News Release
May 2, 2024
The NCC is pleased to announce that it has expanded its free shuttle service in Gatineau Park to include weekday service.
In line with the NCC’s conservation efforts, and to provide convenient access to recreational sites along Gatineau Park’s three parkways, fully accessible free shuttles will run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9:30 am and 2 pm from the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre to Pink Lake and back.
On weekends, the shuttle will run from downtown Ottawa-Gatineau to the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre in Chelsea between 9 am and 6 pm, stopping at several popular destinations in the Park.
Both services will run every 30 minutes and will be on a first come, first served basis.
The weekend shuttle is provided in partnership with the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO), while a private operator will provide the weekday service.
Also, in partnership with Transcollines, the NCC will once again be offering a free shuttle to Philippe Lake. The shuttle will run on weekends and holidays from May 18 to October 27.
All shuttles are fully accessible and free of charge. Please visit our website for full details and schedule.
“Gatineau Park is the largest protected natural green space in the National Capital Region. We’re pleased to offer visitors an accessible, free and convenient way to get to its most popular sites, while reducing our carbon footprint and impact on wildlife.”
— Tobi Nussbaum, CEO, National Capital Commission
Accessing the Gatineau Park parkways
Three parkways run through Gatineau Park, from Gatineau to Chelsea. They provide direct access to some of the Park’s most popular attractions, such as Pink Lake, King Mountain and Champlain Lookout. To best protect nature and offer diverse recreational experiences, private vehicle access is limited. As of May 4, private vehicles are permitted on the parkways from 8 am to dusk on Wednesdays and from noon to dusk on weekends.
Cycling, walking and mobility aids are always permitted on the parkways. A range of motorized mobility devices are available at no cost for people with reduced mobility through a partnership with Relais plein air. Electric-assisted bicycles are available for rent at two locations: Relais plein air and the Visitor Centre in Chelsea through Nomades du parc.
The parkways are not the only way to access Gatineau Park. Several local roads and 21 NCC parking lots are always accessible by private vehicle and lead to dozens of scenic trails, lookouts, lakes and picnic areas.
