HomeStaying on the Right Track
Being environmentally responsible
In order to preserve and protect the treasures of Gatineau Park — plants and wildlife, clear lakes, and unique sites — each Park user must keep the environment in mind. Because individual actions add up to create a significant environmental impact, it’s up to each of us to make it our personal challenge to preserve the Park — for today and for the future. We can all help to protect the Park by making sure that we ride in an ecologically sound way.
Pick the right trail
There are 90 kilometres of official trails within this conservation park, which are open for mountain biking from May 15 to November 30. This substantial network of trails, the use of which is shared with hikers, is for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers. For thrill seekers and competitive cyclists, we recommend the trails developed for this purpose at Camp Fortune or those outside the Park, developed by the Ottawa Mountain Bike Association (OMBA).
Be aware of your impact
Riding on unofficial trails contributes to environmental degradation, creating a negative impact on plants and animals. Riding through prohibited areas produces a cumulative effect.
• Bike tires displace the soil.
• Tree roots become exposed.
• Riding around exposed roots further expands the area of soil loss. This leads to further soil erosion.
• This impact is of even greater concern in wetland areas, as trampled vegetation can include plant species that are at risk. • The effects of soil leaching can extend into aquatic habitats.
Set an example: Go green
• Pay attention to the signage and stay on marked trails.
• Gatineau Park conservation officers patrol the trails and act as peace officers. They are authorized to issue fines to those who contravene Park regulations.
Help preserve the Park
Gatineau Park is a protected natural area. The trail network has been developed according to the principles of sustainable development.
• The official trails meet the standards and criteria for mountain biking. Hiking trails cannot be used for mountain biking, because it damages and deteriorates these trails.
• Consider using your front brake to avoid skidding and reduce deterioration of the trails.
• Leave no trace of your presence.
• Take your garbage away with you and dispose of it properly in containers provided for this purpose.
• The National Capital Commission’s (NCC) mountain biking trails are mixed-use trails: mountain bikers must share the trails with walkers, hikers and other mountain bikers.
Gatineau Park is committed to maintaining and encouraging mountain biking practices that respect the environment.
Related Links