Snowshoeing in Gatineau Park

Photo of person snowshoeing in a forest
Snowshoeing in Gatineau Park
Maps and Publications

This winter, strap on your snowshoes and enjoy a walk through the forests of Gatineau Park. This beautiful conservation park near Ottawa has 55 kilometres of trails that are reserved for snowshoeing.

Among these are:

  • Two easy trails from the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre
  • Three easy trails from the Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau
  • Longer and more challenging trails at Meech Lake, Wakefield and Philippe Lake.

For the most up to date information on open and closed trails, please see the Road and Trail Closures section.

See the Gatineau Park Winter Trails map for more information about the Park’s snowshoe trails.

Help us protect Gatineau Park and leave no trace.

Facilities
Washrooms There are washrooms at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre and the Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau. There are outhouses at the starting points for all other snowshoe trails.
Parking

Parking is free. You can park at:

  • Gatineau Park Visitor Centre
  • Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau (P2)
  • P13 (Meech Lake trails)
  • P15 and P17 (Wakefield trails)
  • P19 (Philippe Lake trails)

You can also take the bus — the Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau is accessible via the STO.
Picnic Areas

Bring a snack and enjoy it in warmth. The following day shelters are located along snowshoe trails:

  • Renaud Shelter
  • Herridge Shelter
  • Healey Shelter
  • Sugarbush Shelter.

Each day shelter is maintained daily and has a wood-burning stove and picnic tables.
Accommodation

You can extend your visit at the Park by staying overnight. During the winter the Park offers cabins, yurts and winter camping. The following are accessible via snowshoeing trails:

  • Des Pins Cabin
  • Philippe Cabin
  • Brown Lake Cabin
  • Wanakiwin Yurt.

Reservations are required.

Rentals

Snowshoes and luggage gliders can be rented from the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre.  

From 9 am to 3:30 pm (last rental).  Snowshoes have to be back by 4:30 pm.

2011–2012 Prices
  Per Hour Per Day (Return by 4:30 pm) Overnight* (Available only for those staying in a cabin or yurt)
Snowshoes — Adult $6 $20 $25
Snowshoes — Child (12 and under) $4 $10 $25
Luggage Glider n/a $15 $15

*The overnight rental period is for 24 hours or less and is available only to those staying in one of the Park’s cabins or yurts. These rentals must be returned by 1 pm the following day.

Trail Courtesy

Please stay on the trails intended for snowshoeing and walking. Snowshoeing is not allowed on the Park’s cross-country ski trails. This includes the areas of compacted snow that run between and beside the set tracks.

Dogs and pets are not permitted on snowshoeing trails and cross-country ski trails. See the Dog Walking in Gatineau Park page to find out where you can walk your dog in the winter.

More Information

For more information, see Gatineau Park’s visitor information page.