Fall colours are peaking in Gatineau Park, drawing thousands of visitors to its hillsides, lakes, scenic lookouts and more than 200 kilometres of trails ahead of the Thanksgiving long weekend. The forest canopy is bursting with shades of red, orange and gold, offering visitors a chance to take in the mid-October scenery on foot, by bike, or from one of the park’s many lookouts. Dan and Sharon Leeson, visiting from London, Ont., are camping in the region and are visiting Gatineau Park for the first time. “There are just so many trees, and then there’ll be a section of pine trees, and then the glorious colours around them. It’s just breathtaking,” Sharon says. “It’s spectacular.” The park offers a range of experiences, from walks to historic sites such as the ruins of the Carbide Wilson Mill to scenic routes through the fall foliage. Free shuttle service To help visitors avoid traffic and parking congestion, the National Capital Commission is offering a free shuttle service to popular destinations near Gatineau Park’s parkways. The service runs six days a week until Oct. 25, with no service on Wednesdays. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted. On weekends and on Thanksgiving Monday, Oct. 12, shuttles run between Pīndigen Park in downtown Ottawa, across from the Canadian War Museum, and the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre in Chelsea. The first departure from Ottawa is at 9:10 a.m., with the last at 3:10 p.m. Return trips from the visitor centre run from 9:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The full route takes about 90 minutes. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, the shuttle runs between Montcalm Rapibus station in Gatineau and the visitor centre in Chelsea. The first departure from Gatineau is at 9:18 a.m., with the last at 3:18 p.m. Return trips from the visitor centre run from 9:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The full route takes about 70 minutes. The shuttle stops at popular destinations near the parkways, including Pink Lake and Champlain Lookout. Visitors can hop on and off along the route but should check the detailed schedule to plan their return trip. Anyone who misses the last shuttle is responsible for arranging their own transportation out of the park. Accessible shuttles are available for people with disabilities and those accompanying them. Buses are also equipped with bike racks, and foldable strollers are permitted. More information, including stops and departure times, is available on the NCC’s Gatineau Park shuttle website. Vehicle restrictions and other destinations Many parkways are closed to vehicles until noon, while major lookouts, including Champlain, Huron and Étienne-Brûlé, are also subject to vehicle restrictions. The NCC encourages visitors to consider lesser-known areas to avoid crowds, including Meech Creek Valley, the Carman Lake lookout, Philippe Lake and the trails leading to Lusk Cave. Meech Creek Valley, between Chelsea and Wakefield, offers a quieter walk through historic sites and rural landscapes. Trail 72 leads to the Carman Lake lookout, which offers views of the colourful hills. The Waterfall and Lauriault trails provide another option for visitors looking for a walk through the autumn forest, while Philippe Lake and Lusk Cave offer a longer outdoor adventure. The NCC warns that Gatineau Park can reach capacity during the fall season and encourages visitors to consider weekday trips and alternative destinations to make the most of the autumn scenery.
