Gatineau Park Parkways

Gatineau Parkway · Gatineau → Champlain Lookout

Sweeping12 mi40 min1,600 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,100 ftOne way

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The drive

The Gatineau Parkway and the Champlain Parkway climb from the edge of Gatineau into Gatineau Park, ending on the Champlain Parkway at Champlain Lookout. The Gatineau Parkway is one of three parkways that run from Gatineau to Chelsea, and it passes the Pink Lake parking lot on the way. The Champlain Lookout is reached from the Champlain Parkway.

The drive is 12 miles and takes about 40 minutes. Access for private cars is limited: the National Capital Commission opens the parkways to cars only on set days and hours, runs a free shuttle on other days, and closes them to cars for the winter, when they become cross-country ski trails.

Along the way

Gatineau (Boulevard Alexandre-Taché)
Pink Lake
Champlain Lookout

Elevation

1,600 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,100 ft

GatineauChamplain Lookout

Curves

Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches

mi 4–6mi 8–10mi 9–11

GatineauChamplain Lookout

GentleHairpins

Good to know

In the fall, cars are allowed noon to dusk Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to Sunday, and from 8 am to dusk on Wednesday. Dusk closing is about 7 pm in October. Schedules change by season, so check the NCC page below.
From late October until spring, the parkways are closed to private vehicles and there is no shuttle. The winter schedule can start early for safety, because salt and grit are not used.
Hikers, cyclists and people using mobility aids can use the parkways at all times and share the road with vehicles when cars are allowed.
The free shuttle runs 9 am to 6 pm every day except Wednesday.

Closed to cars from late October to early May; the rest of the year cars are allowed only on set days and hours. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NCC: Gatineau Park parkways schedule.

Questions about this drive

When can you drive the Gatineau Park parkways?

In the fall, cars are allowed noon to dusk (Wednesday from 8 am). The schedule changes by season, so check the NCC schedule.

Are the Gatineau Park parkways open in winter?

No. From late October until spring they are closed to private vehicles and used as cross-country ski trails.

How long does the Gatineau Park Parkways drive take?

The Gatineau Park Parkways drive is 12 miles and takes about 40 minutes, ending near Champlain Lookout.

Can you get to Champlain Lookout without driving?

Yes, the free NCC shuttle reaches the lookout when it is running, and walkers and cyclists can use the parkways at all times.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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