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Gatineau Park covers 361 square kilometres of forests and lakes in the heart of Gatineau Hills. The Park hosts about 50 tree species, a rich fauna and a large number of lakes. As you travel the Park’s trails, be prepared — you might come face to face with a white-tailed deer, a beaver or a pileated woodpecker.
Visitor Centre
Make the Visitor Centre your first stop in the Park, and start your visit off properly by checking out the permanent exhibit and thematic seasonal exhibits. The permanent exhibit is located in a magnificent room, and gives an overview the Park’s history, its special natural habitats, endangered or vulnerable species living there and a whole range of suggested destinations to help you discover the natural and cultural richness of the Park. Test your knowledge with the interactive games and try to identify all the animal species depicted on the beaver-pond mural.In 2006, Enjoy Nature Interpretation Programs in Gatineau Park
Discover nature’s many faces by participating in one of Gatineau Park’s general-interest nature programs presented at the Visitor Centre. These programs have seasonal themes, allowing you to discover a variety of nature topics. The programs are free, and take place at 10:30 am in English and at 1:30 pm in French. Each program — led by an experienced naturalist — lasts approximately two hours, and includes an indoor demonstration or slide show, followed by a guided walk on one of the nearby trails.Interpretation Trails
Discover unique natural wonders on seven trails equipped with interpretation panels.Des Fées Lake Trail: runs along the lake at the southern end of the Park, in downtown Hull
Theme: birdwatching
Length: 1 km
Slope: gentle
Estimated time: 30 minutes
Pioneer Trail: accessible from the Welcome Area of the Park near Gamelin Boulevard in downtown Hull; wheelchair and stroller accessible
Themes: settlers in the Outaouais region; forest diversity of the Park
Length: 1.3 km
Slope: gentle
Estimated time: 40 minutes
Hickory Trail: picnic area and short, flat trail; wheelchair and stroller accessible
Themes: trees; changes in vegetation
Length: 0.5 km
Slope: none
Estimated time: 20 minutes
Pink Lake Trail: goes around the lake; the lake’s characteristic turquoise colour, the surrounding cliffs and the dense and varied nearby forest make this an exceptionally charming site.
Theme: a meromictic lake worth protecting
Length: 2.5 km
Slope: medium
Estimated time: 60 minutes
*Domestic animals are not permitted on Pink Lake Trail.
King Mountain Trail: access to the Eardley Escarpment some 300 metres above the Ottawa Valley; spectacular view of the valley and nearby cities; location of the first triangulation station in Canada
Length: 2.5 km
Slope: steep
Estimated time: 60 minutes
*Domestic animals are not permitted on King Mountain Trail.
Champlain Trail: located atop the Eardley Escarpment; panels at Champlain Lookout presenting the geological history of the area and panels on the trail presenting the special vegetation found there
Length: 1.3 km
Slope: medium
Estimated time: 35 minutes
Luskville Falls Trail: a 300-metre climb up the rocky slope of the Eardley Escarpment; superb view of the Ottawa River Valley
Theme: vegetation change on the Eardley Escarpment, the richest and most spectacular ecosystem of Gatineau Park
Length: 4.5 km
Slope: very steep
Estimated time: 2.5 hours
*Domestic animals are not permitted on the Luskville Falls Trail.
Philippe Lake Campground
In summer 2006, from June 24 to August 20, campers at Philippe Lake will have a chance to take part in nature interpretation activities developed especially for them.Related Links