Ottawa, Kingston & Ontario East

Ottawa and Gatineau (what used to be the City of Hull), lie just across the Ottawa River from each other, tied so closely by the a row of short bridges it's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. Head down Rideau Street in Ottawa, take a wrong turn and you're in Gatineau, a quick spin around and your back over the bridge again in less than a few minutes. So it's not really odd that they both share parks, bike paths and trials so readily. It makes sense then, that the areas natural show piece, Gatineau Park is administered by the National Capital Commission even if it is in Quebec. And it also helps explain why this wonderful chunk of the Gatineau Hills, which has so much to offer outdoor enthusiasts isn't a Quebec Provincial Park. Hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers, campers, cross country skiers, snowboarders, snow shoers are all right at home in this most versitile of parks.

  
 

North of Ottawa you'll find some of Ontario's finest whitewater rivers, the Ottawa itself, being the most significant one. Several of the Ottawa River tributaries can be counted in this group including the Matawaska, the Mattawa as well as the Opeongo. Whitewater kayakers and canoeists have endless opportunities and not surprisingly several rafting companies and paddling schools have set up shop in the area.

Now if you head due west from all this churning surf you'll find the world's premier canoe park, Algonquin. Canoeists can take advantage of the parks thousands of wilderness campsites and have, quite literally, no end of opportunities to develop thier own custom canoe routes. Further south you'll find some more excellent canoe circuits in Frontenac Provincial Park just outside Kingston. While fof those who are new to paddling check out the parks nearby neighbour Charleston Lake, which has some easily accessed canoe campsites.

Sea kayakers should make a bee line to the regions other major waterway the St Lawrence River, where they'll find exceptional paddling in the Thousand Islands National Park. There are a slew of designated sites on the parks islands which ensures you don't have to retrace your path. You can even connect the areas two major rivers by paddling the historically significant Rideau Waterway, which works it's way inland from Ottawa to the Rideau Lakes then on south to Kingston. Of course this is an extended paddle which will take you many weeks to complete.

Cyclists in the Ottawa area have over 170km of excellent bike paths on the Ontario side of the river and a whole lot more just across the bridges in Gatineau. The Quebec side of the river also has two other significant cycling paths, the Cycloparc PPJ in Pontiac which runs for 72km and a shorter one that runs along the river in Plaisance Provincial Park just southeast of the twin cities. Back on the Ontario side you'll also find the Prescott Russell Recreational Trail which starts just outside of Ottawa as well as the Cataraqui Trail further south which is over 100km long. The St Lawrence River also has two paths which follow along it's shores, the first beside the Thousand Islands Parkway and second winds its way between Long Sault and the City of Cornwall. Mountain bikers have opportunities in Gatineau Park and the ski hills that surround the capital region.

 
Camping
 

Provincial Parks

     
 

Gatineau Park Camping

Philippe Lake has over 200 campsites available including the group and winter camping areas. Taylor lake has another three which you can take advantage of. Philippe Lake also has a few sites available for winter camping enthusiasts. Firewood is provide and reservations are required.See the canoeing section for information on the paddle-in sites which ring La Pêche Lake. Reservations Out-There's Gatineau

 

Parks of the St Lawrence

Parks of the St. Lawrence - Parks of the St. Lawrence

Ivy Lea - Camping
Riverside-Cedar - Camping, Cabins
Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary (UCMBS) - Camping, Hiking
Glengarry Park - Camping
Long Sault Parkway - Camping (Mclaren, Woodlands & MIlle Roches)
Brown's Bay - Day Use
Crysler Beach - Day Use

Upper Canada Bird Migratory Sanctuary
Upper Canada Village
Upper Canada Golf Course
Crysler Park Marina

Private Campgrounds and RV Camping

Ottawa Municipal Campground - Camp right in the capital (Greenbelt), Ottawa

Algonquin's Old Ranger Cabins

Algonquin Provincial Park has recently restored the wilderness cabins once used by the park rangers. Most, but not all of the cabins are in isolated areas of the park and require several portages or even some backpacking in order to reach them. The cabins are basic with some having more in the way of amenities than others. Each can accommodate from 4 to 12 people. Reservations are required and given the popularity of this new program we highly recommend you book early. Out-There's Algonquin

