Gatineau Park is the National Capital Region’s conservation park and the second-most visited park in Canada. It offers year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation while protecting a rich, natural environment.
Many of the park’s most popular destinations are located along the parkways. To enhance visitors’ experience and safety, and to ensure people have the information to plan a successful outing, the NCC is building welcome infrastructure at six strategic locations throughout the park.
These locations are on the park’s shuttle route and are close to key landmarks and attractions in Gatineau Park.
About the project
The welcome infrastructure are permanent year-round structures to support visitors as they explore Gatineau Park. They will provide:
- shelter while waiting for the shuttle
- comfortable rest stops along the parkways
- visitor information and wayfinding to help with planning and navigation
Together, they will improve comfort, accessibility and orientation for visitors while supporting sustainable access to the park.
Impacts of the work
The impacts of construction will differ at each location. Following completion, all sites will benefit from safer and more clearly defined bus pick‑up and drop‑off areas, enhanced signage and wayfinding, and additional site‑specific improvements described as follows.
The work should take place simultaneously at some locations and may result in intermittent lane reductions.
South Entrance - P3
- The existing plaza will be partially closed and the kiosk will be turned into welcome infrastructure.
- The shuttle stop will be temporarily located closer to the road, east of the plaza.
- The two outhouses and water fountain will be out of service for the duration of the work.
- Dry washrooms will be available.
Seating
- Seating for more than 25 people and standing room for 50 people
Site improvements and accessibility
- New bike parking, lounge chairs and picnic tables
- New clearly defined accessible parking
- Two new outhouses, including one universally accessible
- Tactile indicators at shuttle pick-up and drop-off location
Pink Lake
- Parking at the Pink Lake lookout will be unavailable.
- The Pink Lake lookout will be accessible only from the Pink Lake Trail, not from the parking lot.
- The shuttle stop will be temporarily relocated to the parkway, at the entrance of the Pink Lake parking lot.
Seating
- Seating for 24 people and standing room for 24 people
Site improvements and accessibility
- New clearly defined accessible parking
- One universally accessible outhouse
- Tactile indicators at shuttle pick-up and drop-off location
Mackenzie King Estate
- A dozen parking spaces will be unavailable at P6
- There will be temporary closures along a section of Mackenzie King Road for expansion work
- The shuttle stop will be temporarily relocated to the bus parking area at P6
Seating
- Seating for 24 people and standing room for 24 people
Parking lot
- New layout and improved circulation
- Dedicated bus parking
Site improvements and accessibility
- Wider universally accessible parking spaces
- Tactile indicators at shuttle pick-up and drop-off location
- Improved pedestrian and vehicular circulation with a focus on accessibility, visibility and safety
- Widened section of Mackenzie King Road
Lauriault/Mulvihill
- Limited parking spaces at Lauriault and Mulvihill parking lots while work is ongoing
- The shuttle stops will be temporarily relocated nearby
- Intermittent alternating lane closures may occur
Seating
- Seating for 24 people and standing room for 12 people across both platforms.
Site improvements and accessibility
- Tactile indicators at shuttle pick-up and drop-off location
- Improved pedestrian safety with dedicated crosswalks
King Mountain
- The shuttle stop will be temporarily relocated nearby
- Intermittent alternating lane closures may occur
Seating
- Seating for 24 people and standing room for 12 people across both platforms.
Site improvements and accessibility
- Tactile indicators at shuttle pick-up and drop-off location
- Improved pedestrian safety with dedicated crosswalks
Champlain Lookout
- Parking near the lookout will be limited
- The shuttle stop will be temporarily located south of the entrance, on the grassy area
- The two existing outhouses will be out of service for the duration of the work
- Dry washrooms will be available
Seating
- Seating for 18 people and standing room for 18 people
Site improvements and accessibility
- Tactile indicators at shuttle pick-up and drop-off location
- Universally accessible outhouse
- Improved pedestrian safety with dedicated crosswalks
- Improved landscaping
Camp Fortune
- Minimal work planned at this location
- New signage at existing temporary bus pick-up and drop-off area
Process and timeline
Fall 2025: Design and conception
May 2026: Site mobilization
Spring to Fall 2026: Implementation
Spring 2027: Completion