Gatineau Park
Trails Skied: Gatineau Pkwy , Fortune Pkwy, North Loop, Gatineau Pkwy, Champlain Pkwy, Glide Wax: , Grip Wax:
ROUTE: Big Parkway Loop - From P10 up the Fortune Lake Parkway to the Champlain Parkway. Down the CP to the T with the Gatineau Parkway and then all the way back to P10 past P5 through the Doldrums and the connector (32) back to P10.
SKATE: The FLP and CP were recently groomed so they were hard and fast. Because of the grooming (corduroy) and a small amount of snowfall there was more than enough snow for good control that didn't slow progress. Interestingly, the Gatineau Parkway from the Champlain T to P8 seemed to have much more snow. It could have been softer because it is generally less shaded or it could have been less-trafficked. It was noticeable but it did not change conditions to a significant degree.
TRAFFIC: P10 was 90% full at 10:30 and 100% full at 12:30. I believe it is March Break for French schools which may have resulted in more traffic. The only place it was noticeable was on the Doldrums (P8 to P9) but there was no congestion anywhere.
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).
