They say the air is especially good in the vast outdoor playground that is the Outaouais region: 33,000 square kilometres where you can fill your lungs with fresh air. From Montebello to Fort-Coulonge, through Chelsea and Maniwaki, the landscapes change beautifully from one area to the next.
Over the past year, more and more Quebecers have taken up outdoor sports. While many of you probably already enjoy hiking—perhaps even regularly—I would bet that quite a few of you had never really experienced it in winter, with traction cleats strapped to your boots.
Here are a few places where you can enjoy alpine or winter hiking in one of my favourite regions: Outaouais, as well as in Ottawa.
1. Regional and national parks, wildlife reserves and outdoor centres
Outaouais is home to nearly twenty protected areas where everything is done to preserve nature, one of the region’s most precious assets.
Among them are the Route des Zingues, which winds between Gagnon and Preston lakes; the summit of Mont Morissette, where a refuge with a wood stove and a lookout tower await; and the Forêt-la-Blanche ecological reserve, home to one of the oldest forests in eastern North America.
2. Gatineau Park, Outaouais
Managed and protected by the National Capital Commission, Gatineau Park covers no less than 361 km² of hills and forests.
It is no surprise that it is often referred to as the green lung of the region.
Did you know that it is one of the most visited parks in Canada, thanks to its biodiversity and its proximity to the city?
Unlike many other national parks, Gatineau Park has numerous access points, and several roads pass through it to reach the northern and western sectors.
While you are there, do not miss some of its best-known attractions and historic sites, including the Mackenzie King Estate, Étienne-Brûlé Lookout, and Philippe Lake.
Protecting fragile natural resources
Gatineau Park is clearly a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, while placing a strong emphasis on environmental protection.
The park follows a conservation plan focused on several key priorities, including protecting biodiversity, protecting species at risk, limiting habitat fragmentation, preserving ecological corridors, reducing pressures caused by human activity, and supporting research based on ecological integrity.
Hiking
Gatineau Park offers approximately 183 km of hiking trails during the summer season.
In winter, however, 10 km of walking trails ranging from easy to difficult are offered free of charge and mechanically groomed once a week.
Every Friday, the park team publishes an update on trail conditions as well as recommended starting points for the weekend.
Dogs on a leash are permitted on these trails.
Lauriault Trail
4.5 km
Less than one hour
Difficult
Old Chelsea
The trail begins at the Mackenzie King Estate, where cottages and picturesque ruins stand out beautifully against the snowy landscape.
Capital Trail
1.6 km
Less than one hour
Easy
Gatineau
Pioneers Trail
1.3 km
Less than one hour
Gatineau
Interpretive panels along the trail tell the story of the settlement of the Outaouais region and highlight the diversity of Gatineau Park’s forest.
Sugarbush Trail
3 km
Less than one hour
Easy
Old Chelsea
Gatineau Park also offers approximately 60 km of snowshoeing trails and 200 km of cross-country ski trails, each with plenty of incredible scenery to enjoy.
3. Greenbelt, Ottawa
Have you ever explored the National Capital Greenbelt?
This 20,000-hectare conservation area includes farms, forests, sand dunes, wetlands, marshes, and bogs.
It is one of the largest publicly owned greenbelts in the world.
Created in the 1950s, its original purpose remains the same today: to protect natural areas that support biodiversity, including forests, wetlands, streams, and dunes, while limiting urban expansion onto the rural lands surrounding Canada’s capital.
These natural areas also contribute to both human and ecological health throughout the region.
In addition to outdoor activities, this environmental treasure is also home to several heritage sites.
Sixteen conservation and recreation areas make up the National Capital Greenbelt.
For example, along the Lime Kiln Trail in Stony Swamp, you can discover historic ruins, while the Jack Pine Trail offers opportunities to spot barred owls and black-backed woodpeckers.
More than 20 km of scenic trails can be explored free of charge.
Here are a few options:
Mer Bleue
7.2 km
1 to 2 hours
The area is home to plant species that are normally associated with much more northern climates.
Ottawa River Pathway
4.1 km
West sector / Shirleys Bay
1 to 2 hours
Many bird species can be observed here throughout the year.
Get outside and play. It does a world of good!
And to make your getaway even more enjoyable, why not take a look at our many cottages for rent in Outaouais?
FAQ – Winter Hiking in Outaouais
What are the best places for winter hiking in Outaouais?
Outaouais offers several excellent areas for winter hiking, including Gatineau Park, Route des Zingues, Mont Morissette and the Forêt-la-Blanche ecological reserve. These destinations feature forest scenery, viewpoints and trails suited to different experience levels.
Can you go winter hiking in Gatineau Park?
Yes. During winter, Gatineau Park offers walking trails with different levels of difficulty. Some trails are groomed, making it possible to enjoy the snowy scenery without necessarily using snowshoes.
Which trails in Gatineau Park are worth exploring in winter?
Some of the trails highlighted in the article include the Lauriault Trail, Capital Pathway, Pioneers Trail and Sugarbush Trail. These routes offer a variety of distances and difficulty levels.
Can you go snowshoeing in Gatineau Park?
Yes. Gatineau Park also has an extensive network of snowshoeing trails. It is an excellent option for visitors who want to explore more of the forest and fully enjoy winter conditions.
Can you go cross-country skiing in Outaouais?
Yes. Gatineau Park is especially well known for its extensive cross-country ski trail network. The region also offers several other areas that are well suited for winter outdoor activities.
Can you go winter hiking near Ottawa?
Yes. Canada’s Capital Greenbelt offers several scenic trails that can be explored in winter, including areas around Mer Bleue, Shirley’s Bay and Stony Swamp.
Is winter hiking in Outaouais suitable for families?
Yes. Several trails are short and relatively easy, making them suitable for families who want to enjoy nature in winter. It is still important to check current conditions, distance and difficulty before heading out.
How can you find a cottage near hiking trails in Outaouais?
Cottage Discount features cottage rentals in Outaouais, including properties near Gatineau Park and other outdoor recreation areas. The region is well suited for getaways that combine hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and relaxing at the cottage.