Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park
4.5
About
This vast and scenic Ottawa park is ideal for walking, biking or cross-country skiing and also houses the MacKenzie King Estate, once the home of Canada's former Prime Minister.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
1,061 reviews
Excellent
777
Very good
251
Average
15
Poor
11
Terrible
7
MW
Trenton, Canada38 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Had a great time in the park and treated very well by the staff. However we have now received via mail a $500 ticket for an expired sticker on our licence plate from the visitor centre parking lot. Per ontario covid regulations the sticker is not expired, it is legal ! Upon investigation such tickets are rampant in gatineau, and Ontarians need to be aware. This is how they treat tourists ? We wont ever be back. Theres nothing in gat park that you cant experience at home in trustworthy ontario. Stay away.
Written 5 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer P
Quebec City, Canada2 contributions
Aug 2020
We camped for 3 nights at Taylor Lake. We hesitated between camping here or at Lake Philippe, but decided on Taylor because we wanted to be a little more secluded. First, we are not allowed to swim in Taylor Lake due to the snapping turtles. (I did not read this information anywhere on the website). Also - though the map clearly states that there is no water on site, I did not find it to be so clear with regards to the dry washrooms. (the symbol on the map should show an outhouse - not a different coloured bathroom symbol that is the same a the regular bathroom symbol).
But, what was worse was the very pesky family of raccoons who were not afraid of us one bit. They would come right to our table while we were eating and try to take some food. At night, we would hear them snarling and fighting which each other for left over crumbs on the ground. They got trapped in my kitchenette in the middle of the night (6 of them) and ripped up my table clothes with their dirty claws. To say they were a nuisance is an understatement. Had we had food in our tent, they would have tried to rip their way in. Needless to say, we didn't sleep much despite cleaning our site thoroughly before bed.
But, what was worse was the very pesky family of raccoons who were not afraid of us one bit. They would come right to our table while we were eating and try to take some food. At night, we would hear them snarling and fighting which each other for left over crumbs on the ground. They got trapped in my kitchenette in the middle of the night (6 of them) and ripped up my table clothes with their dirty claws. To say they were a nuisance is an understatement. Had we had food in our tent, they would have tried to rip their way in. Needless to say, we didn't sleep much despite cleaning our site thoroughly before bed.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kdt282
Pickering, Canada40 contributions
Dec 2022
The roads are closed in the winter so that they can use them for cross country skiing. Unfortunately there wasn't any snow so we did some hiking. In the section around the city there is a lot of paved bike/walking trails. We did some of this combined with the bush trails. We have also hiked at the north end of the park and around the Mackenzie King Estate which would be my preference as the scenery is nicer.
Some day I want to get there when we can ski the trails.
Some day I want to get there when we can ski the trails.
Written 11 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stephen j
Gatineau, Canada219 contributions
Oct 2021
this is a must place to visit when the fall colours are full , its just so beautiful. Parking is plentiful so you can walk the routes or just drive thru the park if you wish. The scenery is breathing taking with the fall colours
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
challst
Jackson, MS46 contributions
Feb 2020
Recently travelled to Gatineau to participate in the Gatineau Loppet - a cross-county ski race. The day before the race we went skiing on our own in the park and had a wonderful day. The trails, even those which weren't being prepared for the race, were wonderfully groomed. The forest is pristine and very beautiful. Our group talked about coming back in the future.
The Gatineau Loppet was well organized and great fun for us - even though we are casual skiers. As an example it took me 3 hours to go 15 km (I wasn't at my best, but the point is I am far from elite and still able to enjoy the event). The portion of the forest for the race was just as beautiful as the rest.
We stayed in Wakefield, as small town on the Gatineau river about 20 minutes north of the town of Gatineau. We had a nice AirBnB there. The town is welcoming with a number of small local restaurants, a surprisingly complete little grocery store and a bakery that we visited every day! Wakefield also provided super easy access to more northernly portions of the park.
Highly recommend visiting this park in winter!
The Gatineau Loppet was well organized and great fun for us - even though we are casual skiers. As an example it took me 3 hours to go 15 km (I wasn't at my best, but the point is I am far from elite and still able to enjoy the event). The portion of the forest for the race was just as beautiful as the rest.
