THE ESTATE IN BLOOM IN THE HEART OF GATINEAU PARK THIS WEEKEND
The National Capital Commission (NCC) invites the public to the Estate in Bloom festivities at the Mackenzie King Estate on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25, 2010. From 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, residents and visitors can celebrate the passion of Canada’s 10th prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King, for gardening, horticulture and landscaping.
A variety of activities on the theme of “flowers in the heart of Gatineau Park” will be offered throughout the weekend.
PROGRAM:
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
- Guided tours with Mackenzie King (portrayed by a guide-interpreter), as he discusses his landscaping plans for the Estate:
- in English at 1:30 pm.
- in French at 3 pm.
- Guided tours by Jean-Pierre Martel, renowned horticulturist, who will guide you through the floral gardens of the Estate:
- in English at 3 pm.
- in French at 1:30 pm.
- Tasting workshops presented by local shops Miss Chocolat and Florist Avant Garde, where visitors can sample edible flowers dipped in chocolate.
- Soap-making demonstrations offered by the Olivier Soapery Chelsea.
- Presentation of renowned fragrances from the 1930s and 1940s by Michèle Hamelin, esthetician and expert in the history of European perfumes.
- Activities and games for the whole family at Kingswood and Moorside.
- Classical music concerts by the Atrium Trio at 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm at the Moorside gardens.
- In addition to the regular menu, refreshments available at the Moorside gardens:
- floral teas and other refreshments available ($).
- floral flavoured pastries and sweets ($).
Located in the heart of Gatineau Park, the Estate was the residence of the Right Honourable William Lyon Mackenzie King, who held the office of prime minister of Canada for almost 22 years, between 1921 and 1948. Every year, this national cultural attraction welcomes thousands of visitors who come to admire the beautiful setting and surroundings.
MACKENZIE KING ESTATE HOURS OF OPERATION:
Summer Hours of Operation
From May 15 to September 6, 2010, the Estate will be open:
- everyday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Fall Hours of Operation
From September 7 to October 17, 2010 the Estate will be open:
- weekdays from 11 am to 5 pm, and
- on weekends and statutory holidays from 10 am to 5 pm.
Mackenzie King Tearoom is open every day, from 11 am to 5 pm. For more information or reservations, please call 819-827-3405.
ADMISSION:
$8 per vehicle
$30 per minibus (max. 20 passengers)
$50 per bus
$65 season pass (access to all Gatineau Park beaches, Leamy Lake beach and Mackenzie King Estate)
VIA RAIL GARDEN ROUTE:
The Mackenzie King Estate gardens are included in the VIA Rail Garden Route destinations, where the public can experience the country’s most astonishing flower gardens and the enthusiasm of Canadian gardening addicts. From Victoria to Halifax, the Garden Route is an invitation to discover 18 magnificent gardens and 27 Communities in Bloom, all winners of the prestigious 5-Bloom award. Green-thumb travellers will enjoy the special horticultural attractions and activities. And everyone will delight in the spectacular displays of countless thriving blooms. For more information about the VIA Rail Garden Route, visit www.viarail.ca/garden.
For more information about the Estate in Bloom, the public may contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free), 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/king.
Here’s your guide to some holiday fun
By Citizen files from Tony Spears, Kristy Nease, Katie Stewart and Bruce Deachman, The Ottawa Citizen
Our traditional observance of Victoria Day (the Queen’s official birthday) has given Canadians the perfect spot on the calendar to unofficially kick off summer. Bedding plants go in the frost-free ground. Cottages are opened and the patio furniture is hosed down. If you need a break from all that work, there’s plenty to do in the capital. The fabulous new incarnation of the Museum of Nature opens, with a packed schedule of special events. It’s also the final weekend to enjoy the Tulip Festival as it wraps up with a Prince Edward Island kitchen party. Another sure sign of the May long weekend is the launch of Sunday Bikedays, when the barriers go up to keep four-wheeled vehicles off the parkways, at least for a few hours.