  • Big Crow Cabin - Central Section
  • Birchcliffe Cabin - Northern Section
  • Bissett Creek Cabin - Northern Section
  • Crooked Chute Cabin - Eastern Section
  • Highview Cabin - Western Section
  • Kiosk Cabin - Northern Section
  • Kitty Lake Cabin - Southern Section
  • Lost Coin Lake Cabin - Northern Section
  • McKaskill Lake Cabin - Southern Section
  • Rain River Cabin - Western Section
  • Tattler Lake Cabin - Southern Section
  • Wenda Lake Cabin - Eastern Section

    Yurts

Several parks in Ontario now have Yurts (see Yurts of Algonquin for more information on these fascinating structures) available for rent. Winter campers, cross country and backcountry skiers can take advantage of these shelters to add a little comfort to their winter passion. Reservations are required and don't be disappointed - book early.

Algonquin - The yurts are located at the Mew Lake Campground off of Hwy. 60.
MacGregor Point - The yurts are readily accessible from any area of the park

Gatineau Park - The park has yurts and cabins for over night stays in the winter.

 

 

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Prescott Russell Recreational Trail - 72km, Easy, Prescott-Russell This is predominantly a cycling trail (snow mobiles are permitted in the winter) which has been converted from an old rail bed. The trail starts just outside Ottawa west of the Town of Hammond and passes just north of the Larose Forest passing through Bourget and on east just to the south of Planganet and north of the Alfred Bog on it's way to Vankleek Hill. There are plans to continue the trail through St Eugene (just to the south of Voyageur Provincial Park, which has camping) to the Quebec border. Outside of the towns the trail is largely rural passing through the farmlands of the lower Ottawa Valley. There are pavillions on route in or just outside the towns of Hammond, Bourget, Planganet and Vankleek Hill (with one still to be built in the Town of St Eugene) where you can access the trail.

Capital Pathway ( Ottawa-Gatineau Bike Network) - 170km - 300km Ottawa, Gatineau and Alymer have an extensive bike path system which winds through the park and follows the shores of the Ottawa River. There are connections into the extensive network of trails across the river in Ottawa which wind along the Ottawa's far shore and follow the Rideau further inland. The pathways connect innumerable parks and points of interest and are one of the best ways to explore the National Captital Region. You'll find a wealth of facilities as well as restaurants and accommodations all along the route. National Capital Commission City of Ottawa

Pontiac Cycloparc PPJ - Easy 72km, Wyeman - Waltham, Outaouis Region North of the City of Gatineau (Quebec) The park follows the St Lawrence River above Hull/Ottawa in the Pontiac Region. The trail runs from Wyeman to Waltham (approximately from Arnprior to Pembroke on the Ontario side of the river). The trail is in an area which was significant when lumbering took over from the fur trade as key the industry in our county's development.The trial passes by the towns of Shawville, Bryson, Campbell's Bay, Vinton and Davidson and Fort Coulonge.

Gatineau Park - The park has 90km of cycling trials which are best suited to a hybrid or mountain bike. The trails are largely mix usage so you have to provide the right of way to hikers. You can also do some downhilling in the park at Camp Fortune. Follow the link for more information.

 

 

Climbing & Mountaineering

Bon Echo Rock which towers out of Mazinaw Lake is over 100m high and is one of eastern Ontario's best known climbing areas for both rock and ice. Climbers must register with the park office and must be experienced with expertise that is suitable for the cliff face. Some established routes are The Joke 5.9, Sweet Dreams 5.8 and Veriginous 5.5. The park does not allow new routes to be established or the placing of fixed protection. Please respect all of the parks rules and ensure this area is kept open to climbers. An ecological impact study is currently in progress. For more information contact the park and the Alpine Club of Canada which has a cabin there. The cliff face can only be reached by water.

Calabogie - Located outside the town of Calabogie north of Ottawa the main climbing area is just passed the ski hill. You'll find dozens of routes here ranging from 5.1 to 5.10 and above. To get there take the 508 just passed the ski hill and watch for a pull out. The trail into the cliffs is on the south side.

