Gatineau Park

Trails Skied: Fortune Pkwy, Champlain Pkwy, #1, #1 (green) (#2 - #24), #1 (blue), Glide Wax: Swix LF10, Grip Wax:

I went for the sun but stayed for the skiing. Things never got too warm with as many periods of snow flurries as there was of sun; however, in places the skiing was not too bad and the other places could be excused as April conditions. Skated from P10 to the intersection of #1 and Blanchet via FP, CP, Huron, & #1 - returned via the same route.

There is still complete coverage everywhere (have attached photographic evidence) - the only place I had to portage was for 6 ft. by the bench on #1. The climb up to Lac Fortune is the most difficult part with frozen ruts and long sections of frozen melt-water. The rest of the FP was reasonable: in the morning it was hard but on the return it was softening into enjoyable corn-snow. #1 was generally good with the surface being the frozen wet snow from Monday - there were patches of frozen melt-water but it was quite easy to ski around them.

There is no visible melting so there should be little snow lost today. Skiing should improve for the rest of the day. The climb up FP tomorrow morning will probably be unpleasant until you get to the top of the ridge. Once the temperature rises conditions should be great tomorrow. If your timing is right it might be a good day for one last visit to the tower.

Just a note of warning! Some of the Demsis red “Caution Icy” signs have fallen over. Perhaps someone should drive a groomer up there to put them right.













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