Picnicking in Gatineau Park

Photograph of man and woman sitting on picnic blanket in a sunny park

Maps and Publications

Gatineau Park Summer Map (1.2 MB)

Gatineau Park Summer Trail Map (8.28 MB)

Avoid Unpleasant Suprises (140.65 KB)

The Black Bear and You (90.01 KB)

National Capital Commission Animal Regulations (354.21 KB)

Take a break from your outdoor adventures at one of Gatineau Park’s 15 picnic areas. Enjoy the view from Étienne Brûlé Lookout, soak in the peacefulness at the wooded Penguin Picnic Area or relax on the shores of Philippe or La Pêche lakes.

Picnic Areas

The Gatineau Park picnic areas are free and most are accessible from mid-May to the first snowfall. Some picnic areas have barbecues that you can use. Bring your own bring your own charcoal briquettes).

Help conserve the Park. Make sure you collect your garbage before you leave. Do not feed wild animals (racoons, squirrels, etc.) — it is prohibited in the Park. Dogs and pets are not permitted in the Gatineau Park picnic areas.

Picnic Areas with a Barbecue (BBQ)

Church Hill Picnic Area
Dunlop Picnic Area
Mulvihill Lake Picnic Area
Old Chelsea Picnic Area
Penguin Picnic Area
Luskville Falls Trail
Breton Beach
Parent Beach
La Pêche Beach

Other Picnic Areas

Sugarbush Trail and Visitor Centre
Lauriault Trail
King Mountain Trail
Wolf Trail (Blanchet beach)
Étienne Brûlé Lookout
O’Brien Beach
Blanchet Beach
Smith Beach (reserved for campers)

Are you planning a group picnic? Please notify the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre (819-827-2020) to take advantage of all of the services available (snack bar, swimming, etc.). Gatineau Park picnic areas cannot be reserved exclusively for one group.

Help us protect Gatineau Park and leave no trace.

Facilities
Washrooms	Dry toilets are available at each picnic area.
Parking	Parking is available near each picnic area. See the Gatineau Park Summer Map for details. Vehicle access fees apply at beach parking lots.
Universal Accessibility	All picnic areas and dry toilets are universally accessible, with the exception of those at: Church Hill, Luskville Falls Trail, Wolf Trail and O’Brien Beach.