Gatineau in winter: enjoy urban outdoor 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 or cross-country skiing (equipment rental on site), 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 19a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking and site access are free. Snowshoe rental (3-hour block): adults $19, children $13.50. Snowshoe rental is free with the Accès Gatineau + card.
Snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals are available on site and are free for Accès Gatineau + cardholders.
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 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. In winter, the outdoor centre is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Parking and site access are free. Snowshoe rental (3-hour block): adults $19, children $13.50. Tube rental: $6.50 per hour. Skate rentals are available for $8.50 for three hours. Equipment rental is free with the Accès Gatineau + card.
Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau
Located at the entrance of Gatineau Park (P2 parking lot and trail 27), 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 enjoying the hundreds of miles of trails in the park. Free parking, equipment rental service, introductory courses and guided tours are available to visitors. A café-bistro and indoor and outdoor fireplaces will also allow you to eat and warm up. For those without equipment, cross-country skis, snowshoes, crampons and winter bikes are also available for rent on site.
397 De la Cité-des-jeunes Blvd., Gatineau
Monday to Friday: 10am to 8:30 pm / Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am to 5pm
With the Accès Gatineau + card, you can get one hour of free rental for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and crampons.
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
The rink is open 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.
The trailer is open with supervision for skate rentals from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends. The rink remains accessible at all times during the day depending on weather and ice conditions.
Corporation plein air de la Lièvre
Put on your snowshoes and hit the trails on the sites of the Corporation plein air de la Lièvre. The Champboisé de L’Ange-Gardien site has 5 kilometres of hiking trails along the Lièvre River. Stroll through the beautiful scenery and take a moment to appreciate the peace and quiet of the woods. Then discover the Sentiers les Renards Blancs, a new site with over 20 kilometres of marked and groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Find a trail that suits your ability, whether you’re a novice or an expert skier.
255 De Buckingham Avenue, Gatineau
The Champboisé de L’Ange-Gardien site is open Friday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | The Renards Blancs trails are open from dawn to dusk in winter only.
Admission to Champboisé de L’Ange-Gardien is free. | Admission to the Renards Blancs trails is $10 per person. Family rates and season passes are also available. Admission is free for Accès Gatineau+ cardholders.
The Centre Nautique de la Lièvre regularly organizes events. For details, see the calendar of activities. | Dogs are not allowed on the Centre Nautique de la Lièvre sites.
After a good dose of the urban outdoors, it’s time for a hot chocolate break. Make yourself comfortable and plan your next Outaouais getaway with our 100 activities to put on your bucket list for a successful winter!
