Advisory

Please take note of the following before your visit.

Gatineau Park offers plenty of options for cyclists. You can bike on the Capital Pathway, on the Park’s scenic parkways or, during the proper season, on mountain biking trails. These routes will take you past some of the best scenery in Gatineau Park.

The Ottawa–Gatineau Cycling Map displays all of the major cycling paths and trails in the National Capital Region. Plan your route, and hop on your bike!


This map is brought to you by the NCC, in partnership with the City of Ottawa, the Ville de Gatineau, Outaouais Tourism and Ottawa Tourism. You can also download an electronic copy of this map, or pick up a hard copy at one of many locations throughout the Capital.

Cycling on the Capital Pathway

The Capital Pathway on a summer day with trees in the background

The Capital Pathway is a network of multi-use pathways that extend throughout the National Capital Region, including Gatineau Park.

The section of the Capital Pathway that runs through Gatineau Park is known as the Gatineau Park Pathway or Trail 5. It’s a 12.5-kilometre paved pathway that winds through open, rolling terrain with wooded areas and many steep hills. It is ideal for nature lovers and advanced cyclists.

The Capital Pathway is for everyone — pedestrians, runners, cyclists, in-line skaters and people with mobility impairments. Entirely power-assisted e-bikes and scooters are not allowed.

Cycling on the parkways

Cyclists on a Gatineau Park parkway on a summer day

The parkways in Gatineau Park offer 32.5 kilometres of scenic, winding roads. Be prepared to encounter hilly terrain: you need to be in good shape and have some skill in cycling to bike safely on the parkways.

When cycling on the parkways, you must respect Quebec’s Highway Safety Code. Outside of special programming, parkways are shared with motor vehicles.


Some of the parkways and access roads are sometimes closed to motor vehicles to support recreation in the Park. During these closures, the Capital Pathway code of ethics and safety rules apply.

Mountain biking in Gatineau Park

Cyclist on a mountain biking trail

The mountain biking season begins when the trails are dry. It typically runs from mid-May to late November (conditions-dependent).

During this period, 90 kilometres of trails are open to both hikers and mountain bikers. But be prepared! To tackle the Park’s hilly terrain on a bike, you need to be in good shape and have some skill in mountain biking.

For ecological reasons, mountain biking is not allowed on any trails other than those indicated on the Gatineau Park Summer Trails Map.

Thrill-seekers can try mountain biking at Camp Fortune, which opens its ski slopes for biking during the summer. Fees may apply to access these trails.

Rules

The following rules are promoted and recognized worldwide by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. They are intended to help ensure the safety of both mountain bikers and hikers and to protect the environment.

  • Use only trails that are open for mountain biking. (Note: In Gatineau Park, all biking trails are shared with hikers.)
  • Bike only during the specified mountain biking season. During the off-season, the trails are particularly vulnerable to erosion.
  • Always yield the right-of-way to hikers.
  • Always control your speed, especially on curves and downhill portions of the trail. To avoid accidents, alert other trail users to your presence as you approach to pass them.
  • Plan ahead. Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding, and prepare accordingly.

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