Dog owners get your leash! Dogs are now welcome to enjoy Gatineau Park trails 

Sophie Demers 

Gatineau Park has announced that as of April 15, dogs on leashes are welcome on almost all trails. Gatineau Park asks that dogs be kept on leashes and that owners pick up after their pet. maximum of two pets on leash. 

Some paths are still thawing after the winter; this can be a fragile time ecologically so Gatineau Park requests that individuals walk through puddles instead of around them. 

However, on four trails pets are permanently prohibited due to the ecological sensitivity of the area. The four trails include: Lac-Pink trail, King Mountain Trail, Luskville Falls Trail, as well as Sentier Équestre. 

Pets are not allowed on beaches, in picnic areas, in day shelters, at campgrounds, or on shuttle buses. These rules don’t apply to service dogs. 

During the winter season leashed dog access is limited. Conservation and winter recreation are the reasons for winter restrictions. In cold temperatures, surviving and getting food is more difficult for wild animals. These animals could feel threatened by dogs and use valuable energy to run away. The restrictions protect wildlife. For Winter recreations the presence of dogs compromised the safety of the trails. 

From December 1 to April 14 leashed dogs are allowed on the Sugarbush Trail, Lauriault Trail, Pioneers Trail, and Capital Pathway.