Canada’s Capital Region ― Residents and visitors are invited to experience the magical fall colours of Gatineau Park, during the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Fall Rhapsody, from September 30 to October 16, 2011.

The public can get the most from Gatineau Park in the fall, by:

• Exploring 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.
• Visiting mid-week to experience the autumn splendour at its tranquil best.
• Admiring the fall colours at scenic Philippe Lake, Camp Fortune or Mackenzie King Estate.
• Enjoying activities for the whole family at the Visitor Centre. The public can learn about the hidden treasures in the Park and participate in dynamic free educational programs: “Follies of the Fall Forest” weekends from October 1 to 16, including Monday, October 10.
• Discovering 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 2011 ACTIVITIES

FOLLIES OF THE FALL FOREST

October 1 and 2 (12:30 pm in English / 2:30 pm in French)

October 9, 10, 15 and 16 (2:30 pm in English / 12:30 pm in French)

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 fall and change color. These free two-hour programs include a short presentation at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, followed by a guided hike on the Sugarbush Trail.

FOREST FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY ENVIRONMENT CANADA

October 8, from 9 am to 4 pm

• Presentation on nature and wildlife (English: 10:30 am to 11:30 am; 1 pm to 2 pm / French: 9 am to 10 am; 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm).
• Ongoing activities (Bilingual: 9 am to 12 pm; 1 pm to 4 pm).

Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road

Explore and learn about Gatineau Park’s flora and fauna during guided walks in the forest. Take part in presentations where specialists will be on hand to answer questions on Canadian wildlife, conservation and research programs, and species at risk.

HIKE WITH THE OTTAWA VOYAGEURS WALKING CLUB

October 1, registration is from 9 am to 10:30 am

Keogan Shelter

Hikers can explore the trails in Gatineau Park by taking part in the 12th annual hike organized by the Ottawa Voyageurs Walking Club. Participants can sign up at the Keogan Shelter between 9 am and 10:30 am, where the 5 km and 10 km hikes depart.  Bring a snack to enjoy! (Participation in the event is free. For those participating in the IVV credits, the fee is $2.00 as the walk is sanctioned by the Canadian Volkssport Federation).

STROLL BACK IN TIME AT MACKENZIE KING ESTATE

Mackenzie King Estate ― open daily, until October 16

• Wednesdays through Mondays, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• Estate museums are closed on Tuesdays, the grounds remain open to the public.

The Tearoom ― open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, until October 16

Re-live 100 years of Canadian history by visiting the restored chalets and experience nature as you wander the quiet wooded trails laid out by Mackenzie King. Admire the flower gardens and collection of ruins that were the pride of this former prime minister. Or take a break and enjoy a light meal at the Mackenzie King Tearoom.

PARKWAY RESERVED FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS

Saturday and Sunday mornings until October 23, from 7 am to 10 am

• Section of the Gatineau Parkway between parking lot P8 and the Champlain Parkway.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the breathtaking fall colours of Gatineau Park by foot, bicycle, roller-blades or roller skis when a section of the Gatineau Parkway will be temporarily closed to automobile traffic on 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.

For more information on activities in Gatineau Park, the public may contact the NCC at 819-827-2020, 1-800-465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/gatineau, or visit the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre located at 33 Scott Road, in Chelsea, Quebec.

NCC BEACHES — OPEN UNTIL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

Residents and visitors have until Monday, September 6 to swim at Leamy Lake beach, in Gatineau, from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, and at O’Brien, Blanchet, Breton, Parent and La Pêche beaches, in Gatineau Park, from 10 am to 6 pm. Lifeguards are on site during duty hours to ensure public safety. Swimmers have access to various facilities such as washrooms, change rooms, barbecues and picnic tables. Entry fees to Leamy Lake beach are $6 per automobile and entry fees to Meech, Philippe and La Pêche Lakes beaches in Gatineau Park are $10 per automobile.

40th SEASON OF ALCATEL-LUCENT SUNDAY BIKEDAYS — SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010

Gatineau Park: Parkways Reserved for Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays The Gatineau, Champlain and Fortune Parkways, which are ideal destinations for cycling enthusiasts who enjoy steep hills, are closed to motorized traffic from 6 am to 11 am. One section, to the north of Lac-Meech Road (parking lot P8), is ideal for families with young children and is closed for two additional hours, from 6 am to 1 pm. (Length: 30.5 kilometres)

Ottawa: Parkways Reserved for Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays

Ottawa River Parkway — 9 am to 1 pm
The westbound lanes of the Ottawa River Parkway, located on the south side of the Ottawa River just west of the downtown core, are closed to motorized traffic from Vimy Place (Canadian War Museum) to Carling Avenue. The Parkway is monitored by volunteers from Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. (Length: 5.5 kilometres)

Colonel-By Drive — 9 am to 1 pm
Both lanes of Colonel-By Drive, located on the east side of the Rideau Canal in the heart of the Capital, are closed to motorized traffic from the Laurier Bridge to the Hog’s Back Bridge.  The Parkway is monitored by volunteers from KPMG. (Length: 7.6 kilometres)

Rockcliffe Parkway — 9 am to 1 pm
Both lanes of the Rockcliffe Parkway, running along the south side of the Ottawa River, just east of the downtown core, are closed to motorized traffic, from the Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard in Orleans. (Length: 8.4 kilometres)

Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikeday participants can get their bikes checked free of charge by members of the Alcatel-Lucent Switchbacks Sunday, September 5, 2010, from 9 am to 1 pm on Colonel By Drive (near Seneca Street).

Members of the Ottawa Inline Skating Club will offer free one-hour instructional sessions on braking, turning and stride improvement, and provide inline skating tips and advice, with special emphasis on safety, Sunday, September 5, 2010, from 9 am to 1 pm on Colonel-By Drive (near Clegg Street and Echo Drive).

DISCOVER THE HILL INTERPRETATION PROGRAM — ON UNTIL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

The Discover the Hill outdoor interpretation program is an excellent complement to the Centre Block tour, which continues all year long. The public is invited to gain a better appreciation of the importance of Parliament Hill by visiting the Info-Tent, enjoying a tour using the free Discover the Hill Outdoor Self-Guiding Booklet or walking In the Footsteps of Great Canadians during a free 45-minute guided tour of the grounds. The Discover the Hill Interpretation program runs until September 6, 2010. For more information, the public can visit the Info-Tent, located on Parliament Hill, weekdays from 9 am to 8 pm and weekends and holidays from 9 am to 5 pm.

INTERPRETATION OF THE NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL — ON UNTIL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

Confederation Square is Canada’s place of remembrance. The monuments found there, including the National War Memorial, The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier and the Valiants Memorial, collectively speak of remembrance, sacrifice, courage and endurance, and represent all those whose actions in times of conflict and war have shaped Canada’s past and continue to influence our present. Visitors can learn more about the history, symbolism and importance of these monuments by speaking and sharing stories with the NCC interpreters stationed at Confederation Square daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. For more information on the National War Memorial and The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier, please visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

For more information on activities offered in Canada’s Capital Region, the public may contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530, or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.

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.

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

“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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.