Gatineau Park is a vast 361 km² nature preserve just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa. It offers over 200 kilometres of summer hiking trails, from easy family-friendly paths to challenging climbs. Highlights include Champlain Lookout overlooking the Ottawa River Valley, the unique blue-green Pink Lake, and the Carbide Willson Ruins. In summer, swimming beaches and picnic areas abound. In winter, the trails become perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A wilderness sanctuary home to deer, black bears, and wolves.