Gatineau Park has climbing areas along the Eardley Escarpment for details on routes have a look at the Alpine Club of Ottawa's website. The park has set up new rules regarding climbing which must be respected if the areas are to remain open. Contact the park for more information.

Ottawa has two climbing gyms, Coyote Rock and Vertical Reality. If you're in the Kingston area check out the Boiler Room.

 

Sea Kayaking

St Lawrence Islands National Park (Thousand Islands) - The park consists of a series of islands that streach along the St. Lawrence River between Brockville and Kingston. The heart of the park is located in Mallorytown Landing along the Thousand Islands Parkway. There are designated campsites strung out along twelve of the islands allowing you to choose a route (depending on the demand for sites) and build your own itinerary. The best time to go paddling is in the Spring and Fall since the waterways get very crowded during the high season of summer. Mallorytown Landing Visitor Centre is located along the Thousand Islands Parkway between Brockville and Gananoque. Watch for the signs along the 401 for the parkway split.

Rideau Waterway - This is a civilized paddle where you can trace a path through history and stay at Hotels, B&Bs or campsites along route. Of course some of the waterway is still very wild and won't disapoint a nature lover particulary in the area north of Kingston. The waterway includes an extensive series of locks, lakes and river sections that runs between Ottawa and Kingston. Access is from either end or from innumerable locations along the route.

Increasingly sea kayaks are being used on big lakes (with car access) in Algonquin Park. While it is possible to portage kayaks, canoes still make the most sense on multi-lake routes in the park.

Many of the the parks along the Ottawa and the St. Lawrence also offer oppotunities to explore particularly those with off shore islands and intricate shorelines.

 

Hiking and Backpacking

Algonquin Park Backpacking Trails

  • Western Uplands Trail - Out-There's Algonquin Park - Intermediate-Expert, Multiple Loops. Access is off Hwy 60 near the west gate but you can also access it from the other end off of route 11, through Kearney. This is an excellent backpacking area which is often over shadowed by the parks canoe reputation. There are over 100km (includes loop sections) of trail with dozens of campsites along route, many or which are lakeside. *For more information contact the Friends of Algonquin or Algonquin Provincial Park through their web site.*
  • Highland Backpacking Trail - Out-There's Algonquin Park - Intermediate, Loop. Located in the center of the park's main corridor off highway 60. The trail consists of two loops with a total length of about 33km. The shorter most accessible loop circles Provoking Lake. *For more information contact the Friends of Algonquin or Algonquin Provincial Park through their web site.*
  • Eastern Pines Backpacking Trail - Out-There's Algonquin Park - Novice, Intermediate - A set of loops located in the parks eastern section, outside of the main corridor its accessible from Hwy 17. This is a great place to bring novices since the trail provides camping not far from the trail head. There are other options that are more challenging for the more experienced. *For more information contact the Friends of Algonquin or Algonquin Provincial Park through their web site.*

Glengarry Trails

Glengarry Trails - 15km+, easy The area has a mix of interconnecting trails with a variety of surfaces. There are a number of access points but one of the easiest is through the hospital trail which appropriately enough starts at the hospital on highway 43. Follow the link for descriptions and a map of the area. Alexandria, Ontario

Rideau Trail

Rideau Trail - A hiking and backpacking trail of about 300 km. (186mi.) in Eastern Ontario. It winds in a generally north-northeast direction from Kingston, on Lake Ontario, to Ottawa following the Rideau Canal and Waterway - Friends of the Rideau Canal and Waterway

Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park has 165km of hiking trails for you to explore. The trail system follows a broad range of terrian allowing you to choose a hike which matches your schedule and physical condition. Some of the park trails are multi-purpose so watch for cyclists and equestrian traffic. The following is a sampling of the trails in the park. Maps and trail descriptions are available at the vistors centre.

