(bright music) - [Announcer 1] "Park It!

Gatineau Park" is made possible in part by.

(bright music) - [Announcer 2] Hey, I gotta tell you about my vacation in the Outaouais.

(bright upbeat music) I got to experience so many new things.

This summer it's your turn to discover the Outaouais.

(bright upbeat music) (gentle music) - [Joseph] Sitting just a short drive from Canada's Capital of Ottawa is Gatineau Park, a conservation Park managed by the National Capital Commission, a Federal Crown Corporation.

Located in the southwestern part of the province of Quebec, and stretching over 361 square kilometers or nearly 140 square miles, this incredible Park offers everything from wetlands and lakes to mature forests and rocky escarpments.

The Park's variety of ecosystems offer a home to thousands of species of plants, animals, and fungi, including over 150 species at risk underscoring the Park's ecological significance.

Whether you're hoping to spot wildlife, hike meandering trails, or simply soak up the lush forests, Gatineau Park is a destination for nature lovers year round.

- The conservation mission of Gatineau Park is ecological integrity, so ensuring that over the generations, everything in the Park, the wildlife, plants, animal, mushrooms, this lake here will still be there for everybody in the future.

- So, we have a diversity of habitat for wildlife and for plants.

Well, we have a lot of marshes, so you'll be able to see marsh birds.

We have, you know, mature forest, so there's all kinds of animals just living in the woods.

We have a lot of beavers in the Park.

- [Joseph] The Park is home to at-risk species such as the least bittern, a small secretive marsh bird, and the western chorus frog, a tiny, one-inch long frog, which has undergone serious declines in Quebec and Ontario.

The peregrine falcon can also be found within the Park.

- Conservation is important to, for everybody to be able to enjoy the Park for years and years and years.

So, biodiversity, the plants and animals in the Park is a balance in a way.

So, the ecosystem is a network of species and this is fragile.

If humans interfere too much in it, it can be unbalanced.

- [Joseph] The Park is a 15-minute drive for over 1 million residents and it borders four different municipalities.

It receives over 2.6 million visits a year.

Because of its proximity to the cities of Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec, many residents consider it their backyard for year-round recreation.

Maintaining a balance between the visitor experience and the protection of nature is an ongoing challenge.

Visitors to Gatineau Park can help conservation efforts with a few simple actions like staying on official marked trails, observe wildlife from a distance, leave nature as you found it, and anything you pack in, pack it out.

Gatineau Park has a team of conservation officers who help maintain the Park's ecological integrity and biodiversity.

Their job is to patrol the Park and educate people about how to enjoy the Park safely and in balance with nature.

- So, in the spring we deal with a lot of emerging wildlife and a lot of times that can involve human wildlife conflict.

Part of our role as conservation officers is to mitigate and educate in those cases.

Summer is often boat related, water related, so we do a lot of boat safety, boating patrols.

Fall is our active hiking season, so we often get a lot of search and rescues, lost people, and hall ash also coincides with animal activity and possible hunters.

Winter we tend to focus on back-country.

We get a lot of cross-country skiers in the Park.

We have a ton of trails here.

- [Joseph] To better understand the overall health of the Park's diverse ecosystems and habitats, scientific researchers, including students from nearby universities, monitor several environmental indicators like water quality, nesting birds, and soil fertility.

(birds chirping) The valuable data they collect informs management decisions and helps protect the Park's natural resources.

- As a student biologist, I'm able to gain a lot of hands-on experience in the field of biology, whether it be on the field, during field work, and our periods of data collection, but also in terms of writing up reports and communicating the science that we find and keeping track of all the data we collect.

- Through my work, I am learning a lot on the biodiversity of the Park.

I'm learning what different species are around the area, both fauna and flora, as well as different biodiversity indicators that can be used to infer the Park's overall health and track its progression over the years.

- [Joseph] With such a diversity of landscapes, Gatineau Park is a year-round destination for active visitors looking to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

Each season brings its own charm.

Springtime in Gatineau Park is more than just an awakening from the winter slumber.

