Gatineau Park parkways are a network of scenic routes that run through the southern part of the Park, in Gatineau and Chelsea. They have two main functions, and the NCC strives to maintain a balance between the two.
- Gateways: They provide access to some of the Park’s most popular attractions, such as King Mountain, Pink Lake and Champlain Lookout.
- Recreational sites: They are used for activities such as road biking and cross-country skiing.
The parkways are one of many ways to access Gatineau Park. Local roads also lead to 21 parking lots, open daily. From there, several trails lead to scenic viewpoints, lakes and picnic areas.
Current status: The winter schedule is in effect.
Schedule
Winter: October 24 to May 2023
The Parkways are closed to vehicle traffic in winter starting on October 23, 2022, at 7 p.m. They reopen in May as soon as conditions permit.
- Before the first snowfall: You are allowed to walk or cycle on the Parkways. However, keep in mind that you might encounter service vehicles or wildlife getting ready for winter.
- As soon as the first snow falls: You are no longer allowed to walk or cycle on the Parkways. Every snowfall helps create a good base for cross-country skiing.
Summer 2023
The parkway schedule for the summer will be announced in spring 2023.
Rules for sharing the parkways
The rules for sharing the road apply even when the parkways are open only for active use. The Park’s service vehicles may be present at times on the parkways.
Pilot project
The NCC is working to balance the times when the parkways are open only for non-motorized recreational activities, and when they are open also to motor vehicles.
The pilot project launched in spring 2020 is continuing.
- May 7: Extension of the pilot project (third year); the parkways are open to motor vehicles on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays starting at 1 pm.
- June 25 to August 28: The NCC offers a free shuttle service to popular destinations along the parkways.
- E-bike rentals at the Relais plein air and at the rental kiosk in parking lot P8.
- September 24: End of the pilot project (third year) and start of Fall Rhapsody; the parkways are open to motor vehicles every day starting at noon.
- October 23: The parkways close for the season.
In 2021, the NCC resumed its pilot project for a second year, with a few adjustments.
- March 12 to April: An online survey on the use of Gatineau Park parkways receives over 11,000 responses.
- May 1: Extension of the pilot project (year 2); the parkways are open to motor vehicles on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays after 1 pm.
- May: Consultation with the Advisory Committee on Universal Accessibility to improve access for people with disabilities.
- August: The Relais plein air, one of the NCC’s partners, offers e-bike rentals.
- September 25: End of pilot project (year 2) and beginning of Fall Rhapsody; the parkways are open to motor vehicles every day starting at noon.
- October 24: Seasonal closure of the parkways.
In 2020, in response to the limits imposed by the global pandemic, the NCC, on a trial basis, opened the parkways for non-motorized recreational activities. Adjustments were made as the season progressed.
- May 21: Launch of the pilot project; the parkways are open only for non-motorized recreational activities.
- July 5: Adjustment made to the pilot project; the parkways are open to motor vehicles on Sunday afternoons.
- September 26: End of the pilot project and beginning of Fall Rhapsody; the parkways are open to motor vehicles every day after noon.
- October 25: Seasonal closure of the parkways.