We stayed in Wakefield, as small town on the Gatineau river about 20 minutes north of the town of Gatineau. We had a nice AirBnB there. The town is welcoming with a number of small local restaurants, a surprisingly complete little grocery store and a bakery that we visited every day! Wakefield also provided super easy access to more northernly portions of the park.
Highly recommend visiting this park in winter!
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill in Webster, NY
3 contributions
Oct 2022
A huge park with great hiking trails and beautiful vistas. The most southern entrance is just minutes from downtown Gatineau, but the northern, more remote entrances are further away. The northern areas have great views of downtown Ottawa in the distance to the south. Wonderful hiking trails, even near the southern entrance.
Written 26 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig N
Huntsville, Canada24 contributions
Mar 2022
Most people had snowshoes, but if there is no fresh snow and it is below zero, the trails are usually quite easy to cover in boots. We did the hike up to Healy Shelter which was beautiful, and we ate lunch in the shelter while watching the myriad birds feeding at the feeder outside. There was already a nice fire crackling inside when we arrived.
I have done many hikes and explorations of Gatineau Park and I have never been disappointed. There are a wide variety of winter and summer trails and some fantastic ruins, caves, cliffs, beaches, and waterfalls to find. The cabins are a lot of fun for overnight stays in the winter.
I have done many hikes and explorations of Gatineau Park and I have never been disappointed. There are a wide variety of winter and summer trails and some fantastic ruins, caves, cliffs, beaches, and waterfalls to find. The cabins are a lot of fun for overnight stays in the winter.
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louden77
Ottawa, Canada1,006 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
This is a small lake in the middle of Gatineau Park. The lake has a well maintained walking trail which goes completely around its perimitter. There is a relatively small parking lot, including two "go huts", which becomes full very quickly on weekends and particularily in the fall when everyone is out to view the fall foliage. The parking lot also serves as the starting point for another trail to the Mackenzie King estate.
The walk around the lake takes between 60 & ninety minutes depending on your level of fitness and how many stops you make at the numerous lookouts. There are a series of well maintained stairs to climb and descend. There is an abandoned mica mine about half way around the left hand side. Take the time to read the signs regarding the special nature of the area.
If you are coming from Ottawa I suggest you use Alexandre Taché Blvd/Chemin D'Alymer and turn onto Promenade de la Gatineau to reach the site. If you program the GPS to 45.439937N 75.762214W you will arrive at the south visitors centre before continuing on to Pink Lake.
A wonderful family outing.
The walk around the lake takes between 60 & ninety minutes depending on your level of fitness and how many stops you make at the numerous lookouts. There are a series of well maintained stairs to climb and descend. There is an abandoned mica mine about half way around the left hand side. Take the time to read the signs regarding the special nature of the area.
If you are coming from Ottawa I suggest you use Alexandre Taché Blvd/Chemin D'Alymer and turn onto Promenade de la Gatineau to reach the site. If you program the GPS to 45.439937N 75.762214W you will arrive at the south visitors centre before continuing on to Pink Lake.
A wonderful family outing.
Written 30 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
boardinbob
Waterloo, Canada11 contributions
Aug 2011
We stayed at Lac Philippe for three nights. We were a mixed bag: my parents, my wife is 7 months pregnant, our 3 year old, and my teenaged brother.
The highlight of our stay was the hike up to the Lusk Cave. We made it about halfway through before it got too challenging for the little one, but we met some pros who came prepared to get wet. The part that we saw was still amazing, and we all had a great time exploring. We were lucky to end up with a fairly isolated campsite, so we weren't disturbed at all by others during our stay. There was a large group of teenagers at a site down the road that we were worried about, but at 10pm they quieted right down and we didn't hear from them all night.
Perhaps the best part about staying here was the quality of the bathrooms. They were spotlessly cleaned several times a day, and I can sincerely say that they are in better condition than the bathroom I had in the Hilton in Quebec City. The staff were extremely accommodating and friendly, and full of tips of we asked.
My own tip is to buy your firewood from this cool old French fella that lives just outside the park gates. After going through the covered bridge, you will see a little dirt road off to the right immediately before the gates where you pay your camping fees, and there is a small handmade sign there that says "Bois pour camp". The man selling the wood has to be at least 80, but I would believe closer to 90. For $16, you will get a nice big pile of high quality wood, that's better, cheaper, and has less wasteful packing than what you'll find at the park store.
I will definitely visit this campground again, especially with the kids in tow.
Happy camping!
