This service has ended!
To take the bus to Gatineau Park, see other public transit options.
Have your say on the service by responding to our survey on the Gatineau Park shuttle.
Another way to visit Gatineau Park! The NCC provides a free shuttle service in the summer on Saturday and Sunday. The shuttle will bring you to popular destinations near the parkways.
Schedule
May 20 to August 27, 2023
Saturday and Sunday
Shuttle service every 30 minutes
No reservations, limited seating: first come, first served
First departure | Last departure | |
Ottawa–Gatineau to the Visitor Centre | 9:10 am | 3:10 pm |
Visitor Centre to Ottawa–Gatineau | 9:45 am | 4:45 pm |
Time for entire route is approximately 80 minutes.
Disclaimer: If you miss the last shuttle, you are responsible for leaving the Park yourself. The following taxi company serves the park: Transit (819-779-2299).
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.
Accessibility
All stops are accessible to persons with reduced mobility. All shuttles are equipped with an access ramp and low floor.
Discover Gatineau Park’s accessible infrastructure and activities, and learn more about what we do to improve access for people with reduced mobility.
Know before you go
- Safety: Engaging in outdoor activities involves certain risks. Plan a safe and enjoyable outing by following our safety tips.
- Biking: All shuttles are equipped with a bike rack; availability is first-come, first-served.
- 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 STO buses.
- Dogs: According to STO policy, only guide dogs and service dogs are allowed on board STO buses. In Gatineau Park, dogs must be on a leash at all times, and are not allowed on the Pink Lake or King Mountain trails, or in picnic areas.
- 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 the south entrance of the Park, at Mackenzie King Estate and at the Visitor Centre. Bring your water bottle.
The free NCC shuttle is provided in partnership with the Société de transport de l’Outaouais and Camp Fortune. This project is an initiative of the Gatineau Park Master Plan, which aims to promote alternative transportation to gradually reduce the impact of private vehicles on the Park.