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Gatineau
Cross the river, climb the parkways, chase the lookout.
Cyclists cross the Ottawa River from the capital to reach Gatineau Park, the region's premier road-riding playground of smooth, winding parkways that roll through Canadian Shield forest and lakes to the famous Champlain Lookout. Add a lively Vieux-Hull food scene minutes from the trailheads, and it's an easy day trip that rides like a mountain escape.
What the riding’s like
The park's parkways offer roughly 32 km of well-paved, curb-free roads with light, park-bound traffic and a steady succession of climbs, the toughest being the drag from parking lot P3 up to Champlain Lookout (about 18 km and 400 m of gain). Every Sunday from mid-May into early fall the NCC closes the parkways to cars from 6 to 11 a.m., turning them into a car-free playground for road riders. Down in the city, flat paved riverside pathways link Hull to Ottawa's bridges for a mellow contrast.
Points of interest
Worth a look on the bike or a reason to linger after the ride.
Champlain Lookout
ViewpointThe park's signature panorama over the Ottawa Valley and the reward at the top of the parkway climb.
Pink Lake
NatureA striking emerald-green meromictic lake with a scenic lookout and a short loop trail just off the parkway.
Meech Lake
NatureA scenic Gatineau Park lake and historic site, reached via a rolling ride up Meech Lake Road.
Canadian Museum of History
LandmarkDouglas Cardinal's sweeping riverfront museum in Hull, with postcard views across to Parliament Hill.
Jacques-Cartier Park
ParkA riverside Hull park facing Parliament, a natural staging point for river-path rides.
Food & coffee stops
Where riders refuel — coffee, baked goods, and a proper post-ride meal.
Le Pain d'Alain
BakeryA beloved artisan French bakery on Boulevard Saint-Joseph, widely rated the region's best for crusty baguettes and croissants.
Café Aux 4 Jeudis
CafeA Vieux-Hull cafe-bar institution of over 45 years with a big patio at the heart of the old town.
Brown Bag Coffee Roasters
CafeThe Ottawa–Gatineau region's award-winning specialty roaster for a proper pre- or post-ride espresso.
Brasserie du Bas-Canada
BreweryA popular Gatineau craft brewery pouring IPAs and stouts brewed on site in its tasting room.
Café Le Twist
RestaurantA Vieux-Hull burger institution on Rue Montcalm famed for its burgers and homemade fries.
Ride ideas
Rides to, from, and around Gatineau to get you started.
Champlain Lookout Climb
The park's benchmark out-and-back from lot P3 up the Gatineau Parkway to Champlain Lookout and back, packing in most of the region's best climbing.
Parkway Loop via Pink Lake & Meech Lake
A rolling tour of the paved parkways linking Pink Lake, the Mackenzie King Estate and Meech Lake through classic Gatineau Park forest.
Ottawa River Riverfront Loop
A flat, family-friendly spin from Jacques-Cartier Park along the Hull waterfront pathways, crossing the bridges to Ottawa and back for skyline views.
Frequently asked questions
- How far is Gatineau from Ottawa?
- Gatineau is about 5 km from downtown Ottawa, in Outaouais, Quebec.
- What's the cycling like in Gatineau?
- The park's parkways offer roughly 32 km of well-paved, curb-free roads with light, park-bound traffic and a steady succession of climbs, the toughest being the drag from parking lot P3 up to Champlain Lookout (about 18 km and 400 m of gain). Every Sunday from mid-May into early fall the NCC closes the parkways to cars from 6 to 11 a.m., turning them into a car-free playground for road riders. Down in the city, flat paved riverside pathways link Hull to Ottawa's bridges for a mellow contrast.
- Where should cyclists stop for food or coffee in Gatineau?
- Popular stops include Le Pain d'Alain, Café Aux 4 Jeudis and Brown Bag Coffee Roasters — see the full list of food and coffee spots on this page.
- What's a good cycling route from Gatineau?
- The Champlain Lookout Climb is a great start — a 36 km road ride. The park's benchmark out-and-back from lot P3 up the Gatineau Parkway to Champlain Lookout and back, packing in most of the region's best climbing.
- What is there to see in Gatineau?
- Highlights include Champlain Lookout, Pink Lake and Meech Lake.
Plan your ride around Gatineau
Open the interactive map to plot a route, then check the amenities and trails layers along the way.
Explore the routes mapMore featured locations
Local details change — confirm hours and openings before you ride, and always ride to the conditions you find on the ground.