Gatineau Park has a network of three scenic routes that run through the southern section of the Park in Gatineau and Chelsea. They are:
- Gatineau Parkway
- Champlain Parkway
- Fortune Lake Parkway
The parkways are not the only way to enter Gatineau Park. Several local roads and 21 parking lots lead to various scenic trails, observation posts, lakes and picnic areas accessible at all times.
Schedule
The parkway schedule varies depending on the season to allow for recreational activities and to protect wildlife species at risk.
Fall 2023: September 23 to October 22
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.
The rules for sharing the road apply even when the parkways are open only for active use. Wildlife and emergency or service vehicles may be present at times on the parkway.
For a detailed schedule, click on one of the modes of travel.
You may walk, drive or use a mobility aid (three- or four-wheeled scooter, etc.) on the parkways at all times. Exercise caution, as you may have to occasionally share the road with cars or the shuttle.
Parkways are open for active use:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: until noon
- Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24: until noon
Note:
- Starting September 30, on Saturdays, Sundays and Thanksgiving Monday, the shuttle will begin its route on parts of the parkways at 9 am. For your own safety and the safety of other cyclists, and to allow room for the shuttle, please remain as close as possible to the right-hand side of the road and travel in single file.
- The section of the Gatineau Parkway between parking lots P8 and P9 (North Loop) is open for active use at all times.
- The section of the Gatineau Parkway between the Champlain Parkway (Mica) and parking lot P8 is open for active use until noon every Saturday and Sunday and on Thanksgiving Monday.
You may skate or roller ski on the parkways when they are not being used by vehicles or the shuttle, that is:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: until noon
- Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24: until noon
Note:
- The section of the Gatineau Parkway between parking lots P8 and P9 (North Loop) is open for active use at all times.
- The section of the Gatineau Parkway between the Champlain Parkway (Mica) and parking lot P8 is open for active use until noon every Saturday and Sunday and on Thanksgiving Monday.
A car-free visit to Gatineau Park is not only possible, it's encouraged! In fall, the NCC and its partners offer free transportation to various parts of Gatineau Park.
- Shuttle—Parkways sector: Saturdays and Sundays from September 30 to October 22, 2023, and Thanksgiving Monday
- Shuttle—Meech Creek Valley and Philippe Lake: Saturdays and Sundays from June 17 to October 22, 2023, and Thanksgiving Monday
The main public transit companies in the region also provide service to stops near Gatineau Park.
Cars and motorcycles have access to the parkways every day from noon to 30 minutes after sunset and on Wednesdays from 8 am.
Use caution as you will have to share the road with the more vulnerable walkers, cyclists or persons using mobility aids.
Winter 2023-2024
In winter, the parkways are reserved for winter recreational activities. In 2023, the winter schedule comes into effect on Sunday, October 22, at 7 pm.
Vehicle access will be restored in the spring, based on the summer schedule.
Summer 2024
The following schedule will be in effect from May to September. Dates to be confirmed.
The parkways are off limits to motor vehicles all day on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Vehicles are permitted on Wednesdays from 8 am to 30 minutes after sunset, and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 30 minutes after sunset.
Sustainable transportation in Gatineau Park
Using transportation methods other than cars to get to Gatineau Park is at the heart of our sustainable transportation strategy and the Gatineau Park Master Plan.
The COVID-19 pandemic advanced our plans.
- 2020: NCC opened the parkways, on a trial basis, for non-motorized recreational activities. The schedule was adjusted as the season progressed to comply with health measures.
- 2021: Extension of pilot project, with adjusted schedule to find a better balance. Online survey about Gatineau Park parkway use. Advisory Committee on Universal Accessibility consultation. New e-bike rental project launched in partnership with Gatineau Park’s Relais plein air.
- 2022: Extension of pilot project. Newly launched summer shuttle service. New e-bike rental stations and addition of rental electric mobility aids (four-wheel scooters, etc.).