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Visit Gatineau Park this winter! Gatineau Park offers one of the biggest networks of ski trails in North America. The access to ski, snowshoe and bike trails is paid, but is included with your Parkbus ticket.

Parkbus leaves downtown Ottawa and drops off at Relais plein air, where it is possible to rent snowshoes, skis and winter bikes. The building, managed by a non-profit organization, also offers a café, a heated shelter, washrooms and wax room.

Don't spend time in line! The Relais plein air offers advance booking options for your outdoor experience : cross-country ski lessons and rental, snowshoes, fatbikes and meal on site. Book your package here.

Please note: there are no hiking trails accessible from Relais plein air.

Find out what the trail conditions of your preferred activity are on the NCC’s website:

• - Ski: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/ski-conditions
• - Snowshoeing: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/snowshoeing-trail-conditions
• - Snow Biking: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/snow-biking-conditions

RECOMMENDED SKI ITINERARY: FROM CITY TO THE WILDERNESS

(Note that this trail is for the exclusive use of skiers. Snowshoers and bikers should use Trail 65)

Start: Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau, near bus drop-off point

Total distance: 12 km

Level of difficulty: Easy to intermediate

Technique: Classic

Route: Trails 29, 5, 15 and 35 to Pink Lake; return via the Gatineau Parkway, and trails 26 and 29 to Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau

Note: The first half of this loop is a gradual uphill, which includes several steep climbs. The return includes a long, but easy, downhill section on the Gatineau Parkway from Pink Lake.

This loop features a variety of scenery and terrain, including open fields and a gently rolling trail that winds through mature forests. The route also covers sections of trail that are used for the Gatineau Loppet, Canada’s largest cross-country ski event.

DOWNLOAD SKI ITINERARY MAP PDF

AT THE PARK

Once you reach your selected destination, you are responsible for yourself. There are no guides or guided trips, as Parkbus provides only transportation. If you do not bring food with you, lunch and beverages are avaialable for purchase at the Café des Sentiers.