The highlight of our stay was the hike up to the Lusk Cave. We made it about halfway through before it got too challenging for the little one, but we met some pros who came prepared to get wet. The part that we saw was still amazing, and we all had a great time exploring. We were lucky to end up with a fairly isolated campsite, so we weren't disturbed at all by others during our stay. There was a large group of teenagers at a site down the road that we were worried about, but at 10pm they quieted right down and we didn't hear from them all night.
Perhaps the best part about staying here was the quality of the bathrooms. They were spotlessly cleaned several times a day, and I can sincerely say that they are in better condition than the bathroom I had in the Hilton in Quebec City. The staff were extremely accommodating and friendly, and full of tips of we asked.
My own tip is to buy your firewood from this cool old French fella that lives just outside the park gates. After going through the covered bridge, you will see a little dirt road off to the right immediately before the gates where you pay your camping fees, and there is a small handmade sign there that says "Bois pour camp". The man selling the wood has to be at least 80, but I would believe closer to 90. For $16, you will get a nice big pile of high quality wood, that's better, cheaper, and has less wasteful packing than what you'll find at the park store.
I will definitely visit this campground again, especially with the kids in tow.
Happy camping!
Written 13 September 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hobes11
Whistler, Canada10 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Philippe Cabin is a cabin in the Gatineau Park woods. In the winter you can cross country ski or snowshoe to it. The cabin is lovely. It is a "two" room cabin with kitchenette, wood stove, large living room, and sleeps 10 people (bunk beds). Very clean and stocked.
The kitchenette has a propane two-burner stove and fridge. Stocked with lots of pots, one pan, a kettle, cooking utensils, and a variety of items pervious campers have left.
Sleeping area is 5 bunk beds with decent mattresses. The top bunks is a warmer spot to sleep.
The cabin can get very hot (too hot for sleeping) if you maintain the wood stove. Lots of wood provided.
Very clean outhouses close by. Just a little cold in -20C weather. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer provided.
No running water or electricity. Perfect for a weekend to disconnect. You can still get cellphone service and connect to your data. Bring a portable battery charger. :)
The hike in is Cross Country Ski: 2.8 km or Snowshoe: 3.2 km.
The reason why I am writing this post is that the NCC- Gatineau Park website doesn't give you much description or pictures on the cabin or the hike. This was our groups first time winter camping in Gatineau Park.
We snowshoed into the cabin on Friday night and out on Sunday morning. The hike in took us 3hrs as we didn't know the trail (it's very well marked), packed too much and used sleds, which were not set up properly and caused more trouble. On the way back it took 1.5hr. Less food to bring back, packed more in our backpacks and fixed the sleds. Woo! One of our friends who came in on Saturday did the trek in 1hr - backpack only and he's an experienced hiker.
The hike #74 from parking lot 19 is hilly. Easy hike but ups and downs. Not a walk in the park. Pulling a sled made it a bit more work. The conditions were hard packed snow and icy. The snowshoes helped with grip. Yak tracks for your hiking boots would have been perfect. BUT...if there was lots of fresh snow - snowshoes would have been the best. The trail can get narrow in parts. This is where the sled caused us trouble by sliding off the side and we would have to pull it back up. On the way back we have ropes coming off the front and back of the sled so two people could maneuver it. (Puller and guider). If you want to make a sled to pull - Google DIY PULK SLED.
The cross country ski trail seemed to have less hills and is groomed regularly. Might have been a better option. Next time.
We all decided we would do it again, but pack smarter (less luxurious food) and probably no sleds. The cabin was lovely and a nice way to relax for the weekend.
There are other cabins/yurts/4-season tents in Gatineau park. They get booked up very quickly, however, you may be able to find a last minute cancellations or mid-week is usually available last minute.
Hope this helps!
The kitchenette has a propane two-burner stove and fridge. Stocked with lots of pots, one pan, a kettle, cooking utensils, and a variety of items pervious campers have left.
Sleeping area is 5 bunk beds with decent mattresses. The top bunks is a warmer spot to sleep.
The cabin can get very hot (too hot for sleeping) if you maintain the wood stove. Lots of wood provided.
Very clean outhouses close by. Just a little cold in -20C weather. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer provided.
No running water or electricity. Perfect for a weekend to disconnect. You can still get cellphone service and connect to your data. Bring a portable battery charger. :)
The hike in is Cross Country Ski: 2.8 km or Snowshoe: 3.2 km.
