Fire Pits in Gatineau Park

There’s something special about a campfire anytime of year, but maybe even more so in the winter. Warming up around a fire with some friends, food, and a warm drink to keep you cozy in the winter is simply amazing.

Gatineau Park has tons of shelters with woodburning stoves where you can stop to warm up and heat up some food.

But did you know that there are also snowshoe trails in Gatineau Park with fire pits along the way? The NCC calls them “rest areas.”

They’re few and far between but definitely worth the trip. These fire pits in the middle of the forest have been generously supplied with pre-chopped wood, so all you have to bring along is your lighter!

Just kidding, fires can actually be pretty difficult to start in the winter so you should definitely try to make your life easier by bringing along some fire starters to get you going. Paper, lint, or an actual fire starter that you can buy will really help you get started, which is a good thing when your fingers are freezing in these Ottawa winter temps!

There are 4 fire pits in Gatineau Park- here’s how to get to all of them.

North Side of Trail 73

Trailhead: P20 (use these coordinates to get there: 45.614256, -76.010626)
Distance from Ottawa: 43.5 km
Direction from Trailhead: Trail 73 is a loop- hike it clockwise to reach the fire pit on the North side.
Distance from Trailhead: 4.5 km from the trailhead to the fire pit.
Notes: When I hiked the entire length of Trail 73 I found it challenging! There’s quite a bit of up and down in those first few kilometres on the trail. And keep in mind, you’ve got to get yourself back too. But don’t let me discourage you! It’ll still be worth it, and since this fire pit is further away, odds are better you’ll have it to yourself!
Full Trail Report: Trail 73- A 12 km Snowshoe in Gatineau Park | Adventure Report

South Side of Trail 73

Trailhead: P20 (use these coordinates to get there: 45.614256, -76.010626)
Distance from Ottawa: 43.5 km
Direction from Trailhead: Trail 73 is a loop- hike it counter-clockwise to reach the fire pit on the south side.
Distance from Trailhead: 1.6 km
Notes: This fire pit is much easier to reach (and therefore more popular). The trail leading there is flatter, and winds through campsites along the shore of Lac Philippe. Near this fire pit there’s also a covered area with picnic tables, and a playground.
Full Trail Report: Trail 73- A 12 km Snowshoe in Gatineau Park | Adventure Report

Trail 71 at Lac Carman

Trailhead: P15 (you can use these coordinates to get there:  45.585780, -75.903784)
Distance from Ottawa: 30 km
Direction from Trailhead: Trail 71 meets with Trail 70 to form a loop. Hike it counterclockwise to get to the fire pit.
Distance from Trailhead: 2.5 km
Notes: This fire pit is one of my favorites. It feels secluded as it’s set against a hilly backdrop in the woods, and there are gorgeous views over Lac Carman just a few feet away.
Full Trail Report: Trail 71, a 7.1 km Snowshoe/Fat Bike Trail in Gatineau Park | Adventure Report

Trail 77 via Trail 79

Trailhead: P5 (you can use these coordinates to get there: 45.496103, -75.831554)
Distance from Ottawa: 18 km
Direction from Trailhead: The shortest route is to take the west side of the Trail 79 loop.
Distance from Trailhead: 3.35 km (this is my best guess, looking at the map).
Notes: I haven’t actually hiked this trail! I hope I can, before the winter is over
Full Trail Report: Coming soon!

Happy winter hiking- here’s to staying warm!