warming up during a physically active day. Have fun out there!
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Gatineau Park has one of North America’s largest and best-groomed cross-country ski networks, with over 200 kilometres of groomed trails. You can buy a day pass, or save money by buying a season pass on the spot to enjoy your favourite winter sport. You’ll be amazed by the breathtaking panoramic view from the Champlain Lookout, accessible only by cross-country skis. In the North sector, you’ll find over 55 km of groomed trails as well as five day shelters, a fireplace, and another lookout where you can connect with nature. There are several departure points. Start planning the perfect outing!
There are 16 parking lots from which you can start your cross-country skiing excursion: P1*, P2*, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10, P11, P12, P16, P17*, P19* and P20. *Accessible by public transit.
Day pass for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snow biking trails: Adult (age 18–59) $22 | Youth (age 13–17), Student (age 18+), Senior (age 60+) $17 | Family (maximum 2 adults and 3 youths) $49.
Passes can be bought online, at the parking lots or at the Visitor Centre.
SNOWSHOEING
Strap on your snowshoes and set out to conquer Gatineau Park’s winter trails, while respecting the rules of etiquette on the trails, which are among the busiest in Canada! Every little bit helps to preserve the park’s vocation as the green lung of the Outaouais. Don’t forget to visit Philippe Lake, known for its tranquillity and enchanting scenery.
There are 16 parking lots from which you can start your snowshoeing excursion: P1*, P2*, Visitor Centre*, P5, P6, P13, P15, P16, P17*, P19* and P20. *Accessible by public transit.
Snowshoe rentals are available at the Visitor Center, Relais plein air and other businesses near the park.
SNOW BIKING
Vous êtes un mordu de vélo, même en hiver ? 60 kilomètres de sentiers, qui mènent également à deux foyers et un belvédère, s’offrent à vous et vous pouvez choisir le niveau de difficulté selon votre expérience. En plus, c’est un sport d’équipe, puisque ce sont les raquetteurs qui compactent la neige pour permettre aux cyclistes d’avoir de belles pistes. D’où l’importance de bien respecter les consignes pour que tout le monde passe un beau moment, tout en partageant les sentiers enneigés. Si c’est votre première tentative, sachez qu’il est possible de louer des vélos d’hiver au Relais plein air et chez des marchands locaux.
If you’re a keen cyclist, even in winter, there are 60 kilometres of trails, which also lead to two fireplaces and a lookout point, and you can choose the level of difficulty according to your experience. It’s something of a team sport, since it’s the snowshoers who compact the snow so the bikers can use the trails. That’s why it’s so important to follow the guidelines so that everyone can have a great time on the shared snowy trails. If this is your first time on a snow bike, you can rent one from the Relais plein air or local retailers.
Day pass for snowshoeing and snow biking trails: Adult (age 18–59) $12 | Youth (age 13–17), Student (age 18+), Senior (age 60+) $9 | Family (maximum 2 adults and 3 youths) $27.
WALKING AND HIKING
Did you know that you can go for a walk in the park without spending a cent? There’s no charge for winter walking and hiking on the 11 kilometres of trails. Fall under the spell of nature’s winter beauty, and enjoy access to places like the Mackenzie King Estate, located in the Chelsea sector in the heart of Gatineau Park. As well, leashed dogs are allowed on the walking trails. To preserve the remarkable work of the teams that maintain the site, please follow the trail rules. That way, everyone will be happy!
Pioneers Trail: Easy loop, 1.3 km starting from P3 | Capital Pathway: Easy linear trail, 1.4 km (2.8 km return) starting from P1 or P3 | Sugarbush Trail: Easy loop, 3 km starting from the Visitor Centre or P4 | Lauriault Trail: Difficult loop, 4.5 km starting from P6
WINTER CAMPING
Make the most of winter and extend your Gatineau Park getaway by sleeping in the great outdoors! Ready-to-camp units and winter campsites are located along the trails in and around the Philippe Lake sector. In winter, the yurts and cabins are the perfect place to relax by the fire after a long active day. Pure bliss! But hurry, spots are limited!
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With all that outdoor activity on the snowy trails, you’re sure to work up an appetite! Visit our website for suggestions of great places to eat. You’ll love the Outaouais’ many restaurants and pubs. Have fun, and bon appétit!
