Gatineau Park’s in-between season: What to expect and how to enjoy it

As the leaves fall and some roads close to vehicles for the season, you may wonder “How can I get to Gatineau Park and see the popular destinations before the snow?”

Gatineau Park quiets down during the in-between season. This is essential, as the transition between the highly popular Fall Rhapsody and winter is a time of rest and preparation for the park’s wildlife. As animals and plants get ready for the cold season, they become more sensitive to disturbances. It’s especially important to respect their space as you enjoy Gatineau Park during the in-between season.

The Gatineau, Champlain and Fortune Lake parkways close to vehicles for the season at dusk on October 27, 2024. Shuttle service is on pause until spring.

But this doesn’t mean the park is closed. There are still many ways to get here.

• Municipal roads: These roads stay open year-round and lead to more than 20 parking lots within the park, some of which offer excellent access to scenic hiking trails.
• Public transit: Why not take the bus to Gatineau Park? Use OC Transpo, STO or Transcollines to reach one of the bus stops near the park’s entrances.

Hiking, walking and biking are favourite activities in Gatineau Park throughout the fall and early winter. With some exceptions, you can practice these activities until the first snowfall. After that, the park switches to winter mode — and so do the activities.

• Fragile trails: When hiking in fall and early winter, wear appropriate footwear, dress for the weather, and respect all closures. It’s best to avoid soggy trails to prevent damaging them.
• Stick to the trail: Gatineau Park official trail maps are available for free through the mobile app Avenza Maps. Official trails are well maintained for a more enjoyable hiking experience. Sticking to the official, marked trails helps to ensure you won’t get lost. It’s also one of the best things you can do to protect the habitat of the plants and animals that call Gatineau Park home.
• Trailheads: With the seasonal closure of the parkways, not all trailheads are accessible by car. Start your hike from a trailhead that can still be reached by car, like the Sugarbush or Lauriault trails.
• Dog-friendly trails: Leashed dogs are allowed on most trails until the end of November, weather permitting. After that, and until spring, dogs are only allowed on the four year-round walking trails: Sugarbush Trail, Lauriault Trail, Pioneers Trail and the Capital Pathway from P1 to P3. Dogs are never allowed on Pink Lake, King Mountain and Luskville Falls trails for conservation reasons.

If you are looking for more options, the Greenbelt trails remain accessible year-round and offer great nature walks in the Ottawa area.

Hiking resources

• Gatineau Park: list of hiking trails (spring to fall)
• Gatineau Park: list of hiking trails (winter)
• Greenbelt: list of hiking trails (year-round)
• The seven rules of outdoor ethics

• Parkways: Paved, car-free roads offer a peaceful experience, but, remain cautious. Service vehicles, wildlife and slippery conditions can pose problems. Stay alert and ride safely!
• Mountain biking: You can continue to use mountain biking trails until the end of November, conditions permitting. During the off-season, the trails are particularly vulnerable to erosion. To avoid trail widening, go through puddles rather than around them.

In fall, some of you are already dreaming of the snowy months ahead. The in-between season is a great time to plan your winter outings!

• Winter pass: In winter, there is a fee to access the cross-country ski, snowshoe and snow biking trails in Gatineau Park. The winter pass presale starts on Monday, October 21, 2024.
• Winter camping: Experience the joys of winter camping in Gatineau Park. Spaces are limited and this experience is popular; book your winter getaway early! Booking opens Friday, November 15, 2024, and the camping season runs from Monday, December 16, 2024, to end of March 2025.

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