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It’s wintertime! It can be tough to get out in the winter, if you’re not used to the idea. But if you live here in Ottawa… It’s worth getting used to the idea!
In the summer months, hiking can be the simplest thing in the world. Find a trail, put on your shoes, head out. In the winter, there’s a lot more to think about.
Fortunately, we have Gatineau Park right in our backyard, and they have four trails that are groomed for walking all winter long! Dogs are ALSO allowed on these trails in the winter, which is awesome because a lot of the time dogs aren’t allowed. And, three out of the four trails are accessible by bus!
Having the trails groomed basically means that the snow is squished down flat so that you can walk on it with just your boots, instead of needing snowshoes.
Will you hike them all this winter?
Not my dog, and not on any of the trails listed below. I just really wanted to draw your attention to the fact that dogs are allowed on these trails! Thanks for letting me use the photo @jenna.amirault.
Capital Pathway
Okay, full disclosure, I haven’t actually hiked this trail! Guess I’ll have to this winter. The trail starts at either P1 or P3, and is only 1.6 km long. But the NCC says that if you want a longer hike, you can add on the Pioneers Trail! The Capital Pathway is accessible by public transit.
The Pioneers Trail
This trail is universally accessible in the summer. In the winter, it starts from P3 and is just 1.3 km long. The trail is flat the entire way, making for a really easy walk. This trail is accessible by public transport as well!
The Sugarbush Trail
I love the Sugarbush Trail. It’s a little longer and has a few little hills. The whole trail is 3.3 km. long. It starts from the Gatineau Park Visitor’s Centre which is great for two reasons- it’s accessible by public transit (on weekdays), AND the NCC rents snowshoes there. So while you don’t need to wear snowshoes on the Sugarbush Trail because it’s groomed, it would also make for an incredibly easy spot to test out snowshoeing if you’ve never done it before!
Groomed trails make for super easy walking.
The Lauriault Trail
This is the longest groomed hiking trail available in Gatineau Park in the winter, clocking in around 4.5 km. My favorite thing about it is that it starts near the Mackenzie King Estate, at P6. On the estate there are some very cool ruins that are fun to explore and- lets be honest- take pictures with. This trail is definitely your number one pick in the winter if you want to challenge yourself a bit, without having to strap on snowshoes!
Here’s to a winter spent outdoors!
Winter on the Pioneer’s Trail!
