Fall is in the Air at Gatineau Park
[Source: NCC press release]
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.
Labour Day Long Weekend Activities at Mackenzie King Estate
[Source: NCC press release]
Canada’s Capital Region — The National Capital Commission (NCC) invites residents and visitors to join in special activities to celebrate the Labour Day long weekend at the Mackenzie King Estate on Saturday, September 3, Sunday, September 4 and Monday, September 5.
ACTIVITIES PRESENTED FROM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 TO MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5:
• Guided tours of the Estate with an NCC guide (2 pm in English; 3 pm in French).
* Monday, September 5: Guided tours will be offered at 10 am and 2 pm in English and 11 am and 3 pm in French.
• Guided tours of the gardens and ruins with volunteers (all day — bilingual).
• Dry stone wall building/repair demonstrations (noon to 4:30 pm — bilingual).
* Monday, September 5: Demonstrations will begin at 10 am.
• Chocolate workshops and sampling of exotic flavours of chocolate (1 pm in English; 2 pm in French).
* Saturday, September 3: French workshop will begin at 2:45 pm.
• Musical performances by Michel-André Vallières (2:30 pm to 4:30 pm — bilingual)
* Saturday, September 3: Musical performances will begin at 3 pm.
ACTIVITIES PRESENTED ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3:
• Theatrical performances by the Parks Canada Players (noon in English; 2 pm in French).
ACTIVITIES PRESENTED ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4:
• Face painting and games for the whole family (all day).
Activities will take place rain or shine.
MACKENZIE KING ESTATE HOURS OF OPERATION:
Summer Hours of Operation
Until September 5, 2011, the Estate will be open:
• Wednesdays through Mondays, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Fall Hours of Operation
From September 6 to October 16, 2011, the Estate will be open:
• Wednesdays through Mondays, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• Estate museums are closed on Tuesdays, the grounds remain open to the public.
The 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 Day pass: car
$30 Day pass: minibus (20 passengers or less)
$50 Day pass: bus
For more information on the Mackenzie King Estate or activities offered 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), stop by the Gatineau Park Visitors Centre located at 33 Scott Road, in Chelsea, or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/king.
DISCOVER MACKENZIE KING ESTATE
Photo courtesy Lee Dunbar
DISCOVER MACKENZIE KING ESTATE
- Visit the restored cottages.
- View films on Mackenzie King’s life and times.
- Take a guided tour through the museums and property.
- Stroll through the gardens.
- Photograph the collection of ruins.
- Enjoy a light meal at the Mackenzie King Tearoom.
- Discover King’s favourite trail: the Bridal Veil Falls.
- Join costumed volunteer guides for a visit to the gardens at Moorside on weekend and holiday afternoons,
- between Canada Day and Labour Day.
- Join in the activities organized by the NCC at the Estate.
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.
