GATINEAU PARK, A NATURAL TREASURE just minutes from Ottawa-Gatineau, continues to make great strides in accessibility, conservation, and community engagement. Thanks to a thoughtful approach by the National Capital Commission (NCC), the park is more welcoming than ever.
A Philosophy of Inclusion
At the core of the NCC’s mission in Gatineau Park is a simple idea: nature should be accessible to everyone. This vision is brought to life through a variety of programs that support active mobility and shared outdoor experiences. From cycling and rollerblading on vehicle-free parkways to walking, jogging, or renting electric bikes and wheelchairs at the Chelsea Visitor Centre or Relais plein air, the goal is to ensure that visitors can move around safely and comfortably.
Greener Ways to Explore: The Gatineau Park Shuttle
Since its launch in 2015, the Gatineau Park free shuttle service has become an essential part the park’s sustainability strategy. Operating daily (except Wednesdays) from mid-May to the end of October, the shuttle makes it easier—and greener—for visitors to reach some of the park’s most scenic spots.
The shuttle is fully integrated with public transportation in Ottawa and Gatineau, offering a seamless link between the city and the park. Accessibility is a key priority: all buses are accessible, and all stops are designed to accommodate people with reduced mobility.
“We’ve found that 30 to 40 percent of users wouldn’t have visited the park without the shuttle,” says Catherine Verreault, Director of Gatineau Park and Quebec Urban Lands at the NCC.
The route includes stops at visitor favourites like Pink Lake, Mackenzie King Estate, and the panoramic Champlain Lookout. With the flexibility to hop on and off throughout the day, visitors can explore at their own pace. Buses are also equipped with bike racks, making it easy to combine transit with cycling adventures.
In partnership with Transcollines, the NCC also offers a special weekend route to Meech Creek Valley and Philippe Lake, free of charge from spring to fall. While buses are not accessible to people with reduced mobility, a free paratransit service is available upon reservation, ensuring that more visitors can enjoy these natural areas.
Scenic Stops and Hidden Gems
For first-time visitors, Verreault recommends hopping on the shuttle to explore Gatineau Park’s main highlights: Pink Lake, Mackenzie King Estate, Mulvihill Lake, King Mountain, and Champlain Lookout. The stretch between King Mountain and Champlain Lookout is especially striking. “The microclimate there feels more like the American Midwest—not typical for the region,” she notes.
But there’s much more to discover beyond the popular routes. “Go on trails that you don’t know,” Verreault encourages. One such trail is Skyline Trail #6, accessible from P7. “It’s not too difficult, and the views are incredibly rewarding,” she says. Another hidden gem is Sentier des Remparts, Trail #28, starting at P12, which offers sweeping views of Meech Lake.
For a more rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience, Wolf Trail #62 is a must. Thanks to a recent restoration, it now features hand- laid stone steps and dramatic lookouts.
Expanding Access, Year-Round
Accessibility doesn’t stop with the summer season. The NCC is actively working to extend shuttle services into the winter months, connecting visitors to key ski areas such as Camp Fortune and Relais Plein
Air. Onsite equipment rentals—including options for people with reduced mobility— make it easy for everyone to experience the magic of Gatineau Park in the snow.
Looking ahead, the NCC aims to further expand shuttle operations to weekdays, while continuing to enhance accessibility. As Verreault explains, the challenge lies in balancing sustainability and affordability while keeping services inclusive—but progress is ongoing.
A Park for Everyone
Whether you’re a cyclist, a hiker, a family looking for a scenic picnic spot, or someone discovering Gatineau Park for the first time, the message is clear: there’s a place here for you.
With its expanding shuttle network, active mobility programs, and commitment to inclusive access, Gatineau Park is redefining what it means to connect with nature in a sustainable and welcoming way.
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