Update on COVID-19

Last updated on: November 30, 2020

Since the onset of COVID-19, the NCC has worked to provide public access to its assets while respecting public health directives. To date, this has meant enjoying the outdoors while ensuring safe physical distancing.

The NCC’s Framework for Public Use of Its Assets has been easing toward greater access to our assets. In doing so, we will stay responsive to public health directives and measures by provincial authorities, as they happen, and will continue consultations with local municipalities.

We are currently in Phase 2 of the NCC’s Framework for Public Use of Its Assets.

Here’s an overview of the three-phase approach:

• Phase 1 – Local use only, with the introduction of partial closure to motor vehicles on NCC parkways to help with physical distancing.
• Phase 2 – Broader public access to assets for both local and other users.
• Phase 3 – Regular use of assets.

In all cases

Users must practise physical distancing (stay two metres apart), and follow NCC-specific rules to ensure that everyone can enjoy our assets safely.

At all times, public health directives and local authority measures apply.

During Phase 1 and 2 of the NCC’s Framework for Public Use of Its Assets, sections of our parkways were closed to motor vehicle traffic, and open for pedestrians and cyclists, as pilot projects. These pilot projects were an enormous success — allowing over 600,000 visits through the end of September.

The pilot projects are now over.

As we are now in Phase 2 of the NCC’s Framework for Public Use of Its Assets, Gatineau Park is accessible for broader public use.

Visitor Centre

The Gatineau Park Visitor Centre is open for information services and the sale of trail maps. Its washrooms, exhibits, lunch room and meeting rooms remain closed until further notice.

Parkways and roads

• The Gatineau Park parkway network (Champlain, Gatineau, Fortune Lake and Philippe Lake parkways) is closed to motor vehicle traffic for the winter season.
• The road accessing Luskville Falls is closed for the winter season.
• The La Pêche Lake sector of Gatineau Park was closed for the season on Monday, October 12.
  
• Work on Chemin du Lac-Meech between parking lot P8 and Dunlop Road is ongoing. Active users are asked to obey the signage and follow instructions provided by flag persons.

Parking lots

• Open: P1, P2, P3, P5, P6 (Mackenzie King Estate), P7, P8, P9, P10, P11, P12, P13, Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, Old Chelsea Picnic Area, Dunlop Picnic Area, P16, P17, P19, P20 (Breton Beach)* and Church Hill Picnic Area
• Closed: Champlain Lookout, Étienne-Brûlé Lookout, Fortune Lake, Huron Lookout, Keogan, King Mountain, Lauriault Trail, Mulvihill Lake, Penguin Picnic Area, Pink Lake Lookout, Pink Lake Trail, Waterfall Trail and P6 (Mackenzie King Estate) from the Champlain Parkway, Parent Beach and Luskville Falls Trail
  

* As a pilot project, the Breton Beach parking lot will be the P20 parking lot this winter.

Other facilities

Outhouses, sanitary blocks and picnic areas are open. Day shelters (except Sugarbush, Shilly Shally and Lusk) remain accessible for emergencies only.

Access to the Greenbelt is fully permitted for recreational activities.

Parking lots, outhouses and some outdoor recreational amenities, including picnic areas and benches, are open.

Bruce Pit off-leash dog park is open.

Access to all NCC parks and lands is fully permitted for recreational activities. Public washrooms and outhouses are open.

Closed parking lots:

• Jacques-Cartier Park South, all parking lots
• Champlain Bridge
• Chaudière
• Deschênes Rapids
• Jacques-Cartier Park North (all parking lots)
• Leamy Lake
• Guilmore House

Parking lots open on weekdays:

• Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway
• Kitchissippi Lookout
• Remic Rapids
• Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway
• P7
• P8