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 on the three parkways and varies depending on the season.
- From May to October, a free shuttle bus goes to popular attractions six days a week during times private vehicle access is limited.
- In winter, the parkways are closed to traffic and used as cross-country ski trails.
Parkways schedule
Hikers, cyclists and persons using mobility aids
You can access the parkways at all times.
Please note that the shuttle runs every day except Wednesday and that wildlife and service or emergency vehicles may also be on the parkways at any time. You’ll also be sharing the road with private vehicles when access is allowed.
Shuttle bus
Starting on May 18, the free shuttle runs every 30 minutes on the parkways on the following schedule:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30 am to 2 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:10 am to 4:45 pm
On weekends, the shuttle runs from downtown Ottawa-Gatineau and from the Visitor Centre in Chelsea. On weekdays, the shuttle only runs from the Visitor Centre.
Private vehicles
You can drive on the parkways on the following schedule:
- Wednesday: 8 am to dusk
- Saturday and Sunday: noon to dusk
Please note that hikers, cyclists and persons with mobility aids can access the parkways at all times. Caution is advised.
Hikers, cyclists and persons using mobility aids
You can access the parkways at all times.
Please note that the shuttle runs every day except Wednesday and that wildlife and service or emergency vehicles may also be on the parkways at any time. You’ll also be sharing the road with private vehicles when access is allowed.
Shuttle bus
The fall shuttle schedule will be posted later.
Private vehicles
You can drive on the parkways on the following schedule:
- Wednesday: 8 am to sunset
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: noon to sunset
Please note that hikers, cyclists and persons with mobility aids can access the parkways at all times. Caution is advised.
October 28, 2024 to spring 2025
In winter, the parkways are used as cross-country ski trails. They are closed to private vehicles and there is no shuttle service.
The winter parkway schedule comes into effect early on for safety reasons. The risk of ice on the road increases when the temperature drops, and we do not use salt or grit so that we can protect the sensitive environment and vegetation.
Between seasons
You may walk, cycle, skate, roller ski, or use a mobility aid (three- or four-wheeled scooter, etc.) on the parkways until the first snowfall and after the winter season has officially closed.
However, keep in mind that you might encounter service vehicles or wildlife.
FAQs
Gatineau Park has a network of three scenic routes that run through its centre from Gatineau to Chelsea. They are:
- Gatineau Parkway
- Champlain Parkway
- Fortune Lake Parkway
The Pink Lake parking lot is accessible from the Gatineau Parkway. You can drive or take the shuttle depending on the schedule in effect (see above).
Here are two ways to get to Pink Lake via the Gatineau Park trail network.
- 9.2-km hike (round trip) from P6 ($; Mackenzie King Estate): Take trails 15, then 35, leading to the Pink Lake Trail loop (included in the total hiking distance).
- 14.4-km hike (round trip) from P2 (Relais plein air): Take the Leamy Creek Pathway (Trail 27). Then follow the Gatineau Park Pathway (Trail 5) to Trail 25. Continue on Trail 25, turn left on Trail 15, then left again on Trail 35, which leads to the Pink Lake Trail loop (included in the total hiking distance).
There are other possible routes! Create your own plan by using our trail map.
The King Mountain parking lot is accessible from the Gatineau Parkway. You can drive or take the shuttle depending on the schedule in effect (see above).
Here’s one way to get to King Mountain via the Gatineau Park trail network.
- 5.7-km hike (round trip) from P7: Take Trail 30. Turn left on Trail 8, cross the Champlain Parkway, then take Trail 37 leading to the King Mountain Trail loop (included in the total hiking distance).
There are other possible routes! Create your own plan by using our trail map.
Mackenzie King Estate is accessible from the Champlain Parkway. You can drive or take the shuttle depending on the schedule in effect (see above).
Mackenzie King Estate is also accessible at all times via Kingsmere Road from Chelsea. Follow the signage for parking lot P6 ($), which indicates to turn left at Swamp Road, and then right on Barnes Road. The Estate entrance is on the left.
The Champlain Lookout is located on the Champlain Parkway. You can drive or take the shuttle depending on the schedule in effect (see above).
Here’s one way to get to the Champlain Lookout via the Gatineau Park trail network.
- 7.8-km hike (round trip) from P12 ($): Take Trail 40 to the fork with Trail 2. Then follow Trail 2 to Trail 1. Take Trail 1 leading to the Champlain Lookout. Please note that this route is classified as difficult due to steep slopes.
In-line skates and roller skis are prohibited by Quebec’s Highway Safety Code on any roadway when the road is open to private vehicles, including the Gatineau Park free shuttle.
We recommend using the following Gatineau Parkway areas:
- Between parking lots P8 and P9 (North Loop): You can use this 3.5-km segment (7 km round trip) at all times. Private vehicles and the shuttle do not have access to this area at any time.
- Between the intersection with the Champlain Parkway (Mica) and parking lot P8: The shuttle never runs on this 4.8-km segment (9.6 km round trip). In summer, you can use it on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and on weekends before noon, when private vehicles do not have access to the Park.
Gatineau Park parkways close at dusk, about 30 minutes after sunset. Below are the approximate closing times:
| Time of year | Approximate closing time |
| May 4 to May 17, 2024 | 9 pm |
| May 18 to July 29, 2024 | 9:30 pm |
| July 30 to August 18, 2024 | 9 pm |
| August 19 to September 4, 2024 | 8:30 pm |
| September 5 to September 22, 2024 | 8 pm |
| September 23 to October 27, 2024 | 7:30 pm |
| October 8 to October 27, 2024 | 7 pm |