Gatineau Park

Trails Skied: Fortune Pkwy, Champlain Pkwy, #1, #1 (green) (#2 - #24), #1 (blue), Glide Wax: Swix LF6 + graphite, Grip Wax: n/a

Skated to the intersection of Blanchet & Ridge #1. The conditions on the parkways were good. The condition of #1 is good - it’s not as good as I’ve seen - but it’s much improved from what it has been in the past few weeks - in the skating track it’s much flatter and there’s fewer bumps - the classic tracks looked good. #1 was groomed this morning, via tracksetter, toward McKinstry #24 was trackset this AM via snowmobile . The skating was a bit on slow side due to the snow still being cold ; however, the LF6 and graphite seemed to work quite well - the parkways are harder and, hence, were faster - the skating track on #1 was softened by the snowmobiles returning from #24 and was slower. If you’ve been anxious for a run to McKinstry or the tower, conditions are in your favour.

Regrettably XC skiing seems to be taking off - at 11:00 AM people were already parking in the middle at P10 so if you’re heading toward McKinstry get to P10 early - those who snooze lose.













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