It is an invitation to witness nature's grand spectacle up close.

Snow-laden trails give way to inviting paths, the vibrant hues of freshly blossomed wild flowers, the symphony of chirping birds and the soft green buds on the trees are captivating.

- A favorite memory of mine in Gatineau Park would be taking my son to see the trilliums with my wife in springtime and just to watch him walk around with wonder and a certain freedom, and you get to see a different side of them that we don't necessarily get to see every day and I really value that.

- [Joseph] Spring not only offers a visual feast, but also outdoor activities to relish.

Whether you're into hiking, mountain or road biking, or simply enjoying a serene stroll, the Park's diverse landscapes means there's something here for everyone.

Miles of hilly trails wind through forests and exposed rock offering mountain bikers and hikers a blend of challenging climbs and exhilarating descents.

Those who prefer to cycle on pavement can use the network of scenic parkways, which are close to vehicles on certain days and give you access to some of the Park's most popular attractions like Champlain Lookout and Pink Lake.

- The advice I would give to people who are coming over here is make sure your bicycle is in good condition.

There are some pretty good hills to climb, but beside that, everything is safe.

There's a lot of good bike shops around if need be.

And not only that, Gatineau Park is great, but the whole region is wonderful.

Ottawa and Gatineau offer a lot of good road bikes, roads, so it's perfect for a cyclist here.

- [Joseph] The Park's expansive network of trails offer ample opportunity for those who prefer to explore on foot.

There are more than 200 kilometers of summer hiking trails, about half of which are shared with mountain bikers.

Part of the Trans Canada Trail also travels through the Park.

Whether you're an avid hiker, a casual walker, or a passionate trail runner, the variety of trails with different difficulty levels provide a great way to connect with nature.

The trails are well marked and maintained.

Along the way you can find interpretation panels about the Park's history and natural features.

Hiking and cycling continue as temperatures rise in the summer and the Park becomes a haven for campers, kayakers, beach goers and picnickers.

Families flock to the many beaches which provide idyllic settings for a day by the lake.

- We can choose from a bunch of different beaches.

Some of them are big, some of them are small.

It just really depends on the day.

My daughter really loves the water, so we love to swim.

- [Joseph] There are over a dozen picnic areas located throughout the Park, inviting you to extend your stay with a leisurely day at the beach, near a waterfall, or at a scenic lookout.

For those who crave more than just being by the water, Gatineau Park offers various activities on the water.

Explore the lakes by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.

You can bring your own or rent one at water's edge.

It's important to know, however, that motorized boats are not permitted.

- I come to Lac Phillippe because it's so peaceful, it's so close to the city, yet so remote you feel isolated.

The lake is beautiful.

It's the perfect place for a vacation, either during the weekend, during the week, or even if you wanna spend a full week here with the camping, it's just awesome.

- [Joseph] Gatineau Park offers more than 200 camping sites.

Whether you're in adventurous spirit or simply seeking a relaxing stay, you are sure to find a style of camping that fits your preferences.

At Philippe Lake, you can set up your tent right by the water's edge or in the forest envelop by nature.

As the sun sets, gather around a campfire with loved ones, sharing stories and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.

For those looking for something less rustic or want an easier introduction to camping, a ready to camp unit is a good option.

These all season accommodations are equipped with beds, tables, wood stoves, basic cookware, and a barbecue.

Cabins, yurts and four-season tents provide a cozy and convenient way to experience the Park's natural beauty with more protection from the elements.

In the Fall as the days get shorter, the leaves on the trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

The leaves fall slowly to the ground, creating a vibrant carpet, which crunches underfoot.

This transformation signals that the trees are preparing for the cold months ahead.

- The trees lose their leaves because they're getting ready for winter.

It's getting colder.

And as a preparation for winter, the trees need to have, be ready to survive without water.

So, it's not only cold, but it's like a desert, all the water isn't accessible anymore, it's in ice form.

It can't feed all those leaves, and so the leaves need to fall.

