Gatineau Park Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Gatineau Park featuring forest scenes, a garden and tranquil scenes
Gatineau Park featuring a garden and flowers
Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park which includes a garden and forest scenes
Gatineau Park which includes a garden

With its diverse ecosystems, wildlife and national heritage, this park is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts in both summer and winter.

Gatineau Park is an impressive conservation park just 15 minutes from Parliament Hill in Canada’s National Capital Region. With historic treasures, natural beauty and a rich biodiversity, the park is a popular destination for all seasons. 

Gatineau Park has over 139 square miles (361 square kilometres) of woodland and lakes. Occupation of the park dates back 8,000 years. In the 19th century, settlers and industrialists came to enjoy the natural parklands. 

In the summer, when the maple and cedar trees are in bloom, explore the 103 miles (165 kilometres) of hiking trails and scenic bikeways. Learn about the ecosystem of the Eardley Escarpment, where over half of the park’s endangered plant and animal species can be found. Enjoy the view of Ottawa River Valley from King Mountain, and explore the marble tunnels at Lusk Cave, a geological wonder that is thousands of years old.

Visit the impressive Mackenzie King Estate, the summer home of Canada’s 10th Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. Walk through the heritage gardens, see the original Victorian cottages and discover King’s fascination with ruins, including stones from Westminster Palace in England. 

Bring your canoe and camp by La Pêche Lake, Philippe Lake or Taylor Lake. Swim at one of the five beaches or take a picnic lunch and relax at a lookout. Fish, in-line skate or take an interpretative nature walk. Watch for otter, beaver and the rare Blanding’s turtle. The park is also home to black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, marten, timber wolves and the eastern wolf. Pack your binoculars to spot nearly 230 species of birds.

In winter, cross-country ski, enjoy a winter hike or snowshoe along one of North America’s largest multi-use trail networks. Stay for the day or spend the night in a cabin, yurt or winter tent.

Call ahead to check opening hours as they vary between seasons. In the winter, contact Gatineau Park for details about parking fees and ski passes.

Moulin Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa
Moulin Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
60 Mill Road, PO Box 599, La Peche, QC
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in La Peche. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (652 reviews)
"Overall, a lovely spot and we will definitely come again. I didn’t understand the point of online check-in when I was asked to provide the same ID again when I went to pick up our key. Otherwise, staff is lovely, great food and nice spa."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Moulin Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₹13,288 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
₹13,288
₹15,767 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,523 reviews)
Room with a view
"The TV guide did not work. A service man came to our room and checked out the TV but was unable to fix it. Said he had to get something / tool to do the fix. He went away and never came back. We never did get the TV fixed. The thermostat could be adjusted in whole degrees only rather than half degrees ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
The Business Inn
The Business Inn
2.5 out of 5
180 MacLaren Street, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₹8,177 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
₹8,177
₹9,703 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (7,578 reviews)
central and friendly
"Great desk staff and very conveniently equipped, if dated, rooms and structure. Breakfast is basic, but sufficient, although it could do with fewer disposables and better ease of sorting all the waste and recyclables."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

The Business Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,658 reviews)
"Excellent for a family of four. Close to everything and very clean. A bit noisy though! Lots of street sounds even on the 11th floor."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Residence & Conference Centre - Ottawa West
Residence & Conference Centre - Ottawa West
2 out of 5
1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
Stay at this aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (1,631 reviews)
"Excellent customer service"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Residence & Conference Centre - Ottawa West
Cartier Place Suite Hotel
Cartier Place Suite Hotel
3 out of 5
180 Cooper Street, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,742 reviews)
"Great location. Close to restaurants and shopping. Some of the front desk staff didn't give all the relevant information like wifi password during check in"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Cartier Place Suite Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Gatineau Park