Managing unofficial trails in Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park offers around 300 km of official trails for year-round recreation. Over the years, an extensive network of unofficial trails has emerged. These trails have significant environmental impacts and pose risks to public safety.  

To address these challenges, the NCC launched a responsible trail management project – a multiyear initiative grounded in public consultation, scientific assessment, and community stewardship. 

We aim to protect Gatineau Park’s ecological integrity while providing high‑quality recreational experiences.  

To achieve this balance, the NCC is integrating nearly 100 km of unofficial trails into the official network and naturalizing almost 200 km of trails unsuitable for long‑term use. The work is ongoing with the combined efforts of professional trail crews and dedicated volunteers. 

Between 2014 and 2017, the NCC consulted with park users and stakeholders and conducted detailed environmental and recreational assessments. Biologists evaluated the unofficial trails’ ecological sensitivity, while recreation specialists assessed patterns of use and connectivity. Unofficial trails with the least environmental impact and the strongest recreational potential were selected for inclusion into the official network.  

An unofficial trail is a route that:  

• was not designed with long-term sustainability in mind  
• has no official trail markers or signage
• does not appear on Gatineau Park’s official trail maps
• has no official trail markers or signage

By contrast, the official trail network is maintained to strike a careful balance between ecosystem health and visitor enjoyment.

Safety risks: Because these trails are unmapped and unmaintained, trail users are more likely to get lost or injured. Rescue operations can also be delayed or complicated when crews need to navigate unmarked and unstable terrain.

Environmental impact: Unofficial trails allow for greater spread of invasive species and disturb wildlife, including species at risk, by fragmenting their habitats. 

• Consider volunteering
• Use official trails only
• When the trails are muddy, it is best to stay off them.  
• To avoid widening the trail, walk through puddles instead of around them.  
• Respect trail closures  
• Respect all signage