- [Joseph] In Fall, a popular hiking trail is at Pink Lake, the 2.3 kilometer, or nearly 1 1/2 mile long trail encircles the lake, offering panoramic views.

Despite having the name Pink, the lake is actually an emerald green color due to the abundance of algae in the water.

It is named after the Pink family who settled the land in 1826.

Pink Lake is a meromictic lake, which means the surface water and deep water in the lake do not mix like they do in a typical lake.

This creates unique and fragile conditions for the prehistoric bacteria that live near its bottom.

The transformation of Pink Lake is nothing short of remarkable.

As the lake evolved from salt water to freshwater over the course of 3,000 years, a species of saltwater fish adapted to the new environment and continues to live in the lake today.

Due to its delicate condition, swimming, boating and dog walking are not allowed and the trail is not open in the winter.

- What I like about hiking in Gatineau Park is the great variety of things that there are to see along the way.

There's lakes and rivers and creeks and vistas where you can see the Ottawa River Valley down to Ottawa.

A good thing to know when you're gonna hike in Gatineau Park is to check the weather (chuckles) first before you go.

The type of equipment you need depends on your fitness level and the trail that you're gonna be going on.

So, some people would like to, would use walking poles.

It's good to have really sturdy footwear, hiking boots or hiking shoes or some type of trail runner or shoe that has a good grip and a sturdy sole.

- [Joseph] Another fascinating hike is the three kilometer or approximately two-mile trail leading to the Carbide Willson Ruins.

Located in the middle of the forest on a waterfall near Meech Lake, the ruins are the last remaining traces of a fertilizer plant constructed by Canadian inventor Thomas Leopold Willson.

The complex originally sported several structures including an acid condensation tower, a dam, and a generating station.

Unfortunately, the tower was destroyed by fire, and today only its foundation remains.

In 1915, Willson traveled to New York City to raise new venture capital.

While he was there, Willson collapsed in the middle of the street, struck down by a heart attack, and was never able to fully realize his dreams of mass fertilizer production.

Today, the trail to the Carbide Willson Ruins is more than just a hike, it is a journey into the past where nature and history intertwine offering a poignant reminder of the Park's multifaceted past.

As the vibrant hues of Fall give way to the stark beauty of Winter, the Park's charm remains undiminished.

The landscape transforms into a Winter wonderland.

The same trails that bustled with hikers and bikers in the Spring, Summer, and Fall now welcome snowshoers, snow bikers and cross-country skiers.

In fact, cross-country skiers were some of the first groups to start advocating for the protection of the forests of Gatineau Park well before it officially became a Park.

- I love cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park just because the trails are amazing, the conditions are always incredible and it's just wonderful to be out in the middle of nature, but yet so close to the city.

My favorite place to ski in Gatineau Park is actually the trail that we're on right now, the number one.

It has a really steep incline up a place we call Penguin, and then it weaves through the woods for probably 10 miles.

- Actually, this year, three weeks ago, I was snowshoeing in the Gatineau Park, three deers, I guess it was the mommy with two babies.

And they were just, I stopped walking and they were coming along just close to me.

They just passed close to me, I don't know, they weren't scared of me at all.

It was magical.

- [Joseph] Snow biking combines the thrill of mountain biking with the serene beauty of a snow-covered landscape.

Riders navigate trails that are shared with snowshoers requiring a delicate balance and a sense of adventure.

With specially designed bikes, equipped with a wide sometimes studded tires, snow bikers can confidently ride over packed snow.

- Snow biking in the Gatineau Park, you need half tires, at least 3.8 inches wide.

This one has five-inches tires and you have good grips, and we have studded tires right now because when the condition are very icy, you need something in order to grip on the ice.

I like the quietness of the sport.

It's so quiet, especially after a snowfall.

You know, it's like a biking on a cloud.

(bright music) - [Joseph] With the winter wonderland of Gatineau Park at your fingertips, preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable experience.

Before heading out, make sure to check the trail conditions and closures, especially after significant snowfalls.

Make sure you're prepared for winter conditions.