Larriault Trail - 3km, novice, 60m elevation change. The trail starts at Mulvihill Lake parking lot but before you begin you might want to head up the short path to the Larriault Lookout to take in the view of the Ottawa Valley. Back to the parking lot and a short distance along the main trail you'll come to another lookout before it start descending. Shortly you'll come to a stream crossing and the fork where you'll turn right to head to the Waterfall Lookout. After taking in this splendid view turn around and head back passed the intersection until you cross the Champlain Parkway where you'll take turn left to head back to the trail head. On the trail back you'll see another spur coming in from the right side of the trail. Following this will take you to Moorside, the Mackenzie King Estate.

King Mountain - 2.5km one way, intermediate, 500m elevation gain - The trail is short and steep with several observation points and three main lookouts providing splendid views. The trail has a number of interpretation panels on route. The trailhead is accessible from the King Mountain parking lot in the park. The park also has a brochure which describes a longer route which combines the King Mountain Trail and the #30, #1, and #17 trials into a 11km circuit.

Wolf Trail - 8.3km return, expert, 400m elevation gain. The trail starts at parking lot P13 at Blanchet Beach and continues to a fork where you stay left and will shortly pass a beaver pond on your right. Further on the trial intersects with #38 and you should keep right at this point. You'll next encounter the intersection with trail #1, the Fire Tower Road. The trail at this point is no longer numbered but keep going and you'll reach you're objective shortly, the very short spur to the Tawadina Lookout and an excellent overview of the Ottawa Valley. A short distance further on the trail swings back towards the start passing three more lookouts along the way and the final steep descent to the parking lot. The trail takes about 4 hours to complete.

Lusk Cave - 10km return, novice/intermediate, 300m elevation gain, - Bring along a spelunking helmet and light and explore the Lusk cave. The trial is accessed from the Parent Beach parking lot. Follow the sign into the forest passing Little Renaud Lake then head south east passed the trail to the Lusk shelter and along side Lusk lake. At the the intersection of the Cave Trail take the east fork which will take you to the cave. On you're return take the Cave Trail down to Smith Beach and follow the shoreline of Philippe Lake back to Parent Beach. The full loop takes about 4-5hrs to complete. Interpretation panels are to be found along the route.

Old Chelsea to Champlain Lookout - 9km one way, Intermediate, 350m elevation gain. A shuttle will allow you to leave a car in the parking lot at the base of the Champlain Lookout trail and avoid retracing you're steps along the 9km return. The trailhead is located opposite to the Old Chelsea Picnic Ground. After you reach the Penguin Picnic ground the trail climbs to the Wattsfor's Lookout where you'll get a good view overlooking the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau (formerly Hull). You'll see several spurs along the trail from here to Keogan shelter. Along the next section you'll pass the Shilly Shally shelter and the Huron shelter before reaching the parking lot and the final short hike up to the Champlain Lookout where the view will justify you're long walk.

The park doesn't have any official backpacking trails but the National Trail runs through it using existing trails to interconnect a 55km section. The trail includes over 700 more kilometres in Quebec (but not all of it is sequential).

Greenbelt

Shirley's Bay - 4 km, easy This is a great place for birding and nature observation. You'll also find access to the Ottawa areas cycling path which will take you along the shoreline all the way into the the city centre.


Stoney Swamp - 35km+, easy as the name implies this is a wetland with some good hiking an a good number of trails to choose from.


Pine Grove Forest - 7.3 km, easy A mixed use forest with trails that will keep you going for a couple hours.


Mer Bleue - 20km, easy The trails work their way through the bog and include a section of board walk. This is a great hike for amateur (and professional) naturalists allowing them to study a unique ecosystem up close and easily accessible.

Green's Creek Conservation Area - 5.5km of trails with some nice overlooks

 

Canoeing

Algonquin

Canoeing is what the park is famous for. It has over 1600 canoe routes and a wealth of campsites. The routes range from single lake access to your choice of a never ending combination of lakes and rivers. Many of the parks routes require one or more portages so choose a route that you feel comfortable with before setting out.The access points outside the main corridor (Hwy 60) are often the best ways to access the park interior. Out-There's Algonquin

Charleston Lake - The park has a number of paddle in sites (some can be accessed on foot as well) for overnight stays. This is a good park to introduce someone to the wonderful world of canoe camping.

