Just minutes from Ottawa lies one of Canada’s most cherished protected natural areas: Gatineau Park. Spanning more than 360 km² of forest, lakes, cliffs, and rolling hills, the park has been a sanctuary for outdoor adventure since it was officially created in 1938 and placed under the stewardship of the National Capital Commission. Its landscapes bear traces of thousands of years of human presence—Algonquin communities, early settlers, conservationists—but in modern times, the park has become beloved for one thing above all: its ability to offer vast wilderness so close to the city.
And while the Gatineau Park dazzles year-round, winter is when it truly transforms. Deep snow, frosted pines, moonlit trails, and the serene quiet that settles over the forest make this season absolutely magical.
Why Gatineau Park Is So Special in the Winter
Winter in Gatineau Park is unlike anywhere else in the region. Snow blankets the forests and valleys, turning the entire landscape into a peaceful, sparkling world. The crisp air and stillness amplify every sound—from the crunch of snowshoes to the distant call of an owl.
What sets it apart is the mix of easy accessibility and genuine wilderness. One moment you’re leaving downtown Ottawa or Gatineau, and less than half an hour later you’re stepping into a forest that feels hours from civilization.
Whether you’re admiring frozen lakes, walking through towering evergreens, or watching your breath drift into the cold night air, the park offers a winter escape that feels both intimate and immersive.
Wildlife You May Encounter on a Winter Night
Winter doesn’t silence Gatineau Park’s wildlife—in fact, it reveals it.
As you travel along snowshoe trails under the stars, you may notice:
- Footprints of foxes, hares, or fishers imprinted clearly in fresh snow
- Deer moving quietly through the forest, often more active at dusk and dawn
- Owls, including the barred owl, whose distinctive call is often heard on winter nights
- Porcupines huddled in trees or moving slowly along the trails
- The incredible stillness and clarity of the winter soundscape, which makes spotting wildlife easier
While sightings are never guaranteed, the combination of moonlight, quiet trails, and trained guides increases your chances of witnessing winter wildlife activity in a completely natural environment.
Our Gatineau Park Nocturnal Snowshoeing & Dinner Tour
For visitors who want to truly experience the magic of winter nights in Gatineau Park, our Gatineau Park Nocturnal Snowshoeing & Dinner Tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
We are the only company that offers guided winter tours inside Gatineau Park, and we’ve designed this adventure to highlight everything that makes the park so breathtaking in the colder months.
What’s Included
✔ Round-trip transportation from Ottawa and Gatineau
No need to worry about directions, parking, or winter driving—we pick you up and bring you right into the heart of the park.
✔ A local, experienced guide for the entire tour
Our guides know the forest, the history, the trails, and the wildlife. They keep you safe, share stories, and enhance your experience with knowledge you simply can’t get on your own.
✔ All snowshoeing equipment
Snowshoes, headlamps, poles—everything you need to confidently explore the trails at night.
✔ A full dinner cooked on a wood stove in a rustic cabin
This is the highlight for many guests. During your nighttime snowshoe adventure, you arrive at a cozy wooden cabin deep in the park. Your guide prepares a hearty, homemade dinner on a wood stove while you warm up and relax by the fire.
✔ Park access passes
Everything is handled for you—simply enjoy the experience.
Why Choose a Guided Night Tour?
Exploring Gatineau Park at night in the winter is spectacular—but going with a guide brings the experience to an entirely different level.
Safety & Expertise
Winter nights can be unpredictable. Conditions change quickly, trails are harder to navigate, and wildlife is more active. Our guides ensure your experience is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Access to Knowledge
Learn about the park’s history, ecology, winter adaptations of wildlife, local stories, and the meaning behind the landscapes you’re walking through.
A Deeper, More Memorable Experience
Anyone can snowshoe—but few people can enjoy a guided nighttime journey followed by a wood-stove-cooked dinner in a forest cabin. It’s an adventure designed to be remembered.
No Logistics, No Stress
We provide transportation, equipment, guidance, food, and permits. All you have to do is show up warm and ready for an unforgettable evening.
Experience Winter the Way Locals Do
Gatineau Park at night is peaceful, magical, and unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Our Nocturnal Snowshoeing & Dinner Tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and authentic Canadian winter charm.
If you’re looking for a unique winter activity near Ottawa and Gatineau—something immersive, memorable, and truly special—this is it.
