Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

A free winter shuttle service to Gatineau Park is now available, offering convenient access to
two of the park’s most popular winter destinations: Relais plein air and Camp Fortune. In
partnership with Parkbus, this service operates every Saturday from January 25 to March 8,
providing an eco-friendly alternative to driving and alleviating congestion in the park’s often
overcrowded parking lots.

The shuttle makes a single round trip each Saturday, departing Ottawa at 9:00 am with stops in
Gatineau before arriving at Relais plein air at 9:35 am and Camp Fortune at 9:50 am. The return
shuttle leaves Camp Fortune at 2:30 pm, stopping at Relais plein air and Gatineau before
reaching Ottawa at 3:05 pm. Space is limited, and reservations are required.

This initiative, led by the National Capital Commission (NCC), is part of broader efforts to
promote sustainable transportation and enhance visitor experience in Gatineau Park. As one of
the region’s most popular outdoor destinations, the park experiences high demand for parking
on weekends. To keep visitors informed, the NCC updates the status of its 20 parking lots twice
daily on weekends. For those driving, lots P1, P15, and P17 are suggested as less crowded
options.

Winter enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to enjoy in the park, which features over 100
kilometers of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. The NCC
provides an interactive map, trail etiquette guidelines, and safety tips online to help visitors
make the most of their experience. Guidance includes rules for yielding on trails and proper
waste disposal to protect the park’s natural environment.

A seasonal highlight is the Gatineau Loppet, Canada’s largest cross-country ski race, happening
February 14–16. The event draws participants from across the country and offers races for
skiers of all levels. Registration is still open for those eager to join in this exciting tradition.|

Besides skiing, Gatineau Park also offers snowshoeing, winter hiking, and unique winter
accommodation experiences, such as yurts and cabins. The NCC supports guests staying in
winter accommodations with services like snowshoe rentals, baggage delivery, and water
transport, ensuring a comfortable stay in the park’s serene winter setting.

For more details on the shuttle schedule, parking availability, winter activities, and
accommodations, visit the NCC website at ncc-ccn.gc.ca .

Photo: A free shuttle service to Gatineau Park makes it easier for visitors to enjoy skiing,
snowshoeing, and other winter activities. (TF) Photo: courtesy of NCC