Free NCC Shuttle During Fall Rhapsody

Current status: This service has ended

If you plan on visiting the parkway sector in Gatineau Park on a weekend this fall, we strongly recommend taking the free NCC shuttle to access some of the Park’s popular sites.

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. One route will be operating during Fall Rhapsody. There will be one pickup location in downtown Ottawa, at the Canadian War Museum, and one in downtown Gatineau, at the Canadian Museum of History.

The shuttle is the only way, other than via active transportation, that you can be sure to get to the popular destinations in the parkway sector. Hop on the shuttle from one of the many stops, and make your way to scenic Pink Lake, the Mackenzie King Estate and Champlain Lookout!

Schedule and stops

Weekends and holidays, October 1 to 23, 2022

Shuttle service every 15 to 20 minutes

No reservations, limited seating: first come, first served

From Ottawa–Gatineau to the Champlain Lookout	First departure: 9 am Last departure: 1 pm
From the Champlain Lookout to Ottawa–Gatineau	Last departure at 4 pm

Disclaimer: If you miss the last shuttle, you are responsible for finding your way out of the Park. The following taxi company services Gatineau Park: Groupe Transit (819-779-2299).

Accessibility for people with reduced mobility

The school buses providing the shuttle service are not accessible, as they have stairs and a narrow aisle. However, we do offer an accessible shuttle for people with reduced mobility.

The accessible shuttle will be in service on the same days as the regular Fall Rhapsody shuttle, with departures at 9 am and 1 pm from the Canadian War Museum, and at 9:15 am and 1:15 pm from the Canadian Museum of History. The itinerary will be flexible, based on the passengers’ desired stops.

Stops

You can board and disembark at any of the following stops. Click on the stop of your choice to learn more about the nearby services and attractions.

Canadian War Museum stop location

The stop is located at the Canadian War Museum. There is paid parking at the museum. The stop is located at about 700 metres from OC Transpo’s Pimisi LRT station.

Canadian Museum of History stop location

There is parking on the neighbouring streets.

Outhouse, water fountain, picnic area and interpretation panels. Leashed dogs allowed.

This stop is at the south entrance of the Park, at the edge of the forest, just steps away from the city. It’s a popular starting point for hiking and biking, especially on the 200-km paved multi-use pathway that winds through the Capital.

South entrance (P3) stop location

What to do here
Take a few moments to discover the Park’s history, geography and ecosystems on the giant map in the reception area. Take a stroll on the Pioneers Trail, with interpretation panels that highlight the history of settlers in the Outaouais region and the Park’s forest diversity.

A little further
From the paved pathway, you can get to the Lac-des-Fées Pathway, great for birding along the lakeshore. Trail 5, also called the Capital Pathway, leads to the Asticou Centre, Relais plein air and beyond.

Information officers, outhouse, interpretation panels, lookout. No swimming and no dogs allowed.

Pink Lake is the most exceptional lake in Gatineau Park. Due to Its meromictic properties (the bottom and top layers of water never mix), it is turquoise. The lake was named after the Pink family, who settled here in 1826.

Pink Lake Lookout stop location

What to do here
Take time to admire the stunning view of the lake from the accessible lookout and read the interpretive panels. Or, go down the stairs to follow the Pink Lake Trail, which circles the lake and offers several viewpoints near the water.

A little further
Although it is quite a walk, you can also access the Mackenzie King Estate via trails 35 and 15. If you have enough time, the cottages converted into museums, the historic ruins, and the flowering gardens are worth the trip.

Information officers, outhouse, water fountain, picnic area, interpretation panels, historical site. No swimming allowed. Dogs on leash allowed.

The Mackenzie King Estate is the former summer residence of Canada’s 10th prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King, who bequeathed it to Canadians. This 2.31-hectare country estate offers the perfect combination of history and nature.

Mackenzie King Estate stop location

What to do here
Take a walk around the Kingswood and Moorside cottages, stroll through the gardens, and discover the ruins assembled by King to landscape and beautify the surroundings. Learn more about the history of the site from our interpretive guides, and through the interactive exhibits.

A little further
The Lauriault and Waterfall trails, which run along a stream, will lead you to the Bridal Veil Falls and a stone lookout. Although it is a fairly lengthy walk, you can also access Pink Lake via trails 15 and 35.

Outhouse, picnic area, lookout, waterfall. No swimming. Leashed dogs allowed.

Mulvihill Lake is a quiet little lake where wildlife can be observed near the shore. The stream that runs along the Waterfall Trail flows from this lake. The names Mulvihill and Lauriault refer to families who once lived in the area.

Lauriault/Mulvihill stop location

What to do here
Mulvihill Lake is a jewel to discover. It has an accessible lookout with a view of the lake, as well as a picnic area. The Lauriault and Waterfall trails, which run along a stream, will lead you to the Bridal Veil Falls and a stone lookout.

A little further
The Mackenzie King Estate, with its magnificent historic ruins, are only 1 km from the stop, if you take the Lauriault Trail on the Mulvihill side. Extend your hike by visiting the cottages (museums)and admiring the gardens.

Outhouse, picnic area, interpretation panels, lookout. No dogs allowed.

The stop is at the base of King Mountain, on the Canadian Shield. Various types of forest are found here. The sudden transitions between the types of trees growing here are due to variations in soil, water and the amount of light.

King Mountain stop location

What to do here
King Mountain Trail is a challenging loop featuring interpretive panels. Follow it counter-clockwise, and stop on the rock overlooking the Eardley Escarpment. You will also pass by Canada’s first geodetic survey station.

A little further
Start your hike on King Mountain Trail going clockwise. Turn left onto Trail 37 and, in a short distance, you will cross Champlain Parkway. This will take you to the Wattsford Lookout, where you can take in a view of the ski slopes at Camp Fortune.

Information officers, outhouse, lookout, interpretation panels. Leashed dogs allowed.

The Champlain Lookout is on the Eardley Escarpment. It rises 270 metres from the floor of the Ottawa Valley and is the best-known viewpoint in the Park. The Escarpment forms a dividing line between the Canadian Shield and the St. Lawrence Lowlands.

Champlain Lookout stop location

What to do here
Take time to admire the view from the accessible lookout with its iconic wall, or go down the stairs to follow Champlain Trail, and read the interpretive panels. The unique microclimate hosts many rare species.

A little further
Just a few kilometres away are two day shelters and a lookout with a view over the city. Follow Trail 1 east to the Étienne Brûlé Lookout and Huron Shelter, or head west to go to the Western Shelter.

Know before you go

Safety: Engaging in outdoor activities involves certain risks. Plan a safe and enjoyable outing by following our safety tips.
In-line skating: In-line skates and roller skis are not permitted on the parkways when the shuttle is running.
Strollers: Strollers are allowed on board the buses. You must fold and safely store strollers while in transit.
Dogs: Only guide dogs and service dogs are allowed on board. In Gatineau Park, dogs must be leashed at all times, and are not allowed in picnic areas, or on the Pink Lake or King Mountain trails.
Cellphone reception: Cellphone signal reception varies depending on the telephone service provider and the location in the Park (including the parkways sector).
Drinking water: Drinking fountains are available at three locations in the Park: South Entrance (P3), the Mackenzie King Estate and the Visitor Centre. Bring your own water bottle.