The Arc de Triomphe, a popular ruin at the Mackenzie King Estate
Each fall, hundreds of thousands of people get the same idea: seeing the fall rhapsody in Gatineau Park. Completely understandable, as the striking landscapes are spectacular!
Visiting Gatineau Park in the fall can be magical. Or, frustrating, depending on where and when you go.
Cross Loop Road in Meech Creek Valley
A tranquil walk amongst heritage sites and agricultural landscapes
Nestled between the villages of Chelsea and Wakefield, Meech Creek Valley in Gatineau Park may not be as busy, but is no less charming. This quiet rural area is rich in history and colour. Don’t forget the iconic covered bridge!
- Distance: 5.6 km (round trip on a gravel path)
- Route information: Wide gravel path with gentle slopes
- Starting point: P16 (get directions to P16)
- Shuttle: Weekends and holiday Mondays; Philippe Lake shuttle stops at P16
- Dogs: Permitted on leash from mid-April to end of November
- Another option: Walk the Trail 50 to the Healey Shelter and back (10 km, wide soil path with some slopes).
Detailed itinerary for Cross Loop Road in Meech Creek Valley
Trail 72 to the Carman Lake lookout
A breathtaking view in a quiet setting
Still in Meech Creek Valley, this route leads you to the Carman Lake lookout. You’ll have an unobstructed view of the colourful hills, but it will be less crowded than the more popular areas. The more technical Trail 72 is used for hiking and mountain biking.
- Distance: 6 km (round trip)
- Route information: Narrow trail with rocky and root-covered patches, as well as some steep climbs
- Starting point: P15 (get directions to P15)
- Shuttle: On weekends and holiday Mondays, the Philippe Lake shuttle stops 500 m away from P15 (Route 105 / St-Clément stop).
- Dogs: Permitted on leash from mid-April to end of November
- Another option: After the lookout, take the Trail 72 loop to return (8 km).
Philippe Lake and Lusk Cave Trails
An original adventure
Located near Philippe Lake, Lusk Cave is a unique geological phenomenon that is accessible on foot. The route that leads to it runs along a lake reflecting the colourful hills. You can explore the cave on foot, but be careful: it’s dark and the water levels (cold, especially in fall) can be as high as a metre or more. Make sure you have the proper equipment! Follow the Lusk Cave Trail (73, a hilly trail) to get back. This will take you through a vibrantly coloured, old-growth forest.
- Distance: 9 km (loop)
- Level of difficulty: Trail 73 is narrow and hilly, with rocks and tree roots, while Trail 50 is wide and mostly flat. There are stairs near the cave on Trail 73.
- Starting point: Parent Beach parking lot (get directions to Parent Beach parking lot)
- Shuttle: On weekends and holiday Mondays, the Philippe Lake shuttle stops 1 km away from Parent Beach (Breton stop).
- Dogs: Permitted on leash on the trail from mid-April to end of November; not permitted at the beach, in day shelters or in picnic areas
- Another option: For a longer hike, follow Trail 54 along Lusk Lake, and follow Trail 55 to Trail 74, which brings you back to the parking lot (12 km).
Waterfall and Lauriault trails
Connect with nature just outside the city
This route winds through a dense and colourful forest, past Lauriault Falls (also called the Bridal Veil Falls). The falls, although not as active in autumn, are still very scenic. This is a serene route that also offers superb views. It’s perfect for a family outing or a contemplative stroll.
- Distance: 3 km (loop)
- Level of difficulty: The trail is quite wide, moderately hilly, with rocky and root-covered sections.
- Starting point: Lauriault Trail (get directions to Lauriault Trail parking lot) or Waterfall Trail parking lots (get directions to Waterfall Trail parking lot)
- Shuttle: The Gatineau Park shuttle stops at Lauriault Trail every day of the week except Wednesday.
- Dogs: Permitted on leash at all times
- Another option: Extend your outing by starting at parking lot P6 (paid parking, but the free shuttle also stops there; get directions to P6) and by visiting the museums (open on weekends only) and the historic gardens and ruins at the Mackenzie King Estate (5 km or more).
- Pro tip: Buy food at a shop in Old Chelsea and enjoy a picnic at the Lauriault Trail Lookout.
Scenic parkways and trails via the shuttle
Make the most of popular areas
To visit well known areas like Pink Lake or Champlain Lookout, go during the week and let the park drive you. The Gatineau Park shuttle is free and helps you avoid the traffic. This service is offered every day of the week (except Wednesday, when it is not available) until October 26, 2025.
Please note: The shuttle bus is very popular, especially on weekends. To avoid lineups and fully enjoy the views, take it on a weekday.
Sample weekday shuttle bus tour
- 8:30 am – Get to the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre (get directions to Gatineau Park Visitor Centre) on your own. Take a hike on the Sugarbush Trail (1.9 km loop on stone-dust trail with some slopes). Pro tip: buy some picnic food at one of the shops in Old Chelsea before you start off.
- 9:30 am – Take the shuttle to the Champlain Lookout. Take in the views, then hike the Champlain Trail (1.1 km loop trail with root-covered sections, sharp inclines and stairs).
- 10:57 am – Hop on the shuttle and go to the Mackenzie King Estate. Explore the ruins and gardens (please note that the cottages (museums) are closed during the week). Picnic break.
- 12:43 pm – Take the shuttle to Pink Lake. Admire the view from the lookout.
- 1 pm – Return to the Visitor Centre by shuttle.
- 1:52 pm – End of outing and return home.
Please note:
- On weekdays, the shuttle runs from the Visitor Centre to Pink Lake only; you cannot board in Ottawa-Gatineau.
- In the morning, there are four departures from the Visitor Centre to Pink Lake. In early afternoon, there are four return drop-offs at the Visitor Centre.
- Once in the Park, the shuttle drops you off at various attractions, with stops every 30 minutes at Pink Lake, Mackenzie King Estate, Lauriault/Mulvihill, King Mountain, Champlain Lookout and Camp Fortune.
- Various combinations of stops are possible. If you are planning a different route, be sure to check the schedule so you don't miss your ride back to the Visitor Centre.
Getting around Gatineau Park trails
The Gatineau Park trail map is georeferenced and available for free via the Avenza Maps mobile application. You can find your position in the park at all times on your phone, even without a cell phone signal. Download it before heading out!
Elsewhere, outside of the park
While it’s true that Gatineau Park is impressive and, with just a little planning, you can experience an exciting fall adventure, did you know that the fall colours are just as brilliant in other Capital destinations?
The Greenbelt and Ottawa-Gatineau green spaces also offer incredible sights, often minus the crowds. So, will you venture outside of Gatineau Park this fall?