On Saturdays this winter, the NCC, in partnership with Parkbus, is providing a free ride service to Gatineau Park. Enjoy a free ride to Gatineau Park’s Relais plein air or to Camp Fortune, two good starting points for winter fun.
Spaces are limited. Reservation is required.
Schedule
January 25 to March 8, 2025
Free transportation is available every Saturday, except on February 15, 2025. Get a ride to the Park in the morning and return in the afternoon.
- To Gatineau Park: Ottawa (9 am) → Gatineau (9:15 am) → Relais plein air (9:35 am) → Camp Fortune (9:50 am)
- Return from Gatineau Park: Camp Fortune (2:30 pm) → Relais plein air (2:45 pm) → Gatineau (2:55 pm) → Ottawa (3:05 pm)
Stops
The winter ride service makes two stops in Ottawa-Gatineau and two stops in Gatineau Park. Click on the stop of your choice to learn more.
Stop in front of 41, York Street.
Stop in front of the Canadian Museum of History, on Laurier Street.
The Relais plein air in Gatineau Park is a main starting point for outdoor enthusiasts. Located on Boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes and close to downtown Gatineau, it provides direct access to Gatineau Park’s trails. Once there, you can enjoy the lodge, purchase food and drinks, and rent cross-country skis, snowshoes or snow bikes.
What to do
- Cross-country skiing: Extensive shared network (classic and skate skiing) from Trail 27
- Snow biking: Extensive network shared with snowshoeing from Trail 65
- Snowshoeing: Extensive network shared with snow biking from Trail 65
- Winter hiking: No hiking trails start at Relais plein air
Camp Fortune is a destination of choice for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Located in the heart of Gatineau Park, it is well known for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. You can access the lodge, purchase food and drinks, and rent downhill skis, snowboards or snowshoes.
What to do
- Cross-country skiing: Extensive shared network (classic and skate skiing) from Trail 4; extensive back-country network from trails 9 and 32
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding: About twenty slopes, ranging from beginner to expert level
- Snowshoeing: Trail network on the Camp Fortune grounds
- Snow biking and winter hiking: No biking or hiking trails start at Camp Fortune
Rates
The NCC offers winter transportation free of charge. However, you are responsible for paying for your chosen activity and equipment rental fees, if applicable.
Le Relais plein air in Gatineau Park offers discounts upon presentation of your ride reservation. Get more information at the counter.
Accessibility
This transportation service is not accessible, as the buses have stairs and narrow aisles.
Persons eligible for paratransit service who are registered with the STO or Transcollines may request transportation to the Park through the usual process.
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
Need help planning your outing? Check out Your Guide to Gatineau Park Trails in Winter. You’ll find a variety of useful links, including our interactive maps.
- Safety: Engaging in outdoor activities involves certain risks, especially in winter. Prepare for an enjoyable outing by following our safety tips, winter trail etiquette in Gatineau Park and the Camp Fortune safety code of conduct.
- Equipment allowed on board the bus: Only skis and snowshoes are accepted on the bus. There are no bike racks.
- Dogs: Only guide dogs and service dogs are allowed on board.
- Cellphone reception: Cellphone signal reception varies greatly depending on the telephone service provider and your location in the Park.
This winter transportation service 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.