The Outaouais region offers tons of amazing hiking trails throughout the year. That being said, the number of trails open to the public during the winter is reduced considerably due to road access and cross-country skiing. That is not to say there aren’t some awesome trails to explore. In this post, I will present my list of the top 10 winter hiking trails to do near Ottawa & Gatineau in 2022 that will allow you to experience the true beauty of the Outaouais.
1. Parc national de Plaisance (Plaisance, Qc)
The park is technically open during the winter. No services are offered during the winter season (no toilets). Entrance to the park is subject to the same fees as all other national parks that are run by the SÉPAQ (daily pass or annual pass is required). Here, I recommend the Serpentine Trail which is 17 km long (round-trip) but is considered easy in difficulty because it’s mostly flat. This is a perfect trail for snowshoeing because it is not heavily visited, and the snow is not tapped. Begin this trail from the visitor’s centre in Plaisance.
2. Lauriaut Trail (Gatineau Park)
While this is a short trail (4.5 km loop), the Lauriault trail provides tones of great memories. With beautiful sunset views, a few waterfalls, as well as the Mackenzie King Estate and its ruins, you are sure to have a fantastic time. This trail is considered easy and dogs are permitted on the trail provided they are on a leash. I do recommend wearing a good pair of crampons given the presence of ice. This trail is free to access all winter long and can be accessed via parking lot P6 in the Gatineau Park.
3. Trail 73 around Philippe Lake (Gatineau Park)
Situated in the northern sector of the Gatineau Park, this trail loops around the beautiful Lake Philippe. Considering the length of this trail (11.5 km loop), it is rather difficult even though there isn’t much incline. You will find a few rest areas where you can build a fire and just relax. This is a great trail for snowshoeing. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on this trail. This trail begins at the parking lot P20 and a Gatineau Park daily access pass or a snowshoeing pass is required.
4. Mont Sainte-Marie Loop Trail (Lac-Sainte-Marie, Qc)
While this is one of the hardest winter trails to do in the region, the views from on top of one of the tallest mountains of the Outaouais make the journey worth it. With 409 m of elevation gain, you will get amazing views of the area. This 8.9 km loop trail is really underrated and a great place to visit all year round. The trail begins from the Mont Sainte-Marie Sky Resort and is free to access (a donation is recommended). Make sure to download a trail map from AllTrails because it is not always easy to follow.
5. Wolf Trail (Gatineau Park)
For many visitors of the Gatineau Park, the Wolf Trail is highly ranked as one of the best trails to hike all year round. With multiple viewpoints of the Gatineau Park, the Outaouais region and the Ottawa Valley, you are sure to get breathtaking sunset views. With a good incline, this trail can be considered difficult and crampons are necessary. Dogs are not permitted on this trail. This trail begins at the parking lot P13 and a Gatineau Park daily access pass or a snowshoeing pass is required.
6. Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve (Mayo, Qc)
In this tranquil ecological reserve, you are greeted with well-maintained and informative trails which offer guests different environments and scenery. Here, you get great views of few beautiful lakes, such as La Blanche Lake, a charming little waterfall (trail #5), a unique ecosystem, and an awesome boardwalk. I recommend you take trails # 4-5-3 which form a loop. This loop should be completed clockwise to avoid climbing up the staircase on the way back. Entrance to the park is subject to fees: 4.00$ for kids (5-17 years), 7.00$ for adults, and 15.00$ for a family (max. 2 adults and 3 kids). Fees can be paid at the administration office or payment can be left in the deposit box during after hours. During the winter, this park turns into a winter wonderland with beautiful snow-covered pine trees.
7. Mont Morissette Regional Park (Blue Sea, Qc)
With its newly constructed observation tower, you will be able to enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding area at over 400 m (1312 ft.) of elevation. This park is free to access and offers 3 trails with a combined total of around 13 km (8 mi.) . I personally recommend you start with trail #1 which will lead you to the observation tower and a lookout point with beautiful views of the Blue Sea Lake. Add trail #2 for more distance and to form a loop from the main parking area.
8. Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon (Ripon, Qc)
From the observation tower situated at 426 m (1397 ft.) of elevation, you will get 360-degree views of the surrounding area. This park offers multiple winter trails ranging in distance and offerings. I recommend hiking trail #7 (3.4 km long) which will lead you not only to a breathtaking newly renovated lookout point on the way up the Grand-Pic summit, but to an impressive observation tower as well. The park is accessible all year round and an access fee must be paid: 5.00$ for kids, 10.00$ for adults and 25.00$ for a family (prices are for non-residents of Ripon, Québec). You can also rent winter equipment at the main chalet like fat bikes, snowshoes, and even tubes to go tubing.
9. Parc régional de la forêt Bowman (Bowman, Qc)
This 5.1 km long loop offers superb views of the surrounding area thanks to its multiple lookout points. The trail is well maintained, and the forest is super tranquil with a few lakes and a little waterfall. Just like the Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve, this place is truly a winter wonderland with amazing snow topped trees. Because it is not a well-known trail, the trail is rarely tapped which is perfect for snowshoeing. Free to access and dogs are permitted on this trail with a leash at all times. Considered moderate in terms of difficulty with one significant incline towards the first lookout. Best to do this trail clockwise.
10. Route des Zingues (Duhamel, Qc)
This 21 km trail is part of Quebec’s National Trail network and offers some of the most adventurous hiking in the Outaouais. Considered difficult by many, this trail offers many lookout points with some impressive views. Open year round, this is a perfect winter trail because it is much more quiet than other trails and yet offers the best views. Free to access, you can start from different locations depending on which parking lot you prefer (4 to choose from). I recommend parking your car at parking lot P1 and hiking up to parking lot P4 where you can leave another car if you choose to do so. Dogs are not permitted on the section of trail between parking lot P1 and P2. Snowshoes are highly recommended for this trail due to the high level of snow in this area.
After your hike, head to Carbo BBQ in Duhamel for the best BBQ in the Outaouais! Tell them Brandon sent you and ask for the brisket sandwich or brisket mac & cheese!
That was my list of the top 10 winter hiking trails to do near Ottawa & Gatineau in 2022-2023. While this is not a complete list, these trails will certainly get you excited for winter! For more information on these trails and on tips for hiking during the winter in the Outaouais, check out episode 1 of Brandon On The Go Podcast where Jo.Explore and I presented these trails.
