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Gatineau Park is a large protected area of forest, lakes and ridges in western Quebec that begins at the edge of Gatineau, just across the river from Ottawa. Managed by the National Capital Commission, it sits on the Eardley Escarpment, where the Canadian Shield meets the Ottawa Valley, and serves as the capital region's main green escape.
The Champlain Lookout gives the park's best-known view, looking across the Ottawa Valley from the escarpment edge. The Mackenzie King Estate preserves the summer retreat of the former prime minister, with cottages, gardens and collected ruins. Short trails lead up King Mountain and around Pink Lake, whose unusual water layers barely mix. Meech Lake, Lac Philippe and La Pêche Lake are favorite spots for swimming, paddling and camping. In winter, the park becomes one of the region's busiest areas for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on an extensive trail network, and Camp Fortune offers downhill runs.
Gatineau Park suits hikers, cyclists, families and skiers, and its proximity to the city makes half-day visits easy. The parkways are partly closed to cars on some days for cycling. The village of Wakefield, on the Gatineau River, is a pleasant place for lunch afterward. Fall foliage is a highlight.
WiserMap travel guideGatineau Park Quebec Fall Colour Lookouts and Pink LakePlan a visit to Gatineau Park in Quebec, with lookouts over the Ottawa Valley, Mackenzie King's estate, Pink Lake, fall colour and cross-country skiing.Read the guide
The lookout at the end of the Gatineau Parkway, on the edge of the Eardley Escarpment, with a broad view over the Ottawa River valley and farmland far below. A short loop trail starts here. It is the classic sunset and fall colour spot in the park, so expect company on October weekends.
The summer estate of Canada's longest-serving prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King, with cottages, formal gardens and the stone ruins he collected and arranged as picturesque follies. A tearoom serves light meals in summer. Walk the garden paths, then visit the restored cottages.
The stone ruins of an early 20th-century laboratory and power house built by inventor Thomas Willson beside a waterfall near Meech Lake. The ruins sit in quiet woods at the end of a pleasant trail. Watch your footing near the falls and stay on the marked path, as the rocks are slippery.
A short loop trail climbing King Mountain on the Eardley Escarpment, with panels on geology and plants and several lookouts over the Ottawa Valley. It takes about an hour and suits most walkers. Go on a clear day for the best views, and keep children close near the cliff edges.
A demanding trail that starts at a waterfall near Luskville and climbs steeply up the Eardley Escarpment to a fire tower and lookouts. The falls are best in spring when the water is high. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water, since the climb is steep and rocky in places.
A small, deep green lake surrounded by cliffs and forest, with a boardwalk and trail circling it. Its water layers almost never mix, which makes it scientifically special, so swimming is not allowed. Walk the loop in about an hour and stay on the boardwalk to protect the fragile shores.
A large lake in the north of the park with sandy beaches, a big campground, picnic areas and canoe and kayak rentals. It is the park's main summer swimming area for families. Come on a weekday if you can, since beach parking fills quickly on hot summer weekends.
A long, clear lake close to Ottawa, known for its beaches and as the place where the 1987 Meech Lake Accord was negotiated at Willson House. Swimmers use O'Brien Beach and Blanchet Beach. Arrive early or cycle in, as parking near the beaches is limited and fills fast.
The largest lake in Gatineau Park, a quiet place for canoe camping with campsites reached only by water along its wooded shores. Rentals are available at the access point. Reserve campsites well in advance for summer and watch the weather, since wind can build on the open water.
A marble cave carved by glacial meltwater, reached by a trail from the Lac Philippe area. You can wade through its passages in waist-deep water in summer. Bring a flashlight, a helmet if you have one, and clothes that can get wet, and avoid it after heavy rain when the water rises.
A ski area in Chelsea on the edge of the park, popular with Ottawa families for downhill skiing and snowboarding in winter, with night skiing on many runs. In summer it offers mountain biking and an aerial park. It is about 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa, so it gets busy after work.
A village on the Gatineau River at the edge of the park, with a covered bridge, a historic mill turned inn and spa, and cafes and music venues. It is a relaxed lunch stop after a day of hiking. Walk to the covered bridge for river views, and try one of the local bakeries or pubs.
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