Read more on the Ottawa Citizen website: Here’s your guide to some holiday fun
NCC BEGINS DEVELOPMENT OF GREEN TRANSPORTATION PLAN
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce that it has begun the process of developing the Green Transportation Plan for Gatineau Park.The Plan, which will be developed in consultation with the firm AECOM-Tecsult, will assess the environmental impact of traffic on Gatineau Park and propose measures to reduce the impact, while allowing Park users to pursue recreational activities that respect the environment.
“The NCC wants to find sustainable solutions that will allow Park users, whether motorists, cyclists or pedestrians, to travel to and within Gatineau Park, while preserving the integrity of the Park,” said Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC. “I invite the public and interest groups to share their comments and experiences related to travelling in Gatineau Park, and to send us their suggestions.”
The development of the Green Transportation Plan will include three phases. Phase 1 will begin with an assessment to evaluate the current situation and impact of traffic, establish projected trends in terms of traffic numbers and identify transportation-related issues. Phase 2 will develop one or more options for travel to and within the Park. Phase 3 will select the preferred option for travel to and in the Park. The Phase 1 assessment is now under way, and will conclude in spring 2010. It is expected that the final report for the Plan will be tabled in spring 2011.
With the Plan in place, the NCC will be able to prepare an action plan to implement concrete measures developed in collaboration with municipal and regional partners and with public support, as the public is being asked to participate in consultations throughout the entire process. The Plan will also establish budgetary needs, as well as a schedule for implementation over the short, medium and long term.
For the first phase in developing the Green Transportation Plan, the NCC is inviting the public and interest groups to visit its website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca and participate in an online consultation by responding to a survey. The aim is to define the key issues related to Park access and travel to and within the Park. The NCC would like to obtain suggestions from the public and interest groups regarding sustainable solutions that could be considered. The NCC is collecting the public’s comments and suggestions until January 15, 2010.
A second public consultation, expected to take place in spring 2010, will summarize the key issues and problems, as well as potential solutions. The third consultation, planned for winter 2011, will present the various proposed options for action.
Other public consultations related to Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park Winter Trails Open House
As part of the Gatineau Park winter trails open house, the public and interest groups can find out about new elements of the winter trails program and share their comments with the Gatineau Park management team. The open house takes place on Saturday, November 14, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre located at 33 Scott Road, Chelsea, Quebec.
Designing the Entrances to Gatineau Park
The Gatineau Park Master Plan (2005) establishes a hierarchy of visitor reception areas for more than 10 entrances to the Park. A study currently under way aims to establish design principles for each type of entrance, as well as the level of service offered at each entrance.
For those who are interested, an exhibit at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, which is also posted on the NCC’s website, provides details about the study. This information will be available until November 20, 2009. In addition, experts will be available to answer your questions at the Gatineau Park annual open house on November 14, 2009.
The public and interest groups can submit their comments via a survey, also available at the Visitor Centre and on the NCC’s website, until November 20, 2009.
For more information, please call the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1 800-465-1867 (toll-free), 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.
FINAL WEEKEND TO ENJOY FALL RHAPSODY
As the colours of the season peak in Gatineau Park, the National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to present the final weekend of Fall Rhapsody 2009. This year’s edition runs until October 18.The program seeks to communicate environmental values and practices linked to responsible use of natural spaces and offers information and facts on environmentally responsible behaviour. In this spirit, the NCC would like to inform residents and visitors to Canada’s Capital Region on how to get the most from fall activities in Gatineau Park.
- Explore over 90 kilometres of trails by bicycle or on foot. Using sustainable transportation is environmentally responsible and has positive impacts on overall quality of life. Air and noise pollution are reduced, as is road congestion.
- Visit mid-week to experience the autumn splendour at its tranquil best.
- Admire the fall colours at scenic Camp Fortune, or hike to Philippe Lake for a tranquil walk. The NCC wishes to remind the public that Philippe Lake and La Pêche Lake sectors are now closed to vehicles.