Frontenac - Sometimes overshadowed by it's bigger brother, Algonquin, Frontenac is often overlooked. Don't be fooled. The canoe routes in the park are excellent, with many variations to choose from. There are dozens of lakes and campsites available on most of them. Portaging is required for most routes. Out-There's Frontenac Park On the Shoulders of Frontenac

Gatineau

The park has canoe camping on La Pêche Lake which serves as a good introduction to this wonderful activity. There twelve different areas along the lake's edge with a total of 35 sites which are all within a 1.5 to 2hr paddle of the launch. Given the parks proximity to the city it provides a great opportunity for an easy weekend out in nature. You can also paddle Meech and Philippe Lake, the latter has rentals available if you don't have your own equipment. Reservations Out-There's Gatineau

Mattawa

Madawaska - White Water

This is perhaps the most famous of Ontario's whitewater river and has a lot of variation with rapids ranging from class I to class V. The river flows for a distance of over 70km. The river starts just at the park border (Whitney) in the southern section and can be accessed on several points along Hwy 60.

The river is broken up by lakes into three distinct sections. The lower section through Palmer Rapids is a great area for learning and improving your skills. The upper part of the river is generally more difficult and demanding. Finally the short middle section has some really fun sections if you have the skills The river is dam controlled and the water levels may not reflect the season.

Opeongo - White Water

The rivers headwaters start just outside the southern section of the park in Victoria Lake and empties into the Madawaska 30km later. While the river isn't really long it does have its share of play areas and challenges which are sometimes overlooked due to its proximity to the madawaska. This is a scenic area which also makes for very nice canoe tripping if you have whitewater skills. The river's rapids ranges from class I to IV.

The river can be accessed within the park by canoeing from Farm Lake to the headwaters at Shall Lake. Farm Lake is at the end of Victora-McCauley Lake Road off of Hwy 60 just west of the town of Madawaska. The river is at its best in the spring.

Petawawa - White Water

This is the only significant stretch of whitewater that lies within the park boundaries. The Petawawa's source is Daisy Lake on the west side of the park. From here to Brent on Cedar Lake, the river is ideal for flatwater canoe tripping. It is slow & any rapids are too shallow to be run.

Cedar receives water from the Petawawa & Nipissing Rivers as well as many creeks. As a result, the Petawawa has much more water from this point on & the whitewater fun begins. The final access point is at McManus Lake on the east side of the park.

There are a number of possible put-ins with the main one being at Brent Lake. Brent Lake is reached from outside the park off of Hwy 17 from Deux Riviers. It should be noted that the section of the river passed the park border is a live firing range for the Canadian Army and should under no circumstances be run.

 

White Water Paddling - Canoe & Kayak

Ottawa River

The Ottawa River provides excellent kayaking and white water rafting. A number of firms have set up shop in the Beachburg area.

Madawaska River

This is perhaps the most famous of Ontario's whitewater river and has a lot of variation with rapids ranging from class I to class V. The river flows for a distance of over 70km. The river starts just at the park border (Whitney) in the southern section and can be accessed on several points along Hwy 60.

The river is broken up by lakes into three distinct sections. The lower section through Palmer Rapids is a great area for learning and improving your skills. The upper part of the river is generally more difficult and demanding. Finally the short middle section has some really fun sections if you have the skills The river is dam controlled and the water levels may not reflect the season.

Opeongo River

The rivers headwaters start just outside the southern section of the park in Victoria Lake and empties into the Madawaska 30km later. While the river isn't really long it does have its share of play areas and challenges which are sometimes overlooked due to its proximity to the madawaska. This is a scenic area which also makes for very nice canoe tripping if you have whitewater skills. The river's rapids ranges from class I to IV.

The river can be accessed within the park by canoeing from Farm Lake to the headwaters at Shall Lake. Farm Lake is at the end of Victora-McCauley Lake Road off of Hwy 60 just west of the town of Madawaska. The river is at its best in the spring.

Petawawa River

This is the only significant stretch of whitewater that lies within the park boundaries. The Petawawa's source is Daisy Lake on the west side of the park. From here to Brent on Cedar Lake, the river is ideal for flatwater canoe tripping. It is slow & any rapids are too shallow to be run.

