​The Friends of Gatineau Park team is excited to soon offer a new series of activities designed for you to explore and enjoy nature in a friendly and engaging way. Guided hikes, themed workshops, observation outings... there’s something for everyone, whatever your age or interest!

cyanotype workshop - May 23rd, 2026

Dive into the magical world of cyanotype.
Le Relais plein air and The Friends of Gatineau Park invite you to a unique creative workshop in the heart of nature! Discover cyanotype — a fascinating technique that transforms leaves, flowers, and sunlight into beautiful blue-toned works of art.

Spring Flowers - June 5, 2026

The Friends of Gatineau Park, in collaboration with Relais plein air, invite you to an interpretive hike to discover spring wildflowers. For a short period, these ephemeral blooms emerge and transform the forest floor into a vibrant carpet of color.

beavers - june 13, 2026

Meet the beaver, Canada’s emblem and a true master builder!
Join us for a guided nature walk, with stops along scenic ponds to observe signs of beaver activity in their natural habitat.

Creatures of the night - June 20, 2026

Do butterflies, bats and other creatures of the night fascinate you?
Embark on this magical evening, during which we'll talk about all these animals and try our hand at observing them using UV lights and ultrasound.
A whole life awakens as soon as the sun goes down.

shinrin yoku - forest bathing - June 26, 2026

Treat yourself to a restorative break in nature with Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese practice also known as forest bathing.
Join us for a gentle afternoon of slow, guided walking in the forest—designed to reduce stress, awaken the senses, and support overall well-being.
A soothing and peaceful pause in the heart of nature.

fish of the gatineau park - date to be determined

Dive Into the Fascinating World of Fish!
What lies beneath the surface of Gatineau Park’s lakes?
Discover the fish species and aquatic ecosystems of the park through an immersive activity combining an indoor presentation with a guided outdoor experience. Explore current conservation challenges and learn how everyone can help protect our waterways.

forest forensic - date to be determined

How we can learn about the history of the lanscape by looking at today’s forests.
An interpretative hike to read the landscape, finding signs in trees, soil and features to uncover a forest`s hidden history, revealing past events to piece together the ecological and human story of a place.

aSTRONOMY - date to be determined

Come and observe the stars and planet with us.
In this beginner's activity you will learn :
  • How to choose your equipment
  • ​Understanding the difference between a telescope and a refractor​
  • How to install your equipment
  • Know the essential tools for amateur astronomers
  • Your first observations 
From our past programming 

 ​Amphibians

Come and discover all the secrets of these mysterious creatures.
We'll teach you how to tell frogs apart by their song.
We'll visit a pond at nightfall to look for frogs, toads and salamanders.
You'll learn why these animals play such an important role in the Park.

Tick-borne and other vector-transmitted infections 

Ticks are everywhere — in nature, the news, and public discussions. But how real are the risks?
Join Dr. Vincent Deslandes, medical microbiologist at The Ottawa Hospital, for an informative and accessible talk on tick-borne diseases, how they affect your health, and practical ways to protect yourself.
The presentation will also touch on other diseases transmitted in natural environments.
Learn how to stay safe and enjoy the outdoors with confidence!

conference on forest Fires

An informative presentation on the fascinating and complex role of fire in our forests. 
This is a unique opportunity to better understand the science of forest fires and their importance in shaping healthy, resilient ecosystems.

research day

Our annual research day. Once again there will be a number of presentations on research projects dealing with ecology, park management and history. There will be time for questions and to meet with the researchers.
There is no charge for this public program

where am i?

Finding your way is an essential skill to master for anyone who participates in outdoor recreation activities. Come and learn the theory and practical applications of orienteering tools such as map, compass, GPS and your smart phone.

This workshop is organized by the Friends of Gatineau Park with the expert help of the Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue organization.

Nature quiz on trial 79

Come take the nature quiz on Trail 79. This approximately three-hour activity will require you to navigate using your smartphone and navigate to the given coordinates to successfully answer all the questions in this nature quiz. Will you earn the Friends of Gatineau Park Hiker Certificate?

Interpretive hikes 

We offer interpretive hikes—by day or evening—on foot, along the trails of Gatineau Park. Accompanied by experienced guides, explore the park’s natural and cultural riches while enjoying a fully immersive experience in nature.
Trails we regularly explore:
  • Sugarbush Trail (Chelsea sector)
  • Lauriault Trail (Mackenzie King Estate)
  • Carbide Willson Ruins Trail (Meech Lake)
  • Ridge Road
Trail selection varies based on the season, trail conditions, and the theme of the activity.