- Enjoy activities for the whole family at the Visitor Centre and learn about the hidden treasures in the Park. Visitors can take in the exhibit Gatineau Park: Protecting Nature and Sharing Our History, pick-up a variety of brochures or receive detailed information from Park Information Officers.
- Discover the Luskville Falls sector. An interpretive path will take you to the Falls and then on to the top of the Eardley Escarpment, giving you a spectacular view of the Ottawa Valley.
FALL RHAPSODY 2009 ACTIVITIES:
FOLLIES OF THE FALL FOREST
October 17 and 18 (10:30 am in French / 1:30 pm in English)
Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road
An NCC nature interpreter will demonstrate how to recognize some of the 50 species of
trees found in Gatineau Park during guided tours. Participants will also learn more about
what causes the leaves to change color and fall. These approximately two-hour long programs include a short presentation at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, followed by a guided hike on the Sugarbush Trail. Free!
STROLL BACK IN TIME AT MACKENZIE KING ESTATE
Mackenzie King Estate – open weekdays from 11 am to 5 pm,
weekends from 10 am to 6 pm, until October 18
The Tearoom – open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, until October 18
Re-live Canadian history as you visit the restored chalets of Canada’s longest serving Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. Wander the quiet wooded trails that lace through the estate and discover the collection of ruins that pepper the landscape. Or take a break and savour a delicious meal at the Mackenzie King Tearoom. Visitors have until season’s end, on October 18, to see this popular heritage site that captivated the 10th Prime Minister of Canada with its beauty.
PARKWAY RESERVED FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 5:00 pm to dusk
Saturday and Sunday mornings, from 7:00 am to 9:30 am
Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the breathtaking fall colours of Gatineau Park by foot, bicycle or roller-blades when over 8 kilometres of scenic parkways, including Gatineau Parkway from parking lots P8 to Dunlop, are temporarily closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings. This will be offered in partnership with Cross Country Canada until the seasonal closure of the parkway network later this fall. The NCC would like to remind users that, as the daylight hours wane, the use of reflective clothing and other equipment to increase visibility is recommended.
Vivid hues and striking scenery draw thousands of people to visit Gatineau Park each autumn during the three weekends of Fall Rhapsody. The NCC launched the Fall Rhapsody program in the 1980’s, to provide a quality experience for visitors who were coming to the Park to admire the brilliant foliage. Gatineau Park, a superb nature reserve managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC), is the Capital’s conservation park, located just 15 minutes from Parliament Hill. For more information on activities in the Park, the public may contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free), 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.
THIS THANKSGIVING, EXPERIENCE FALL RHAPSODY
As the colours of the season approach their peak in Gatineau Park, the National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to present the second weekend of Fall Rhapsody 2009.The program seeks to communicate environmental values and practices linked to responsible use of natural spaces and offers information and facts on environmentally responsible behaviour. In this spirit, the NCC would like to inform residents and visitors to Canada’s Capital Region on how to get the most from fall activities in Gatineau Park.
- Explore over 90 kilometres of trails by bicycle or on foot. Using sustainable transportation is environmentally responsible and has positive impacts on overall quality of life. Air and noise pollution are reduced, as is road congestion.
- Visit mid-week to experience the autumn splendour at its tranquil best.
- Admire the fall colours at scenic Philippe Lake or Camp Fortune.
- Enjoy activities for the whole family at the Visitor Centre and learn about the hidden treasures in the Park. Visitors can take in the exhibit Gatineau Park: Protecting Nature and Sharing Our History, pick-up a variety of brochures or receive detailed information from Park Information Officers.
- Discover the Luskville Falls sector. An interpretive path will take you to the Falls and then on to the top of the Eardley Escarpment, giving you a spectacular view of the Ottawa Valley.
