Advisory
Please take note of the following before your visit.
Gatineau Park offers over 200 kilometres of summer hiking trails. Whether you are new to the activity or already an avid hiker, the Park is a prime destination for outdoor activities that respect the environment.
Some starting points are located on the parkway network, which is open according to a variable schedule. Don’t forget to check on access routes before heading out.
Access to summer trails is free.
Popular resources to plan your hike
Popular Summer Trails
Winter in Gatineau Park
Hiking is now allowed only on dedicated winter hiking trails, where dogs on a leash are also permitted.
A pleasant little trail that follows Fortune Creek. Has a picnic area.
Dogs on leash are allowed on the trail, but are not permitted at the picnic area.
Does not meet universal accessibility standards.
Interpretive trail with lookout. Great trail for birding, along the shore of Lac des Fées, close to downtown.
Does not meet universal accessibility standards.
Interpretive trail that highlights the history of settlers in the Outaouais region and the Park’s forest diversity.
Universally accessible.
A nice walk through the forest near the Visitor Centre. Has a picnic area.
Dogs on leash are allowed on the trail, but are not permitted at the picnic area.
Universally accessible.
1.1 km loop (30 min)
Explores the top of the Eardley Escarpment at Champlain Lookout. Along the trail, you can learn about the unique plants that grow on the Escarpment. Stop at the Champlain Lookout, and learn about the geological history of the area.
Does not meet universal accessibility standards.
Loops around a beautiful meromictic lake with turquoise waters. Note that the ecosystem in this area is delicate and protected. The trail has a lookout and interpretation panels. There are several sets of stairs.
For conservation reasons, dogs are not permitted on this trail.
Does not meet universal accessibility standards.
Access to the trailhead from the Pink Lake parking lot follows the Gatineau Park Parkway schedule.
4.5 km loop (1hr.15 min)
P6 (Mackenzie King Estate)
Former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King’s favourite trails on his estate. Take in the lookout on the Lauriault Trail and, in the spring, the lovely Bridal Veil Falls. Has a picnic area.
Dogs on leash are allowed on the trail, but are not permitted at the picnic area.
Does not meet universal accessibility standards.
Access to the trailhead from the Lauriault and Waterfall Trail parking lots follows the Gatineau Park Parkway schedule. The trailhead, from parking lot P6, is accessible daily unless otherwise indicated.
1.8 km loop (1 hr.)
Leads to the top of the Eardley Escarpment, 300 m above the Ottawa Valley. The trail features 10 lookouts, and a series of interpretation panels providing information about the forest environment along the trail.
For conservation reasons, dogs are not permitted on this trail.
Does not meet universal accessibility standards.
Access to the trailhead from the King Mountain parking lot follows the Gatineau Park Parkway schedule.
4.2 km loop (2hr.30 min)
A 290-metre climb up the rocky slope of the Eardley Escarpment leading to a fire tower; stunning view of the Ottawa Valley. Along the way, learn about plants and trees on the Escarpment, the most spectacular ecosystem in Gatineau Park. Has a picnic area.
For conservation reasons, dogs are not permitted on this trail.
Does not meet universal accessibility standards.
A hilly trail with an elevation gain of 100 m, and several lookouts over the Outaouais.
Does not meet universal accessibility standards.
Partial closures starting July 2
A 220-metre climb up a steep trail through mature forest to Tawadina Lookout. Has a picnic area. Near Blanchet Beach (Meech Lake).
Dogs on-leash are allowed on the trail, but are not permitted at the beach or picnic area.
Does not meet universal accessibility standards.
8.5 km loop (4hrs.30 min)
Starting at the campground, this hilly trail follows the shore of Philippe Lake and leads to a marble cave which is open to the public. In the cave itself, water levels can be as high as a metre or more. It is recommended that cave explorers bring an extra pair of shoes, a flashlight and a safety helmet. Sandals and rubber boots are not recommended footwear. Has a picnic area.
Dogs on leash are allowed on the trail, but are not permitted at the campground, beach or picnic area.
Does not meet universal accessibility standards.
Access to the trailhead, from the Parent Beach parking lot, is available from mid-May to late October. Parkways and access roads annual schedules
Useful information
Gatineau Park is home to important ecosystems and habitats, including species at risk protected by law. To protect the Park for future generations, it is vital that all users play by the rules. Follow the outdoor ethics code.
- Stay on official trails. Unofficial trails have a significant environmental impact on the sensitive habitats in Gatineau Park.
- Follow pet regulations. Pets are not allowed on the Pink Lake, King Mountain or Luskville Falls trails. Leashed pets are allowed on other trails, from April 15 to November 30.
- Leave no trace. If there are no waste receptacles nearby, take your trash back home with you, where you can dispose of it properly.
Engaging in outdoor activities involves certain risks, and it is always wise to exercise caution. What should you bring? What should you do if you encounter a bear? Prepare for a safe and enjoyable outing in the Park, with these safety tips.