Gatineau Park
Trails Skied: Gatineau Pkwy , North Loop, Gatineau Pkwy, Glide Wax: , Grip Wax:
ROUTE: Today was different because P10 was full when I got there at 10:20. Went from P9 (empty) down the Doldrums to P8 (pretty full but there were still spots) and then up to Penguin, past P5 (maybe one third full) up to the T with the Champlain Parkway and back.
SKATE: Fairly good conditions but the snow is really wet so it was a bit of a slog probably because I am on (-5 to -10) glide wax. Lots of people making good progress but it was obviously slow, most noticeably on the downhills. Huge amount of traffic on the Doldrums so there was not sign of grooming.
TRAFFIC: See above - it is obviously school break! Having said that, it was pretty quick coming from Bank and Albion - made it in just over 30 minutes.
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.
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).
