Residents and visitors are invited to experience the magical colours across the Capital Region’s parks, pathways and shorelines this fall. The cool crisp air and explosion of fall colours offer the perfect setting to explore Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt.
GATINEAU PARK - In addition to Gatineau Park’s popular fall destinations, the Park is full of unique places to take in fall’s breathtaking sights. Among this season’s 12 featured spots, try camping in a four-season tent and canoeing at Philippe Lake; touring the Mackenzie King Estate’s renovated cottages; and hiking to Lusk Cave.
Fall Rhapsody is also offering free family activities, organized in partnership with local communities, over four weekends, from now until October 19.
WEEKEND 1: Philippe Lake in Full Colour, October 4 and 5, 10 am to 4:30 pm
Breton Beach, Philippe Lake
· Bird of prey demonstrations
· Guided nature walks
· Tour of the Municipality of La Pêche, featuring regional attractions, farm producers and local merchants
· Discover the picturesque village of Wakefield
WEEKEND 2: Pontiac Country Fair, October 11 to 13, 10 am to 2 pm
Luskville Falls
· Merchant and artisan kiosks
· Interpretation on the Luskville Falls Trail
WEEKEND 3: Anishinabe Nibin (Algonquin Summer), October 18 and 19, 10 am to 4 pm
Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, Chelsea
· Unveiling of a birchbark canoe made by Elder William Commanda
· Demonstrations: canoe making and the making of maple syrup
· Crafts inspired by Algonquin ancestral traditions
MACKENZIE KING ESTATE HOURS OF OPERATION
Until October 19, 2014:
· Weekdays*, 10 am to 5 pm
*On Tuesdays, the museums are closed, but the grounds and Tearoom remain open to the public. Vehicle access fees are not charged on Tuesdays.
· Weekends, 11 am to 6 pm
The Mackenzie King Tearoom is open every day until October 19, 2014
· Weekdays, 11 am to 5 pm
· Weekends, 11:30 am to 6 pm
For more information or reservations, please call 819-827-3405.
Vehicle Access Fees
$9 Day pass (car)
$33 Day pass (minibus, max. 20 passengers)
$55 Day pass (bus)
The Greenbelt, which surrounds the Capital, also offers spectacular fall views. With the Greenbelt’s 150 kilometres of trails, nature enthusiasts have many vantage points from which to admire the colourful landscapes. Shirleys Bay (7 kilometres), Stony Swamp (40 kilometres), Pine Grove (18 kilometres) and Green’s Creek (6 kilometres) trails are ideal for hiking. In addition, Mer Bleue, one of the most important wetlands in the world, offers 20 kilometres of hiking trails and boardwalks to admire the vivid autumn colours.
Visit the NCC’s website at ncc-ccn.gc.ca.