For your safety and peace of mind, dedicated Volunteer Ski Patrollers are always ready to assist, offering guidance, emergency medical care and support throughout the Park.

- The main reason Patrollers are in the Park is to provide the user with general information on the Park.

Safety reason if people get injured, we provide first aid and help in the evacuation process.

What I love about volunteering is, well, first of all, I love the Park.

I like helping people, and it keeps me in shape for next bike season.

- [Joseph] Winter camping offers a unique opportunity to experience a different side of winter.

Cabins, yurts and four-season tents are all located in the Lac Phillippe sector.

Each site is only accessible by ski or snowshoe, making for a truly immersive winter adventure.

- Camping in the four-season tent is really warm than I thought.

So, you can come in, you can cook some really nice meal on the barbecue outside, or you can just put something on the fire stove.

So, last night for example, we had a warm brie cheese and it's really, it was really cool, and we had beautiful snow this morning.

So, we were in our bed and we see all the weather from our bed outside from the window.

(bright music) - [Joseph] During your outing, visit one of the Park's day shelters to warm up and have a snack beside the wood stove.

Bring hot beverages or sandwiches to enjoy at a picnic table.

The shelters are also equipped with a trail map, an emergency communication system, and an outhouse.

Beyond the Parks recreational offerings, the area also offers an extensive cultural heritage to discover, dating back thousands of years.

- Gatineau Park is the nation's conservation park.

It's really an exceptional place that we have here in the region that's so close to several different municipalities.

People can come here for a range of recreational activities, but they can also come here to appreciate nature and appreciate the important history and heritage of this region.

I love some of the hikes in Gatineau Park that take you to these historical places that you don't necessarily expect will be there.

You have these aha moments in Gatineau Park when you walk along the path and come across the Carbide Willson Ruins, for instance.

There are plaques along the way, you can read about that history.

You can learn more about the families who once lived here.

There's so many different experiences that you can have in Gatineau Park.

- [Joseph] The lands upon which Gatineau Park exist today are part of the traditional, unceded territories of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.

The Algonquin people were the first stewards of these lands, fishing, hunting, and trading throughout these territories for over 10,000 years.

Because of the chain of lakes, this area was important for trade and portage or travel by canoe.

- A canoe is a very, very important part of our culture 'cause it was our mode of transportation.

It allowed us to go all over the territory.

Our territory was large compared to the 10 little square miles I live in today, we had a great big part of Quebec was our territory.

To me, canoe building gives me great pride in my ancestors, 'cause this canoe is of a North American native design, that's not a German French invention.

My ancestors invented this.

The canoe is okay, it's nice, but it's the engineering that impresses me more than anything else because there's no nails, no glue, no screws in these things.

I can remove all the parts within the canoe.

It's all from nature.

(gentle music) - [Joseph] European settlers arrived in the early 1800s and sought to establish farms, a logging trade, and even industrial operations like mines and sawmills.

By the late 1800s, Ottawa was not a pretty place.

It was an industrial lumber town.

Canada's then Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, challenged his government to beautify the capital and established the Ottawa Improvement Commission in 1899, which would later become the National Capital Commission.

During this time, a growing number of outdoor enthusiasts started venturing into the hills north of the city in search of nature and fresh air.

Among them was William Lyon Mackenzie King, who would go on to become Canada's 10th and longest serving prime minister.

He fell in love with the Gatineau Hills and started buying plots of land and building a small cottage.

Over the course of five decades, he transformed his simple summer retreat into a country estate fit for a prime minister.

He welcomed political figures such as Winston Churchill here.

When he died in 1950, King bequeathed his estate to all Canadians.

Visitors can still explore Mackenzie King's period cottages turned museums, his meticulously designed French and English gardens and the intriguing ruins that he used to decorate the grounds of his estate.

- The ruins are a collection of fragments of buildings that were important to Mackenzie King in one way or another.

These include the parliament buildings that were destroyed by fire in 1916, Westminster Abbey in London, England, and the couple of stones from his grandfather's house in Toronto.

