NCC announces 2023 active use program

News Release

May 1, 2023

National Capital Region—Rolling, cycling and walking on the Capital’s scenic parkways has been a highlight of summer in the region since the 1970s. The National Capital Commission is pleased to announce the return of its popular active use program for the 2023 season. Nearly 50 kilometres of parkways on both sides of the river will be periodically reserved for active use, creating a unique, safe and environmentally friendly way to experience the beauty of the region.

NCC Weekend Bikedays are back on the Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier parkways

Our popular NCC Weekend Bikedays are back for a 53rd season. Every Saturday, Sunday and holiday Monday, from May 13 to October 9, both westbound lanes of the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, from Vimy Place to Carling Avenue and both lanes of the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway between the Aviation Parkway and St. Joseph Boulevard in Orléans will be reserved for active use.

We are mindful of the challenges that work on the Champlain Bridge is creating for residents on both sides of the river and have therefore made some adjustments to the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway schedule.

Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway schedule:

Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway schedule:

* It can take our team up to one hour to safely clear the parkways. Private vehicle access will be restored by 1 pm on the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway and by 5 pm on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway.

Thank you to our NCC Weekend Bikedays sponsors, Access Storage and Cubeit.

Take in canal-side views on Queen Elizabeth Driveway

The NCC is also pleased to announce the return of its active use program on Queen Elizabeth Driveway, from Somerset Street to Fifth Avenue. From May 13 to October 9, the Driveway will be periodically reserved for active use. As a result of stakeholder consultations and public feedback, the NCC is adjusting this year’s Parkway schedule.

* It can take our team up to one hour to safely clear the parkways. Access to private vehicles will be restored by 9 pm.

NEW: This year, users will be able to enjoy the CAA rest area between Fourth Ave. and Fifth Ave. There will also be a rest area near Pretoria Bridge.

Discover Gatineau Park in a new way

Through the Gatineau Park Master Plan, the NCC has signalled its intent to transition vehicular usage of the Gatineau Park parkways to sustainable and active modes to lessen the impacts on the Park’s ecosystems and contribute to a better overall visitor experience. In this transition period, during which the NCC intends to greatly increase its shuttle service offering, private vehicles are still permitted at certain times. As a result of stakeholder consultations and public feedback, the NCC is adjusting this year’s Parkway offerings.

The NCC will be extending its popular free shuttle season by an additional 5 weekends running all day on Saturdays and Sundays from May 20 to August 27. The service is accessible for persons with reduced mobility: all stops are accessible, and all shuttles are equipped with an access ramp and low floor. In addition, there is a bicycle rack available on all the buses.

The NCC will once again offer a variety of assisted vehicles for people with reduced mobility at no cost available from the Relais Plein Air pavilion. In addition, this year there will be two sites for users to rent electric bicycles - at the Relais Plein Air and near the Visitor Centre in Chelsea.

From May 6 to September 22, the Gatineau Park parkways will be open to private vehicles on Wednesdays from 8 am to 30 minutes after sunset, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 30 minutes after sunset. The additional times for private vehicle access from last year’s schedule - Wednesday mornings and one hour earlier access on weekends - recognizes the interest in midweek morning access in the absence of a weekday shuttle service for the 2023 summer season. 

Gatineau Park parkways summer schedule:

The share the road rules apply all the time, even when the roads are reserved for active users, as service vehicles may also use the roads at times—and wildlife too. Cyclists must ride in single file on the right side of the road, obey speed limits, and keep groups to a maximum of 15 cyclists.

All active users, whether on wheels or on foot, are asked to be respectful of others, travel at safe speeds, be predictable, and share the road.

Quotes

“Our parkways program reflects the NCC interest in promoting environmental sustainability, activating our public spaces and encouraging access for all. For over fifty years, the NCC has been opening its parkways for people, an initiative that has been replicated in countless cities around the globe. Creating safe and accessible spaces throughout the capital region turns our parkways from transportation corridors to destinations in themselves.”

--Tobi Nussbaum, Chief Executive Officer, National Capital Commission

“Since 2015, at the request of the National Capital Commission, the STO has proudly used its expertise to transport people from all over Gatineau and Ottawa to Gatineau Park. Our two organizations, being environmentally conscious, will use hybrid buses in the Park. On the circuit, all stops will be accessible, and our vehicles will be equipped with access ramps so that people with reduced mobility can board the shuttle and enjoy our green spaces. Also, to facilitate various forms of public and active transportation in the National Capital, all our buses will be equipped with bike racks.”

--Jocelyn Blondin, Chair, STO Board of Directors

Media information

QED and Weekend Bikedays
Benoît Desjardins
NCC Media Relations
613-286-0886
benoit.desjardins@ncc-ccn.ca

Gatineau Park
Clémence Grevey
NCC Media Relations
613-859-9596
clemence.grevey@ncc-ccn.ca