The Gatineau Park Team’s Favourite Winter Trails

Every winter, Gatineau Park becomes a snowy wonderland. Whether you prefer skiing, snowshoeing or snow biking, the Park offers many ways to explore winter trails.

The Gatineau Park team works hard to keep the Park safe, accessible and ready for visitors. They are true park enthusiasts and are always happy to share their favourite routes for a wide range of skill levels. These routes are complete with eye‑catching scenery, cozy day shelters and quieter parking lots.

Whether you are new to the Park or an experienced winter fan, there is always a new route to discover. Get ready to explore the Park like an insider!

“I love the scenery when I start out at P16. As trail 50 is considered an “easy” trail, you don’t need to be an athlete to complete it! And, not being a seasoned skier, I like being able to take a break and warm up at the Herridge day shelter.

My advice: The effort involved in climbing the steep hill at the start of trail 50 makes you think you have the right of way — but no! Skiers coming downhill have priority.”

– Élise, Gatineau Park Information Officer

“My favourite ski route in Gatineau Park is the easy, but long, trail 53 and 51 loop from P17. This charming trail is about 15 km long and is bordered by a magnificent forest and a large field, with a variety of landscapes to see. You can stop and rest on one of the two benches along the path to gaze at the scenery. I think you'll have a great time in the park! And don’t forget to stop in Wakefield to sip a cup of coffee or hot chocolate afterwards!”

– Émilie, Supervisor, Information Services at Gatineau Park

“My favourite trail starts at P1, at the Asticou Centre. The entire route, about 6.5 km long, has gentle climbs and smooth descents. It’s perfect for beginners, whether they are classic or skate-skiers. The parking lot is huge, so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to park.”

– Haggar, Project Officer, Sustainable Transportation

“What could be better than going for a backcountry ski after work, and enjoying the last light of day? From P7, take trails 30, 8, 17, 31, then take trail 30 back to the parking lot. I like this loop of just over 6 km because it runs along narrower, less busy trails, with interesting climbs and descents, and beautiful winter scenery. If you’re going late in the day, bring a headlamp as it can be difficult to see the trail in the dark. Before you venture out, make sure you’re comfortable on backcountry trails. This is a difficult circuit.”

– Marguerite, Program officer, Outdoor activities

“This is a beautiful 23‑kilometre route in the northern sector (with the option to take a shorter route). Starting from P19, take Trail 50, then begin the loop on Trail 55. Along the way, you will come across two “blue” trails that climb to lovely viewpoints: Trail 54, which goes up to Lusk Lake, and Trail 56, which climbs up to the Mud Lake Lookout. Trails 54 and 56 are truly beautiful, with nice climbs that are not too difficult and a well‑deserved descent on the way back. I really like this route because it is varied, it is less busy than the southern part of the Park and the scenery is beautiful!

If you want a shorter outing, you can do 16.6 kilometres by skipping Trail 56, or you can do 11.4 kilometres if you stick to only Trail 55. My advice: Be careful on the downhill curves.”

– Carine, Biologist

“I like this loop because you’ll see a variety of ecosystems: wetlands, streams, conifer and deciduous forests, and much more! This 7-km route is long enough to give you time to relax and enjoy some peaceful time in nature. It’s also easy to reach, thanks to the large parking lot. The level of difficulty goes from easy to medium, depending on the terrain. I suggest giving yourself plenty of time so that you can observe animal tracks (and wildlife, if you’re lucky) and listen to the burbling streams.”

– Rachel, Program Officer, Nature Interpretation

“My favourite place to snowshoe is in the northern sector of the park where it’s quiet and peaceful. This itinerary starts on the flat part of trail 72, a good warm up before the more challenging climb to Brown shelter. There, take a break in the rustic ambiance of the cabin with its woodstove and nearby lake views. After a snack, head on trail 58, which winds through the woods to a lovely lookout before looping back to trail 72 for the return trip to the parking lot. The round-trip is about 6 km and can take 90 minutes, depending on your pace. My tip: bring plenty of water and keep your eyes open for wildlife! You might see animal tracks in the snow or spot birds that stay in the park during winter, such as blue jays, cardinals or woodpeckers. ”

– Marielle, Project Officer, Communications

“Trail 45 is a very technical course with lots of fast descents and difficult climbs that are challenging, even for experienced cyclists. This trail is not as busy as some of the others, which makes for a nice, quiet outing in the woods. As well, the level of difficulty for this approximately 6 km route allows for a perfect mix of cardio workout and full-throttle adventure. I recommend wearing a helmet and taking a break before starting a strenuous climb. Make sure you share your itinerary with someone, just be on the safe side.”

– Valentin, Gatineau Park Trail Patroller

“Starting from P17, this loop offers winter biking in its most authentic form. The route combines long, demanding climbs with fast, technical descents that will challenge riders of all levels. The stop at the Carman Lake fire pit adds a welcome break to warm up and recharge before heading back. The full loop is 12.1 kilometres and takes around two and a half hours to complete at a comfortable pace. For the best conditions, I recommend riding three to four days after a snowfall, after snowshoers have had time to pack down the trail and create a firm, rideable surface. This outing delivers the perfect blend of physical effort, winter scenery and pure fat biking enjoyment.”

– Alexis, Trail Maintenance Coordinator

"Living near Gatineau Park makes it incredibly easy for me to get onto the trails. My route starts at the Asticou Centre, where I take Trail 5/67 to reach the Gatineau Parkway. From there, I follow Trail 67 until it meets Trail 66. At the fork in the road, turn right to complete the loop and then return to Trail 67. The full circuit is about 5.3 kilometres and takes me about an hour

I love this loop because the experience changes completely with the seasons. In the summer, the trail feels wider and rougher. In the winter, the snowy corridor becomes narrow and winding, making a familiar path feel new again. My biggest tip is to dress for the temperature, especially when it comes to gloves and boots. Wearing the wrong insulation can easily spoil an otherwise perfect outing."

- Phil, Junior Project Officer