​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!

forest forensic - february 2026 - 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.

Winter animal tracking sessions – free!

 Dress warmly and join the Friends of Gatineau Park for free outdoor wildlife tracking sessions.
  • Will take place from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Be prepared to be outside for the entire session.
  • The outings will start with a discussion on a particular tracking subject, followed by a short walk and taking about the animal tracks and signs that we come across that day.
  • No registration is necessary.
  • Participation: 16 years old and up.
  • Other outings might be announced at a later date.   

Reading Nature’s Handwriting:
​an online course on animal tracking 

 Learning about wildlife tracking can help you connect more deeply with nature and the environment and deepen your awareness and understanding of natural areas.
This is a new four-part on-line course that will focus on identifying tracks in snow and other signs left by the animals of Gatineau Park.

snowshoes under the stars

Join us every Friday evening at 7 p.m. for a nighttime exploration of the Gatineau Park trails.
As night falls, give your eyes a moment to adjust to the darkness… then let yourself be carried by the forest’s unique atmosphere.
Guided by the moon and a nature interpreter, you’ll discover the fascinating survival secrets of the Park’s wildlife and plant life.
Depending on the chosen trail, the activity will conclude with a hot chocolate enjoyed outdoors around a fire, or at the sugar shack.

shinrin yoku - forest bathing

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.

conference series: ​

Tick-borne and other vector-transmitted infections 
​March 2026 - date to be determined

Conference led by Vincent Deslandes – PhD in Microbiology from the Université de Montréal, MD from McGill University, and residency in Medical Microbiology at the University of Ottawa. He is a medical microbiologist at The Ottawa Hospital, where he is responsible for the mycology section. A member of Sauvetage Bénévole Outaouais – Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue (SBO-OVSAR) since October 2023, he also serves as First Aid Coordinator.

​Managing the Effectiveness of Protected Areas - January 24, 2026

Join an inspiring conference on what it truly means to manage effective protected areas. Following the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022 — which commits Canada, Quebec, and Chelsea to protect 30% of the planet by 2030 — this presentation will explore how to ensure these areas are not only designated, but genuinely effective and equitable.
​
From our past programming 

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

Creatures of the night

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.

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.

aSTRONOMY 

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 

​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.

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.