​The Friends of Gatineau Park team is excited to offer a 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!

Tick talk -  september 4, 2026 - free

Ticks are everywhere — in nature, the news, and public discussions. But how real are the risks?
In collaboration with Relais plein air, 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!

shinrin yoku - forest bathing - september 19 & 28, 2026

This fall, take a pause and let nature guide you toward a slower pace. Offered in Chelsea and, for the first time, at Philippe Lake, this Shinrin Yoku workshop invites you to fully experience the season through a sensory journey in the forest.
Surrounded by the vibrant colours of autumn, the calm of the forest and, at Philippe Lake, the soothing presence of the water, you will be invited to notice the small details around you and reconnect with the present moment.

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 

carbide willson ruins - date to be determined

Hidden in the heart of Gatineau Park are the remnants of an ambitious dream. 
Join the Friends of Gatineau Park for a guided hike to the fascinating Carbide Willson Ruins, one of the region’s most remarkable heritage sites. Nestled along the banks of the Meech River, these impressive stone structures stand as a testament to the ambition and inventive genius of Thomas “Carbide” Willson, a visionary industrialist and larger-than-life figure.
From our past programming 

fish of the gatineau park

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.

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.

beavers

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.

Spring Flowers

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.

cyanotype workshop 

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.

 ​Amphibians

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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.

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.