Cedar receives water from the Petawawa & Nipissing Rivers as well as many creeks. As a result, the Petawawa has much more water from this point on & the whitewater fun begins. The final access point is at McManus Lake on the east side of the park.

There are a number of possible put-ins with the main one being at Brent Lake. Brent Lake is reached from outside the park off of Hwy 17 from Deux Riviers. It should be noted that the section of the river passed the park border is a live firing range for the Canadian Army and should under no circumstances be run.

 

Rafting

  • Esprit Rafting - Rafting, Ontario - Ottawa River, Petawawa River and Magnetawan River in eastern Ontario
  • Equinox Adventures - Rafting, White Water Paddling, Sea Kayaking, Climbing. - Rafting on the Ottawa River, Ontario
  • River Run - White Water Rafting on the Ottawa River. Resort/Lodge. Also does family float trips. Kayak and canoe instructions
  • Wilderness Tours - White water rafting on the Ottawa River. Resort/Lodge. Also does family float trips. Located north of Ottawa, Ontario at Beachburg.

 

Quebec - Rouge River

  • New World Expeditions - White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Canoeing - Rafting Resort/Lodge. Located on the Rouge River between Montreal and Ottawa in Quebec. French/Francais and English/Anglais
  • Propulsion - Resort/Lodge. Also does family float trips. Located on the Rouge River between Ottawa and Montreal.
 

Nature

National Capital Wildlife Festival

Alfred Bog is a Class One Provincially Significant Wetland and southern Ontario's largest at over ten thousand acres. The bog is home to plant species as well as innumerable varieties of birds. Note: It is forbidden to pick or in anyway disturb the plants and animals of the bog. From country road 15 follow Concession 11 to Giroux Road. You'll find a packing lot and an entrance to the bogs boardwalk loop.

Bonnechere Caves - A commercial property with 40 minute guided tours of a network of limestone caves. The site is located in Eganville. From Ottawa follow the 17 north to Renfrew where you pick up the 60 to Eganville.

Ottawa Greenbelt - Ottawa's necklace of green this wonderful mix of forest, field and wetlands provides a natural ring around the the city meeting the Ottawa River to the east and west. Mer Bleue Conservation area in the south has 20km+ of hiking trails where you can practice your nature observation. Stoney Swamp and the Pine Grove Forest area are also great places for an outting. Watch for Grey and Barred Owls, Blue Herons, Beavers, Racoons and even Fox.

Gatineau Park - Ottawa's outdoor playground is a wonderful place for nature observation particulary during the quieter months of the year. Hiking and cross country ski trails are abundant, allowing you to easily explore the park. In the warmer months camping is available.

Rideau National Migratory Bird Sanctuary - Located on the edge of the Rideau River just west of Merrickville this 800 hectare sanctuary is one of Ontario's best birding areas. Watch for Northern Shovelers, Blue Herons and dozens of geese and ducks including the American Black Duck.

Upper Canada Bird Migratory Sanctuary - Part of the Parks of the St Lawrence the park has camping and hiking trails and a birding list with over 200 species to watch for. The park is located on the banks of the St. Lawrence between Cornwall and Morrisburg south of the 401 on RR 2. Friends of the Sanctuary

Organizations

 

Caving

Bonnechere Caves - A commercial property with 40 minute guided tours of a network of limestone caves. The site is located in Eganville. From Ottawa follow the 17 north to Renfrew where you pick up the 60 to Eganville.

 

Snowboarding & Skiing

Calabogie Peaks Resort - Snowboarding, Skiing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Golf, Terrain Park, School, Conditions, Rentals, Tubing - Winter and Summer

  • Events
  • Trail Map
  • Employment
  • School

City of Ottawa
City of Ottawa Tourism
Ottawa Valley Tourism
Burnstown
Arnprior
Renfrew
Madawaska Township

Calabogie Peaks is located north west of Ottawa just west of the the Town of Arnprior. From Ottawa follow the 17 passed Arnprior and head west on the 508 passed Burnstown and the a short distance west of the town of Calabogie.

