The NCC has put up a little microsite detailing the planned rollout of the 100km of new trails in Gatineau Park.
Last year the NCC committed to adding about 100km of new trails to the official Gatineau Park trail network. This was seen as a compromise, after the mountain biking community had created almost 300km of unofficial trails through the park, many of them crossing sensitive ecological areas and endangered species habitat.
While the bulk of the new trails are for mountain bikers, other outdoor enthusiasts will benefit too in the form of new corss countril trails, snowshoe trails, and hikes.
The trail building will be completed in 4 phases, and work has already begun on Phase 1 for this summer. The entire trail network should be completed by the Fall of 2021.
You can visit the NCC’s New Trails microsite here for a little more detail, or take a look at the new trails summary and timeline below.
For a more detailed breakdown of what trails are being kept and for which sports, take a look at my breakdown from last year when they announced the changes.
Phase 1
Date: Summer 2018
Total Length: 14.43 km
Summer Use: Biking and hiking
Winter Use: Depending on the trail, winter biking and snowshoeing
Work Begins: Mid-June 2018
Expected Opening: Late summer 2018
Phase 2
Date: Summer 2018 – Spring 2019
Total Length: 16.49 km
Summer Use: Biking and hiking
Winter Use: Winter biking and snowshoeing
Work Begins: Mid-July 2018
Expected Opening: Spring 2019
Phase 3
Date: Summer 2019 – Spring 2020
Total Length: 18.25 km
Summer Use: Biking and hiking
Winter Use: Depending on the trail, winter biking, snowshoeing and back-country skiing
Work Begins: Summer 2019
Expected Opening: Spring 2020
Phase 4
Date: Summer 2020 – Fall 2021
Total Length: 61.73 km
Summer Use: Back-country hiking (self-guided)
Winter Use: Snowshoeing and back-country skiing
Work Begins: Summer 2020
Expected Opening: Fall 2021
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