If you plan on visiting popular areas in Gatineau Park on a weekend this fall, we strongly recommend taking the free NCC shuttle to access some of the Park’s sites. Due to the high volume of visitors, the shuttle is the best way to get to popular destinations in the parkways area.
Board the shuttle from one of several stops and get ready to enjoy the beautiful views near Pink Lake, Mackenzie King Estate and Champlain Lookout!
NCC shuttle service will be operated by local school bus providers. Our regular partner, the Société de Transport de l’Outaouais (STO), is unable to provide services due to ongoing staffing shortages.
Fortune Lake Parkway: One-way toward Dunlop on weekends
When the shuttle is in service, between 10 am and 5 pm on weekends and Thanksgiving Monday, from September 30 to October 22, all traffic (active mobility and private vehicles) on the southbound Fortune Lake parkway towards the lookouts will be prohibited. This will ensure the safety of the shuttle and of people travelling towards Dunlop.
Schedule and stops
September 30 to October 22, 2023
Weekends and Thanksgiving Monday
Ottawa–Gatineau route
Pīndigen Park ↔ Champlain Lookout
Every 15 to 20 minutes
| First departure | Last departure | |
| Ottawa–Gatineau to Champlain Lookout | 9 am | 1 pm |
| Champlain Lookout to Ottawa–Gatineau | 10 am | 4 pm |
Visitor Centre route
Gatineau Park Visitor Centre ↔ Champlain Lookout
Every 30 minutes
| First departure | Last departure | |
| Visitor Centre to Champlain Lookout | 10 am | 1 pm |
| Champlain Lookout to Visitor Centre | 10:30 am | 4 pm |
NCC paratransit services for Fall Rhapsody weekends
The school buses that provide shuttle services have stairs and narrow aisles and are therefore not accessible. Because of this, Transcollines is partnering with the NCC to offer paratransit services for people with reduced mobility.
Services will be provided on the same days and routes as the regular shuttle, with two routes per day. The first route departs at approximately 9:30 am and the second at approximately 1:30 pm, from the following stops:
- Ottawa: Pīndigen Park
- Gatineau: Canadian Museum of History and South Entrance (P3)
- Chelsea: Visitor Centre and Camp Fortune
Other routes are flexible depending on destinations passengers would like to see.
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.
Parking on nearby streets. Pimisi Station (O-Train) is a ten-minute walk from the shuttle stop. Parking ($) at the Canadian War Museum.
There is parking on nearby streets, at the museum, and at the Jacques-Cartier Park marina.
South entrance (P3) stop location
What to do and see
Take a few minutes to learn about the Park’s history, geography and ecosystems by viewing 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 down
You can get to Lac-des-Fées Pathway via the paved pathway, which is great for bird watching along the lakeshore. Trail 5, also called the Capital Pathway, leads to the Asticou Centre, Relais plein air, and further beyond.
Pink Lake Lookout stop location
What to do and see
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 down
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.
Mackenzie King Estate stop location
What to do and see
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 down
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.
Lauriault/Mulvihill stop location
What to do and see
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 down
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.
King Mountain stop location
What to do and see
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 down
Start your hike on King Mountain Trail going clockwise. Turn left onto Trail 37 and, after a short distance, you will cross Champlain Parkway. Here you will join trail 30 toward Wattsford Lookout, where you can see the city of Ottawa in the background beyond the hills.
Champlain Lookout stop location
What to do and see
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 down
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 toward the Western Shelter.
Camp Fortune stop location
What to do and see
Get out for a ride on the mountain biking trails or test your balance in the aerial park between the trees. You can also try the Mountain Coaster, an exciting new ride on a monorail track through the forest.
A little further down
From Trail 4, starting beyond the aerial park, continue on Trail 1 to the Keogan Shelter or Wattsford Lookout on the other side of Camp Fortune. This trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail, which stretches across Canada, from coast to coast.
Visitor Centre stop location
What to do and see
Near the large grassy area, picnic tables and the Sugarbush Shelter are available in case of rain. Cross the small bridge to reach the Sugarbush Trail, one of four walking trails open year-round.
A little further down
This stop is in the heart of the charming village of Old Chelsea. Cross Scott Road to discover shops, cafés and art galleries. At the end of the road, you will find a small bridge spanning a beautiful waterfall and leading to a picnic area.
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.