Gatineau Park vs. Ottawa’s Greenbelt: Which one is better to hike?
Gatineau Park and Greenbelt are two of Ottawa’s favorite hiking destinations for a reason. With their breathtaking views, scenic trails, and variety of difficulty levels, there’s a trail for everyone in these parks.
Personally, I hike to enjoy the view, but I also love to challenge my endurance and willpower. Gatineau and Greenbelt are my go-to parks for any type of hike I’m in the mood for.
Since I want more people to enjoy hiking as much as I do, I’m going to give an overview of hiking in each park in this article. Lace up your boots and let’s hit the trail!
Hiking in Gatineau Park

Location: 33 Chem. Scott, Chelsea, QC
Contact Number: +1 819-827-2020
Admission Fee: Free
Gatineau Park is a 361-square-kilometer wilderness park located in the Outaouais region of Quebec, Canada. Almost half of the park is hiking trails covering 125 kilometers and ranging from easy to challenging.
This sprawling park is actually close to downtown Ottawa, just across the Ottawa River.
Gatineau has over 180 kilometers of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. You can enjoy the challenge of hiking in the mountains, or marvel at the peace and quiet of the forest.
The park is also home to wildlife, such as deer, moose, and bears. Hikers may be lucky enough to spot some of these animals while on the trail.
Of course, no visit to Gatineau Park would be complete without taking in the beautiful views of the Ottawa River and the surrounding countryside.
Gatineau Park is a popular hiking destination for people of all ages and experience levels. The park has over 100 kilometers of trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
Aside from the wildlife and the greeneries, some trails in this park offer an opportunity to step into history. It is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Mackenzie King Estate and the Old Chelsea Village.
Here’s a table of the hiking trails at Gatineau Park and their different levels of hike:
Top Three Hiking Trails in Gatineau Park
Lauriault and Waterfall Trail
Distance: 3.5 km
Duration: 1 Hour
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Trail Head: Parking Lot 6
If you are bringing the whole family for the hike, Lauriault and Waterfall Trail is perfect. This trial has an amazing view of a tunnel that opens up to the MacKenzie King Estate, the home of the longest-serving Prime Minister.
The lush greenery of the trail is a feast for the eyes, but the history lesson that kids can learn here is even more rewarding.
Skyline Loop Trail

Distance: 5.3 km
Duration: 2 Hours
Difficulty: Intermediate/Difficult
Trail Head: Parking Lot 7
Skyline Loop Trail promises a nice view of Ottawa and Gatineau from an elevation of 530 feet. This is an example of a hike that gives you a reward once you reach the designated viewpoints.
The elevation of this trail makes it a bit challenging for beginners, which takes the hikers deep into Gatineau Park. Some visitors have even reported seeing wildlife in this area, such as coyotes, foxes, deer, and bears.
Pink Lake Trail
Distance: 2.3 km
Duration: 1 Hour
Difficulty: Easy – Intermediate
Trail Head: Park on Notch Road
Pink Lake Trail is one of the most popular trails in Gatineau Park, and for good reason. The trail is a leisurely stroll that rewards hikers with stunning views of the bright green-colored waters of Pink Lake.
The lake gets its color from the algae that grows in its waters. Some fish species that live in the lake are believed to be prehistoric, including the freshwater threespine stickleback fish.
The trail is easy to follow and is suitable for all fitness levels. However, it is important to note that the area is quite popular, so it is best to visit early to avoid the crowds.
Hiking in Ottawa’s Greenbelt

Location: 33 Chem. Scott, Chelsea, QC
Contact Number: +1 819-827-2020
Admission Fee: Free
Ottawa’s Greenbelt is a 20,000-hectare (50,000-acre) expanse of land that surrounds the city, like a necklace of emeralds. It is a network of forests, wetlands, and farmlands, and it is home to over 100 kilometers (62 miles) of hiking trails.
The Greenbelt is a popular destination for hiking and other outdoor activities. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, moose, beavers, and over 200 species of birds.
The Greenbelt has a range of hiking trails, from easy to challenging. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, you are sure to find a track that is scenic, relaxing, and enjoyable.
Top Three Hiking Trails at Greenbelt
Shirley’s Bay Shoreline Trail

Distance: 0.8 km
Duration: 13 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Head: Parking Lot 1
Shirley’s Bay is a place that can refresh your soul. It’s magnificent in all its moods, from the bright sunshine to the dark and stormy skies.
In the winter, you can walk on the frozen Ottawa River, and in the summer, you can see blue herons and turtles. Any time of year, you can sit down and forget you’re in a city.
The water reflects the sky beautifully, and many families enjoy spending an afternoon here.
Jack Pine Trail

Distance: 3.4 km
Duration: 13 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Head: Parking Lot 1
The Jack Pine Trail is a central hub for many trails in the southwestern end of the Greenbelt, near the Stony Swamp area. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking for a variety of hiking options.
I’ve enjoyed taking my pup out for walks on this trail, but I also like to hike on my own during quieter times. The path is well-maintained and flat, with a loop that leads back to the road.
Some areas can get muddy, so wear proper footwear.
Pine Grove Trails 43 and 44

Distance: 3.4 km
Duration: 2 Hours
Difficulty: Easy – Intermediate
Trail Head: Parking Lot 18
Head south to the Pine Grove area for a truly immersive forest experience. The trails here are a great way to learn about forest management and tree identification, with the help of informative panels along the way.
The forest is still recovering from the damage of a storm years ago, but the trees are recuperating nicely. In fact, this is a great opportunity to witness the life cycle of a forest.
Gatineau Park vs. Ottawa’s Greenbelt
Now that we have discussed the location and trails of Gatineau Park and Ottawa’s Greenbelt, let us compare the two hiking places.
Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt are two of my favorite places to get some exercise and enjoy nature. I love exploring the challenging trails with friends, and I also enjoy going for short hikes in solitude.
Both parks offer stunning views, and it’s hard to say which one I prefer. The Gatineau Park has more rugged terrain and more challenging hikes, while the Greenbelt is flatter and has more family-friendly trails.
Which one is better to hike? It really depends on our personal preferences.