The reason why I am writing this post is that the NCC- Gatineau Park website doesn't give you much description or pictures on the cabin or the hike. This was our groups first time winter camping in Gatineau Park.
We snowshoed into the cabin on Friday night and out on Sunday morning. The hike in took us 3hrs as we didn't know the trail (it's very well marked), packed too much and used sleds, which were not set up properly and caused more trouble. On the way back it took 1.5hr. Less food to bring back, packed more in our backpacks and fixed the sleds. Woo! One of our friends who came in on Saturday did the trek in 1hr - backpack only and he's an experienced hiker.
The hike #74 from parking lot 19 is hilly. Easy hike but ups and downs. Not a walk in the park. Pulling a sled made it a bit more work. The conditions were hard packed snow and icy. The snowshoes helped with grip. Yak tracks for your hiking boots would have been perfect. BUT...if there was lots of fresh snow - snowshoes would have been the best. The trail can get narrow in parts. This is where the sled caused us trouble by sliding off the side and we would have to pull it back up. On the way back we have ropes coming off the front and back of the sled so two people could maneuver it. (Puller and guider). If you want to make a sled to pull - Google DIY PULK SLED.
The cross country ski trail seemed to have less hills and is groomed regularly. Might have been a better option. Next time.
We all decided we would do it again, but pack smarter (less luxurious food) and probably no sleds. The cabin was lovely and a nice way to relax for the weekend.
There are other cabins/yurts/4-season tents in Gatineau park. They get booked up very quickly, however, you may be able to find a last minute cancellations or mid-week is usually available last minute.
Hope this helps!
Written 14 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to visit Gatineau Park on Tuesday August 23rd afternoon, but I red that on summer popular attractions along the parkways are accessible by car only on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (at certain times).
I would like to visit The Pink Lake and The Champlain Lookout, how could I reach them easily?
Thank you
Written 5 August 2022
I will be in Ottawa 9/28 for 4 nights. I won’t have a car, but am thinking about taking an Uber or taxi to the park, hiking around a bit (about 1 1/2 hours) and then walking over to the Nordik Spa. What trail at the park would be best for me to take for this short time (either a loop, or up and back)?
Written 24 July 2022
Hi Jayfortra
I am not sure how much help I can be but from what I could find out, if you were to hike from the visitor centre to the Nordic Spa it would be approx 1.2 KM . which would be just under 2 miles. I hope this helps
Written 26 July 2022
Would anyone know which area the beach is closest to in Lake Philippe? Staying in the 300 area but can't seem to locate on map how far the beach is. Thanks.
Written 14 August 2020
How much for wood to make fire at the campsites?
Written 29 August 2019
We bought a bag of kindling only I believe about $6 nice and dry.
Written 30 August 2019
Bonjour, je voudrais savoir si nous pouvons pêcher avec notre embarquation et comment savoir qu'elles sont les lacs avec un débarquadaire? Nous serions en campeur avec un moteur électrique? merci
Written 23 June 2019
Family of 4 (kids 11, 13). We would love to do a fairly easy hike/trail but see plenty of nature and beauty. We are going the first week of July. What would you recommend and how can we be prepared? Fees? Should we worry about pests and ticks?
Thank you in advance!
Written 18 June 2019
Bonjour,
Savez-vous s’il est possible de louer des vélos pour visiter le parc de la Gatineau ?
Merci d’avance !
Written 23 April 2019
I'm planning to go by public transport (bus 33) but then I have to walk. I do not know how much I can visit the place just walking ... I want to know if it is worth the effort, confirmation that I will go and I will be able to see and do things and Im not wasting my time
Written 30 August 2018
Sorry I didn't see this question before, TA just brought it to my attention recently. You can still visit the southern part of the park, and it's still worth going, in my opinion, but of course it depends on how much you're willing to walk. If you bring up the route 33 map, and launch the Gatineau Park interactive trail map, you can survey your options. It's easy to get to Lac des Fees, and you can walk as little or as much as you like. The Pioneers loop is also close by, if you want to see some history. If you'd like to walk more, you can get off the bus further up, and head over to Pink Lake. It's probably going to be 10-ish km to walk over to the lake, around it, and back (with some hills too), but it's pretty nice if you're up to that much walking. Of course this is just the southern tip of the park, but still worth seeing. Have fun!
Written 9 September 2018
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