Gatineau Park winter trails set to open Saturday

Recent snowfall and the mid-December deep freeze have spurred the opening of the cross-country ski, snowshoe and snow biking season at Gatineau Park on Saturday.

The 361-square kilometre park provides the grounds for a series of winter trail networks. Thirtytwo kilometres of skiing, 7.5 kilometres of snowshoeing, 7.5 kilometres of snow biking and 5.5 kilometres of hiking trails will be available for outdoor adventures, the National Capital Commission said Friday.

The entire network includes more than 200 kilometres of trail winding up and down along frozen lakes and rivers throughout the park, which extends north of Gatineau.

Daily admission for the trails is $16 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and youth over age 13. Children get in free. Family passes can be purchased for $35 for up to two adults and three kids. Season passes are also available.

Free daily rental passes are available at most municipal libraries across Ottawa and Gatineau.

Gatineau Park operates daily on Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until April 30. The park offers extended hours from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Snowshoe rentals are available. Skis and bikes are not provided on-site, so skiers and cyclists should prepare ahead.

For more information and trail maps, visit the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre at 33 Scott Rd.