 

Camp Fortune - Snowboarding, Skiing, Mountain Biking - Chelsea, Gatineau, Outaouais, Quebec

  • Events
  • Trail Map
  • Employment

Old Chelsea
Gatineau
Gatineau - Weather
City of Ottawa
Maniwaki - Weather
Hull-Ottawa - Map
Monteregie, Montreal, Laurentians, Outaouis - Detailed Road Map
Outaouais Region

Restaurants

Les Fourgeres - Old Chelsea
Wakefield Mill - Inn, Wakefield

Accommodations

Stanyar House - B&B
Wakefield Mill - Inn
Hilton Lac Leamy

Detailed Road Maps of the all the Quebec Regions - from Transport Quebec

Camp Fortune is located a short distance north east of Ottawa-Hull in the Gatineau Hills.From Ottawa-Hull take Highway 5 north to exit 12, turn left on to Chemin Old Chelsea and follow it into the Gatineau Park where you can follow the signs to the hill. Location Map

 

Mont Cascades - Snowboarding, Skiing, 525 ft. Vertical - Cantley (Gatineau), Outaouais, Quebec

  • Events
  • Trail Map

Cantley
Maniwaki - Weather
Hull-Ottawa - Map
Monteregie, Montreal, Laurentians, Outaouis - Detailed Road Map
Outaouais Region

Detailed Road Maps of the all the Quebec Regions - Detailed from Transport Quebec

  • Mont Sainte Marie - Snowboarding, Skiing, 381m Vertical - Lac Ste. Marie (Gatineau), Outaouais, Quebec
  • Conditions
  • Trail Maps
  • Events

Gatineaus - Weather
Hull-Ottawa - Map
Monteregie, Montreal, Laurentians, Outaouis - Detailed Road Map
Outaouais Region

Detailed Road Maps of the all the Quebec Regions - from Transport Quebec

 

Cross Country Skiing

Gatineau Park has over 200 kilometres of trails with varying levels of difficulty. The trails are very well maintained and work their way through a wide variety of terrian. While families will find trails that are perfect to learn on professional athletes will also find circuits to challange their skills. Contact the park about conditions.

Algonquin Park

The park has yurts and cabins which can be used for overnight stays by skiers or snowshoers in the winter. Contact the park for details.

The Minnising Trail - Beginner, Intermediate

Off of Hwy 60 in the main corridor in the southern sector of the park. The trail consists of four overlapping loops with distances of 4.7km, 10.1km, 17.1km and 23.4.km. The longest loop will take you north of Canisbay Lake, around Linda Lake and back around the west side of Polly Lake. While some of the trail is made up of flats and rolling hills, the longest loop is ardous unless your in great shape. Along this outer loop here are a number of extended climbs that sap you as the kilometres pile up. This is a wilderness park be prepared, carry appropriate clothing, food, water and tools and never ski alone.

Fen Lake - Beginner - Expert

Just off of the main corridor, Hwy 60, very near the west gate. The trails are a varied mix taking you past Heron Lake to Fen Lake and following Gateway Creek back to the beginning of the loops system. The overlapping loops are 1.25km, 5.2km, 11.4km and 13km in distance.

Leaf Lake

Just inside the east gate this is an extensive trail system with lots of variations. As varied as the trail system the scenery is spectacular schrub, to forest, from lake front to mountain. There are over a dozen possible loops with distances from a few kilometers to over 50km.

Algonquin Park

 

Snowshoeing

Gatineau Park - The park has over 25km of trials for snowshoeing. You'll find trails at Philippe Lake, Meech Lake and in the Wakefield area. There are also a couple of easy trails at the visitors centre which provides rentals as well. Contact the park about conditions.

The park has yurts and cabins which can be used for overnight stays by skiers or snowshoer. in the winter. Contact the park for details.

 

Algonquin Park - There is a dedicated snow shoeing trail just off of the Minnising Trail and of course the whole park is open to possibilities. All the trails except the ski trails can be used for snowshoeing. Inquire with the park (or better still help support the Friends of Algonquin by purchasing a trail description - See the Literature section to find trails that are suitable to your skill and fitness level. Of course the rest of the park is accessible too but ensure you have the orienteering skills, map and compass before you venture off trail.

 

 
 

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