The National Capital Commission’s free shuttle to Gatineau Park returns for the 2023 Fall Rhapsody season.
From Sept. 30 to Oct. 22 (running weekends, including Thanksgiving Monday), the free hop on/hop off shuttle is one of the best ways of getting to Gatineau Park to check out the fall colours.
The shuttle is great if you’re looking to try a new trail (King Mountain is always popular this time of year), explore the former summer residence of Canada’s 10th prime minister (aka the Mackenzie King Estate), or enjoy the view of the Ottawa Valley from Champlain Lookout.
The Ottawa-Gatineau route starts at Pindigen Park (by Chaudière Falls), with the first Ottawa departure at 9am and the last departure at 1pm. The final return trip from Champlain Lookout is at 4pm.
For those closer to the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, buses run between 10am and 1pm to the Champlain Lookout.
While the shuttle buses have stairs and narrow aisles, the NCC has partnered with Transcollines to offer paratransit services. Note that the accessible routes are offered twice per day: the first route departs at approximately 9:30am and the second at approximately 1:30pm from the following stops: Ottawa (Pindigen Park), Gatineau (Canadian Museum of History and South Entrance, P3), and Chelsea (Visitor Centre and Camp Fortune).
If you do plan on driving, the Gatineau Park’s parkways are closed for active use throughout the week, and the park regularly reaches capacity during peak times.
Looking for the best time to go? Stay up to date on the progress of the fall colours with the NCC’s Colour Meter.
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Check the National Capital Commission’s shuttle website for the latest updates and schedules. Travel smart and remember to stay safe: cellphone reception in Gatineau Park isn’t always reliable. Strollers are allowed on shuttles, as are guide dogs and service dogs. Bring your water bottle and fill up at P3, Mackenzie King Estate or the Visitor Centre.
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