Gatineau in winter: enjoy urban ourdoor fun!
This winter, stay in shape by playing outside! In Gatineau, there’s no shortage of natural and urban outdoor spaces. Between Leamy Lake, Beauchamp Lake and the Brewery Creek skating rink, there’s no excuse for getting bored. As a couple or a family, dress warmly and discover the wonders that Gatineau has to offer. Vitamin D, rosy cheeks and smiles guaranteed!
*Did you know that the Accès Gatineau + card (available at the library) gives you access to sports equipment and many free activities? Pick yours up today!
Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy
In the heart of the Hull sector, nature unfolds before your eyes, with an outstanding view of Leamy Lake. To make the most of winter in the city, a stop at the outdoor centre is a must. Hiking, snowshoeing (snowshoe rental by reservation) or cross-country skiing, the whole family will enjoy exploring the wooded and lakeside trails. Four-legged companions (on a leash) are welcome too!
100 Atawe Street (formerly Lac-Leamy Road), Gatineau
In winter, the pavilion at the Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking and site access are free. Snowshoe rental (2-hour block): adults $12, children $8.50. Snowshoe rental is free with the Accès Gatineau + card.
Only snowshoe rental is allowed this year. Time slots (2 hours each) must be reserved in advance via the City of Gatineau’s citizen portal (web page in French only), and a valid Accès Gatineau or Acccès Gatineau + card is required to make a reservation. Limit one place at a time per participant.
Centre de plein air du Lac-Beauchamp
Lac Beauchamp Park offers a host of winter activities to delight young and old alike. On the program this year: skating, tube sliding, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This 213-hectare park has more than 15 kilometres of recreational trails where you can keep in shape and practise your favourite sports, all within minutes of home.
741 Maloney Blvd. East, Gatineau
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. In winter, the outdoor centre is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking and site access are free. Snowshoe rental (2-hour block): adults $12, children $8.50. Tube rental: $6 per hour. Equipment rental is free with the Accès Gatineau + card.
Advance reservations via the City of Gatineau citizen portal (web page in French only) are required for sliding, skating and snowshoe rental, and a valid Accès Gatineau or Acccès Gatineau + card is required to make a reservation. Limit one place at a time per participant. The standard rental period is 2 hours for snowshoeing and 1 hour for all other activities.
Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau
Located at the entrance of Gatineau Park (P2 trail), the Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts! This is your ideal starting (and ending) point for tackling the miles of trails in the park. A free waxing room and parking are available to visitors, as well as an outdoor campfire (just to keep you warm!). For those without equipment, cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are also available on site.
397 De la Cité-des-jeunes Blvd., Gatineau
Monday-Thursday: 10am to 8:30 pm / Friday: 10am to 5pm / Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am to 5pm
If you have a valid Accès Gatineau + card, you can benefit from one hour of free snowshoe or classic skis rental.
Brewery Creek skating rink – Lace up your skates!
This winter, sharpen your skates and take to the ice on the pretty Brewery Creek skating rink! Located in the heart of downtown Gatineau, the ice surface is over 420 metres long. A pleasant and spacious site that will delight skaters of all ages.
69 Montcalm Street, Gatineau
Daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Skating is free. Parking: On weekdays, allow $3 per hour between 6 a.m. and 5 pm. (maximum $15) and $5 per hour between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m; on weekends, $5 per hour.
Advance reservations via the City of Gatineau citizen portal (web page in French only) are required for skating, and a valid Accès Gatineau or Acccès Gatineau + card is required to make a reservation. Limit one place at a time per participant. The standard reservation period is 1 hour. Skate rental is not available this year. Face masks are required inside the changing hut.
After hours of outdoor fun, it’s time for a hot chocolate break. Seated comfortably, get a virtual escape by planning your next getaways through the Outaouais thanks to these unusual accommodation suggestions!
