Gatineau's history goes back far further than its city status, the river and then the hills predating La Ville by several hundred years. As a leisure park 16.000 hectares were aquired by the Canadian government at the time that the then Prime Minister Mackenzie King also owned land (which he later bequeathed to the nation). In the 1950's as Jacques Greber evolved his plan for the Capital Region the park became an important component in his holistic vision of urban balance between the city and the natural environment surrounding it.
This is a vision which is carried on by the present National Capital Commission who actively promote the use, both summer and winter, of The Gatineau Park and successfully maintain the balance between public accessibility and its natural environment.
The Gatineau Park is a mere 15 minutes drive from Downtown Ottawa and the southerly accesses are on several bus routes including the STO No 37,
In the summer the park is criss-crossed by hiking and cycling trails of varying legnths and difficulties and has beach areas, campsites and picnic areas. In the winter the park obviously changes personality and provides opportunities for skiing (downhill and cross-country) as well as skating and snow-shoeing.
See The Relais website for more winter info (in French as I can't find the English button!!)
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Phone: 819-827-2020
Address: Visitor Centre - 33 Scott Road, Chelsea
Directions: Pretty much spread turkey-leg like going N and W once you cross the Ottawa river between les ponts Chaudieres et Champlain (bridges)
Website: www.canadascapital.gc.ca/gatineau
Other Contact: www.relaispleinair.ca
Gatineau
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on Feb 8, 2008
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