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Enjoy a National Treasure!
Within the green borders of Gatineau Park lie some amazing treasures: a variety of plants and animals, unique sites, crystal-clear lakes. And a shared pathway network that puts a spring in the step of hikers and a bounce in the tires of mountain bikers.
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is responsible for protecting this natural area for the enjoyment of future generations. We ask that you read the following and enjoy your favourite outdoor activity safely. Please respect the environment, other trail users, the rules and the code of ethics of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), upon which the following text is based.
A Matter of Respect
On shared trails, the word to keep in mind is respect.
- Gatineau Park is a protected natural area, and the trail network has been laid out according to the principles of sustainable development. For the protection of the Park’s fragile plants and ecosystems, we ask that cyclists and hikers use only existing trails.
- The trails are about 2 metres wide and are covered with a mixture of dirt and gravel. The level of difficulty is low. There are no single-track dirt trails in the Park, because the environmental impact would be too great.
The Gatineau Park trails were designed for hiking. We recommend that if you are an athlete or a competitive cyclist you use the trails at Camp Fortune, which are better suited to your level of activity.
Please yield right-of-way to hikers at all times.
- Mountain biking is permitted from May 15 to November 30 on 90 kilometres of mixed-use mountain-biking and hiking trails.
- The NCC has placed visible, explicit signs near the trails in order to inform trail users of the rules.
- Gatineau Park conservation officers patrol the trails and act as peace officers. They are authorized to hand out fines (minimum $100) for infractions.
Safety
- Choose your itinerary to suit your physical ability, your equipment and the weather.
- Wear a helmet.
- Plan ahead. Maintain control over your speed at all times, particularly at corners where you may meet oncoming hikers or cyclists.
- Avoid startling other trail users and possibly causing accidents: slow down and make your presence known when approaching or overtaking someone.
Common Sense and Good Citizenship
- Leave no trace of your presence: take your garbage away with you and dispose of it properly.
- Do not frighten the animals. The Park is their habitat — please respect them.
- Do not ride your bike while you are responsible for your pet. (Want to find out more about rules that apply to pets? See the Animal Regulations.)
- Fires and camping are allowed only in designated areas.
We hope you enjoy the natural beauty of Gatineau Park and the exhilaration of cycling in the Canadian wilderness! Find out about mountain-biking trails in Gatineau Park.
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