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News Release

September 23, 2022

National Capital Region—The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to once again be your guide to discovering the region’s stunning fall scenery. From September 24 to October 23, come out and enjoy the full display of colours during the NCC’s #FallRhapsody.

The NCC offers several options to help you plan your fall outings.

Free NCC Gatineau Park Shuttle
This year, the NCC Fall Rhapsody shuttle service will be operated by a local school bus provider. This change is due to ongoing staffing shortages experienced by our regular partner, the Société de Transport de l’Outaouais (STO). With one departure location at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, accessible via the Pimisi LRT station on the Confederation Line, and one at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, the free shuttle remains one of the best ways to visit everyone’s favourite destinations in Gatineau Park: Pink Lake, the Mackenzie King Estate and Champlain Lookout.

A shuttle service with accessible vehicles is also available to people with reduced mobility, with departures at 9 am and 1 pm on weekends (including Thanksgiving Monday). For more information about availability, please contact the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre at 819-827-2020 or 1-866-456-3016 (toll-free).

The shuttle will bring people to the Park from 9 am to 1 pm, every 15 to 20 minutes, over four weekends. The last departure from Champlain Lookout will be at 4 pm:

  • October 1 and 2
  • October 8, 9 and 10
  • October 15 and 16
  • October 22 and 23

The NCC thanks the STO for their many years of involvement during Fall Rhapsody, and hopes to work with them again in the future.

Visit our website for more details about the free NCC shuttle routes, stops and schedule during Fall Rhapsody.

Ride to the Meech Creek Valley and Philippe Lake area for free
In partnership with Transcollines, the NCC offers stops along the 924 line during Fall Rhapsody weekends, including Thanksgiving Monday. From October 1 to 23, 2022, you can hop on the 924 line at many stops, including the Galeries de Hull and Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, and head to the Meech Creek Valley (from P16) and Philippe Lake (from P20 at Breton beach) areas free of charge. This is a great way to explore the less-congested parts of Gatineau Park.

Gatineau Park parkways: Fall schedule
The Gatineau Park parkways fall schedule comes into effect this Saturday, September 24, and continues until Sunday, October 23. The parkways will be open for active use on weekdays until noon. During weekends in October and on Thanksgiving Monday, the Fall Rhapsody shuttle will use the Gatineau and Champlain parkways after 9 am. Motor vehicles will have access to the parkways from noon until 30 minutes after sunset. Check our schedule for more information.

Due to the increased use of Gatineau Park during Fall Rhapsody, expect temporary closures and lineups. Visit the Gatineau Park traffic updates web page for updates.

Downtown
You don’t have to go far to enjoy the seasonal show of colour. Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau offer spectacular vantage points for viewing the shades of ochre, orange and red. Explore the many parks, shorelines and gardens on foot, by bike or by bus. And don’t forget to stop in for a bite at one of the NCC Bistros.

The Capital Pathway
 The Capital Pathway offers over 200 kilometres of multi-use pathways, extending from Gatineau Park, through Ottawa–Gatineau and into the Greenbelt — the National Capital Region is truly a paradise for day tripping.

The best feature of the pathway network is its setting. Located mainly in natural environments, it offers a fun way to spend time outdoors, and provides some of the best vistas for fall photography.

Parkways
As part of the NCC Weekend Bikedays, active users will continue to have exclusive access every weekend (including Thanksgiving Monday) to the Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier parkways, from 8 am to 4 pm, until October 10, 2022 (Thanksgiving). The Queen Elizabeth Driveway is also accessible to active users on weekends until October 10, from Saturday at 8 am through to Sunday at 8 pm.

National Capital Greenbelt
Experience nature in the Greenbelt, host to several natural protected areas — including forests, sand dunes, wetlands and 100 km of natural trails and built pathways — where you can enjoy year-round recreation. The National Capital Greenbelt is also home to many NCC farms. Add some flavour to your day by visiting one these farms for unique experiences and special fall activities. Make sure to get the latest updates on the reopened trails, while NCC crews continue to work hard to secure and clear affected sectors of the Greenbelt following the derecho.

LINKS

Media information
Sofia Benjelloun
NCC Media Relations
343-549-7203
sofia.benjelloun@ncc-ccn.ca