FALL RHAPSODY 2009 ACTIVITIES:
FOLLIES OF THE FALL FOREST
October 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18 (10:30 am in French / 1:30 pm in English)
Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road
An NCC nature interpreter will demonstrate how to recognize some of the 50 species of
trees found in Gatineau Park during guided tours. Participants will also learn more about
what causes the leaves to change color and fall. These approximately two-hour programs include a short presentation at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, followed by a guided hike on the Sugarbush Trail. Free!
STROLL BACK IN TIME AT MACKENZIE KING ESTATE
Mackenzie King Estate – open daily, except Tuesdays, until October 18
The Tearoom – open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., until October 18
(including Thanksgiving Day – October 12)
Re-live Canadian history as you visit the restored chalets of Canada’s longest serving Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. Wander the quiet wooded trails that lace through the estate and discover the collection of ruins that pepper the landscape. Or take a break and savour a delicious meal at the Mackenzie King Tearoom.
PARKWAY RESERVED FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 5:00 pm to dusk
Saturday and Sunday mornings, from 7:00 am to 9:30 am
Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the breathtaking fall colours of Gatineau Park by foot, bicycle or roller-blades when over 8 kilometres of scenic parkways, including Gatineau Parkway from parking lots P8 to Dunlop, are temporarily closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings. This will be offered in partnership with Cross Country Canada until the seasonal closure of the parkway network later this fall. The NCC would like to remind users that, as the daylight hours wane, the use of reflective clothing and other equipment to help increase visibility is recommended.
FINAL WEEKEND TO ENJOY SUMMER CAMPING SEASON IN THE PARK
Philippe Lake, Taylor Lake, La Pêche Lake
campsite availability varies, reservations are required
Sleep under a canopy of colour! Pitch a tent and discover nature in the heart of Gatineau Park. Participate in recreational activities and learn more about Park wildlife, or relax while listening to the restful sounds of the great outdoors. Reserve your campsite by phone at 819-456-3016 or toll free at 1-866-456-3016. The NCC wishes to remind the public that after October 12, Philippe Lake and La Pêche Lake sectors will be closed to vehicles.
Vivid hues and striking scenery draw thousands of people to visit Gatineau Park each autumn during the three weekends of Fall Rhapsody. The NCC launched the Fall Rhapsody program in the 1980’s, to provide a quality experience for visitors who were coming to the Park to admire the brilliant foliage. This year’s edition runs from October 2 to 18. Gatineau Park, a superb nature reserve managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC), is the Capital’s conservation park, located just 15 minutes from Parliament Hill. For more information on activities in the Park, the public may contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free), 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.
THIS FALL, EXPERIENCE THE RHAPSODY
Gatineau Park is starting to blush with the colours of the season. As this scenic canvas unfolds, the National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to present Fall Rhapsody, from October 2 to 18.
The program seeks to communicate environmental values and practices linked to responsible use of natural spaces and offers information and facts on environmentally responsible behaviour. In this spirit, the NCC would like to inform residents and visitors to Canada’s Capital Region on how to get the most from fall activities in Gatineau Park.
- Explore over 90 kilometres of trails by bicycle or on foot. Using sustainable transportation is environmentally responsible and has positive impacts on overall quality of life. Air and noise pollution are reduced, as is road congestion.
- Visit mid-week to experience the autumn splendour at its tranquil best.
- Admire the fall colours at scenic Philippe Lake or Camp Fortune.
- Enjoy activities for the whole family at the Visitor Centre and learn about the hidden treasures in the Park. Visitors can take in the exhibit Gatineau Park: Protecting Nature and Sharing Our History, pick-up a variety of brochures or receive detailed information from Park Information Officers.
- Discover the Luskville Falls sector. An interpretive path will take you to the Falls and then on to the top of the Eardley Escarpment, giving you a spectacular view of the Ottawa Valley.
FALL RHAPSODY 2009 ACTIVITIES:
FOLLIES OF THE FALL FOREST
October 3 and 4 (10:30 am in English / 1:30 pm in French)
October 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18 (10:30 am in French / 1:30 pm in English)
Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road
An NCC nature interpreter will demonstrate how to recognize some of the 50 species of
trees found in Gatineau Park during guided tours. Participants will also learn more about
what causes the leaves to change color and fall. These approximately two-hour programs include a short presentation at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, followed by a guided hike on the Sugarbush Trail. Free!
