Skyline Trail (Gatineau Park): Trail Report

Skyline trail (trail #6) in Gatineau Park is one of the few trails that offer up an eastern facing lookout to catch the sun rise. With an adventurous spirit and head lamps on… off you go!

Suggested Stops

Another bonus with hiking so early? Being first in line at Biscotti et cie when it opens. Actually we had time for a second hike before opening but decided to keep chatting and catching up instead.

Important Insights

Skyline trail is often regarded as a sunrise trial and offers a partial view of the sunrise depending on the time of year. It is also one of the few trails that normally remains open to hikers in Gatineau Park in the winter.

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) people.⁠ It is important as avid hikers and stewards of the land, to acknowledge and understand the full story our surroundings along with the people that care for her, both past and present. As sourced from native-land.ca, if there are corrections please send to victoria@girlgonegood.com.

Land Management

This property is managed by the NCC. Did you know that beyond Gatineau Park, that NCC trails are divided into six major sectors? They are; Shirley’s Bay, Phiney Forest, Mer Bleue, Green’s Creek, Stony Swamp, and Pine Grove. Kindly respect the trail guidelines by keeping your dog on-leash, carrying out all trash, and staying on the trail (no off trail roaming to protect ecological efforts and in respect of other hikers).

GPS Coordinates

45.49091845992023, -75.84186115922455

Street Address

P7, Chemin de kingsmere, Chelsea, QC J9B 1H9

Directions

A quick 25 km (roughly 30mins) drive from downtown Ottawa. Take the King Edward bridge to cross over to Quebec and stay on hwy 5N. Continue on 5N then exit on Chemin Old Chelsea. Turn left (West) on Chemin Old Chelsea and as you enter Gatineau Park the road turns into Chemin Lac Meech. Turn left on chemin de kingsmere. Continue until you reach P7 on the right.

Parking

Large parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Outhouses located at the parking lot.

Accessibility

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

All seasons. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from the NCC.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

Total Distance (km)

5.5

Elevation Gain (m)

164

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Woodlands

Activities

Hiking

Dogs

Trail Description

I always think it’s funny to search for trails in Gatineau Park when there both a name and a number assigned for identification. Like “wolf trail” that’s also blanchet as well as trail 62. On the interactive map for Gatineau Park you’ll see that this trail is marked as Skyline. Here’s what you need to keep in mind: Park at P7. Trail head is right beside the outhouses (snap a pic of the trail board!). The trail is actually number black diamond #6 and goes in a loop. The route from the parking lot is #30, left on #1 for 25m then an immediate right on to #6. The #6 goes in the loop, with the lookout all on the east side. Skyline trail is a dirt path, well marked, and 2-3 feet wide. Relatively easy hike for all to enjoy and we were thinking that it would be a lot of fun for young adventurers to enjoy as well. Skyline trail has three lookouts facing southeast. Most offer a partially obstructed view of the sunrise, and the furthest lookout gives the best views.

Other Hiking Trails

AOG Gallery Art Trail in Frankville: Trail Report

Skyline Trail (Gatineau Park): Trail Report