- [Joseph] While King was prime minister in 1938, the federal government acquired the first parcels of land in the Gatineau Hills, which began the creation of Gatineau Park with the original aim of protecting the area from a growing forestry industry.

Over the years, many groups of citizens have advocated for the protection and appreciation of the Park's natural and cultural heritage.

Among them is an organization known as the Friends of Gatineau Park.

- The Friends of Gatineau educate the public mainly in two ways.

One is by doing some original research.

We have members who have done research on the history of the Park.

For instance, there's one member who was keen on going through archives and could tell you what a certain farmer on the Park was growing in a certain year.

And we also offer a number of programs.

One we called Voices where we had people who lived or worked in the Park years ago talk about their experience.

We also offer a number of guided hikes that have a historical theme to them.

One of them is on Ridge Road, which was the kind of the main settlement road for the Irish farmers who settled in the 1800s along Ridge Road, which is a kind of spine that goes through the middle of the Park.

There were some 13 families there.

- [Joseph] To ensure the Park can be enjoyed by everyone for many generations, it has become increasingly urgent to create more sustainable and accessible ways for people to visit the Park.

The Park provides a shuttle service that transports visitors from downtown Ottawa to the Park, helping to reduce traffic congestion during peak periods.

- We're very proud of that because it gives people access to those who don't have cars or who don't like driving or maybe want to avoid the congestion.

One of our messages increasingly is, you don't have to drive to visit the Park, there are alternative ways of getting here.

So, the shuttle bus is universally accessible, provides people with mobility challenges an opportunity to get to some of the iconic sites.

And we have lookouts that are universally accessible, we have a trail that's universally accessible, so we're very conscious of the fact that we want people with mobility issues also to be able to use the Park.

(gentle music) - [Joseph] From waterfalls to covered bridges, from beaches to heritage homes, Gatineau Park boasts a myriad of historical and natural attractions that captivate and educate.

The Park's diverse ecosystems provide a living laboratory for researchers and a sanctuary for visitors seeking a deeper connection with nature.

Gatineau Park tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and the intricate balance between human activity and the natural world.

- I find that there's a lot of fun activities that you can do while still respecting the natural environment that you're in, and I find that there's a lot to discover and be curious about.

So, that's what I like about here.

- I love cycling and hiking, running and, but the most special season for me is winter time where we can cross-country ski on over 200 kilometers of trails, and in winter time with the snow it becomes more quiet, so it's a different experience.

- Whether it's a winter, summer, spring, fall, there's always something you can do.

Always something new to discover.

- Hop on one of our shuttle buses, come out, just go for a very short hike, it needn't be all day long.

But the convenience of being able to be in a natural space in a short amount of time and enjoy it and still get back for an afternoon coffee is a risk worth taking.

And we know now from a point of view of mental and physical wellbeing and mental and physical health, that time spent in nature is good for the spirit, it's good for the soul, it's good for the body.

- And it's great to get out with your family and friends and just relax together, create memories, and appreciate just the beautiful forests and natural world that is here.

- I've been skiing in the Park for the last 30 years.

It's an incredible place to come to get out in nature.

It's a perfect blend of physical activity and challenge, being able to challenge yourself as well as being peaceful and tranquil and just an amazing way to connect with nature.

(bright upbeat music) - [Joseph] Gatineau Park's extensive landscape showcases the diversity of the Canadian wilderness.

From the vibrant hues of wild flowers in the spring to the rustling leaves of the mature trees in autumn, the Park offers a mesmerizing display of nature's beauty throughout the year.

With careful planning, monitoring, and public education efforts, the Park's fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage are being protected for future generations.

Whether you seek the thrill of adventure or the solace of tranquility, there's always something new to discover in Gatineau Park.

- [Announcer 1] "Park It!

Gatineau Park" is made possible in part by.

(bright music) - [Announcer 2] Hey, I gotta tell you about my vacation in the Outaouais.

(bright upbeat music) I got to experience so many new things.

This summer, it's your turn to discover the Outaouais.

(bright upbeat music) (bright music) (gentle music)