HIKE WITH THE OTTAWA VOYAGEURS WALKING CLUB
October 3, registration 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Phillipe Lake
Hikers can explore the trails around the picturesque Phillipe Lake in Gatineau Park. This tenth annual event is organized by the Ottawa Voyageurs Walking Club. Participants can sign up at Parent Beach at Philippe Lake between 9 am and 10:30 am, where the 5 km and 10 km hikes depart. Bring a picnic to enjoy!
(Participation in the event is free. For those participating in the IVV credits, as the walk is sanctioned by the Canadian Volkssport Federation, the fee is $2.00.)
STROLL BACK IN TIME AT MACKENZIE KING ESTATE
Mackenzie King Estate – open daily, except Tuesdays, until October 18
The Tearoom – open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., until October 18
(including Thanksgiving Day – October 12)
Re-live Canadian history as you visit the restored chalets of Canada’s longest serving Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. Wander the quiet wooded trails that lace through the estate and discover the collection of ruins that pepper the landscape. Or take a break and savour a delicious meal at the Mackenzie King Tearoom.
PARKWAY RESERVED FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 5 :00 pm to dusk
Saturday and Sunday mornings, from 7:00 am to 9 :30 am
Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the breathtaking fall colours of Gatineau Park by foot, bicycle or roller-blades when over 8 kilometres of scenic parkways are temporarily closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings. This will be offered in partnership with Cross Country Canada until the seasonal closure of the parkway network later this fall. The NCC would like to remind users that, as the daylight hours wane, the use of reflective clothing and other equipment to help increase visibility is recommended.
Vivid hues and striking scenery draw thousands of people to visit Gatineau Park each autumn during the three weekends of Fall Rhapsody. The NCC launched the Fall Rhapsody program in the 1980’s, to provide a quality experience for visitors who were coming to the Park to admire the brilliant foliage. Gatineau Park, a superb nature reserve managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC), is the Capital’s conservation park, located just 15 minutes from Parliament Hill. For more information on activities in the Park, the public may contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free), 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.
Fall Rhapsody
| October 1, 2010 | to | October 17, 2010 |
Every autumn, the National Capital Commission (NCC) invites you to experience the magical fall colours of Gatineau Park! Located only 15 minutes from Parliament Hill, this splendid park offers many opportunities for you to enjoy your favourite fall activities.
Festival Information:
General information: 819.827.2020 ● 1.800.465.1867 ● 613.239.5090 (TTY) ● 1.866.661.3530 (toll-free TTY)
General information email: info@ncc-ccn.ca
Location: Gatineau Park – 33 Scott Road, Chelsea, QC
On the Web: www.canadascapital.gc.ca/fall
Map:
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PUBLIC WORKSHOP: RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN GATINEAU PARK
The National Capital Commission (NCC) invites the public and the media to attend a public workshop regarding the recreational activities offered in Gatineau Park.
Managing environmentally respectful recreation is a unique challenge and an important responsibility. The NCC is initiating a recreational services plan that will guide current and future recreational activities and programs in Gatineau Park and invites citizens to have their say about the trends, preliminary assessment and initial strategic framework, during the first phase of the consultative process.
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Relais plein air – Gatineau Park
397 Boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Gatineau, Quebec
As this consultation will take the form of a workshop, registration is encouraged. Please register by September 10, 2009, by contacting Emily Keogh at 613-239-5315 or emily.keogh@ncc-ccn.ca.
All relevant information will be available through the NCC’s Web site. Please send your comments or completed questionnaires by September 25, 2009.
For further information, please contact the NCC at 613-239-5000 or 1-800-704-8227 or visit our Web site at www.canadascapital.gc.ca. TTY (text telephone for the hearing impaired) is available at: 613-239-5090 or toll-free 1-866-661-3530.
