Gatineau Park

Trails Skied: Fortune Pkwy, Champlain Pkwy, Glide Wax: CH8, Grip Wax: Swix blue extra

I classic skied the FP and then the CP to the Lookout this afternoon. The groomer passed while I was ascending the FP, and had completed a loop of the Parkways (including the Lookout) by the time I finished skiing. The grooming greatly improved the conditions, providing two classic tracks on each side and a skate lane. I estimate 8cm of fresh dry powder had fallen in the park over night and through the morning. After grooming the snow depth in the classic tracks was probably no more than a few millimeters, but taking care to avoid a few bare spots I did not ground out. A few skaters were ascending as I returned, and seemed to be having no problems despite the limited snow depth. I did notice a few places where their edges had broken through to pavement, so I'd continue to use rock skis for now. Overall conditions on the Parkways are quite good for early season.













Gatineau park map


Gatineau Park is ski paradise! The network of ski trails offer machine groomed skate skiing and classic skiing as well as little groomed backcountry trails. Multiple access points allow skiers to access a variety of terrain and scenery. The NCC offers season or daily pay rates.

Gatineau park map

For suggestions on where to ski, excellent trail descriptions, photos and maps checkout Michael McGoldrick`s website about recreational xc-skiing in Canada`s National Capital Region (with an emphasis on the Gatineau Park).

Gatineau park map