Situated in the National Capital Region of Canada, just a 15 minutes’ drive outside of Ottawa, the Gatineau Park is a 360 km2 conservation park which offers a diverse range of activities all year round. Known for its beautiful coloration during the fall season, the Gatineau Park is an oasis for hikers of all abilities. From short hikes to full-day treks, you are sure to find a trail which to enjoy. While this park offers so many great trails during the warmer seasons, many of them are unfortunately converted into cross-country skiing trails during the winter. But don’t worry! Here’s my list of the top 4 best winter hiking trails to do in the Gatineau Park in 2021:
1. The Lauriault Trail (4.5 km loop – 1h to 1h30)
While this is the shortest of the 4 trails presented here, 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. As for all the trails presented here, I do recommend wearing a good pair of crampons given the presence of ice.
Location: Parking lot 6 (P6) – Mackenzie King Estate
2. The Luskville Falls trail (4.2km loop – 2h30)
This is one of my favorite trails to hike on in the Gatineau Park all year round. While the parking lot is closed during the winter (may park on the street), access to the trail is not forbidden. This trail is considered difficult given the initial incline. With its multiple lookout points, you can enjoy fantastic views of the Outaouais region, as well as some amazing sunset views. With the waterfall is usually frozen during the winter, you might catch some profession ice climbers having a blast on the fall. Dogs are not permitted on this trail and crampons are a must.
Location: Chemin de l’Hôtel de Ville, Luskville, QC J0X 2G0
3. Lake Philippe Trail (Trail #73) (11.5 km – 6h to 6h30)
Situated in the northern sector of the Gatineau Park, this trail loops around the beautiful Lake Philippe. Considering the length of this trail, 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.
Location: Parking lot #20 (Breton Beach)
4. The Wolf Trail (Trail #62) (8.3 km loop – 3h)
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 view points 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. Once you have completed this trail, why not check out the historical Meech Lake which is situated near the parking lot.
Location: Parking Lot # 13 (Blanchet Beach)
All in all, let the Gatineau Park be your outdoor playground no matter what season you which to explore it. It is important to know that access to snowshoeing trails (winter trails) during the winter is not free. You must have a season pass or a day pass which can be purchased on the National Capital Commission’s website or at the Gatineau Park Visitors’ centre in Chelsea, Quebec.
That was my list of the top 4 winter hiking trails to do in the Gatineau Park in 2021. For more hiking trails to do in the Outaouais region, check out my personal hiking trails map locator.
