Summary
Discover Canada’s winter wildlife secrets without spending a penny! Join professional naturalists for free snowshoeing adventures in Gatineau Park, where you’ll learn to read animal tracks in pristine snow, explore 361 square kilometres of protected wilderness, and contribute to citizen science research—all with complimentary equipment provided. Experience the ultimate free winter adventure with Animal Tracking on Snowshoes in Gatineau Park, running February 21-22, February 28-March 1, and March 7-8, 2026. This National Capital Commission program offers completely free professional snowshoeing instruction, wildlife tracking education, and equipment rental across multiple weekend sessions. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, participants explore Trail 60 on guided 2-hour hikes, learning to identify tracks from coyotes, foxes, deer, and other wildlife while contributing to conservation research. Sessions run in both English and French, accommodating families and all skill levels. With zero costs and maximum educational value, this activity transforms budget-conscious travelers into citizen scientists while providing authentic Canadian wilderness experiences.
Fun Facts
- Gatineau Park is home to over 100 species of plants and animals at risk, making it one of Canada’s most biodiverse accessible wilderness areas
- Winter snow creates the perfect canvas for reading wildlife stories – fresh tracks reveal nocturnal activities of raccoons, foxes, coyotes, lynx, and martens
- Participants become citizen scientists, contributing observations to ongoing ecological monitoring that helps protect wildlife corridors from Wakefield to Aylmer
- The park spans 361 square kilometres and includes the historic Mackenzie King Estate, former summer home of Canada’s wartime Prime Minister
- Professional snowshoes are provided completely free, eliminating the typical $15-30 equipment rental cost found at commercial winter activities
Bundle up for an unforgettable Canadian winter adventure that costs nothing but delivers priceless memories and knowledge. Register early as spots fill quickly for this exceptional combination of outdoor recreation, environmental education, and citizen science contribution in one of Canada’s premier wilderness destinations.
For more information: https://ottawatourism.ca/en/ottawa-insider/snowshoeing-in-and-around-ottawa
