Gatineau Park Yours to Protect. Yours to Enjoy. Winter Accommodations: Rules and Regulations Opening and closing dates for the 2014–2015 winter season • Season begins November 15, 2014 • Season ends April 15, 2015 Laws and Regulations Cancellation policy • Fees for making or changing reservations are $9.50 and are non-refundable. • There are no refunds for cancellations. • There are no refunds for reasons related to weather conditions or trail conditions. • Changes to reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to arrival, and will be accepted subject to availability. The fee for changing a reservation is $9.50. It is the responsibility of each visitor to know and comply with the laws and regulations governing Gatineau Park. Alcohol The possession and consumption of alcohol are prohibited in Gatineau Park. Offenders will be subject to a fine. Animals • Pets are not permitted in ready-to-camp units, at winter campsites or on the trails leading to them. • Feeding wild animals is strictly prohibited. General Information Campfires • • Toilets Fires are not permitted outside ready-to-camp units. At campsites, fires are permitted in designated areas only. Ready-to-camp units have outdoor toilets located nearby. Water Responsibilities There is no source of drinking water near the ready-to-camp units or winter campsites. You must provide your own water. However, arrangements may be made with Services récréatifs Demsis inc. to buy bottled water (18 litres) and have it delivered to your ready-to-camp unit or campsite. • Use of the trails, ready-to-camp units and campsites is at your own risk. Neither the National Capital Commission (NCC) nor Services récréatifs Demsis inc. (Demsis) can be held responsible in any way for loss or damage resulting from natural causes linked to vegetation, wildlife, wind, rain, snow, etc.; or for theft, vandalism or damage to property or injuries to persons related to the use of the lands or facilities of the NCC. Visitors must protect their valuables and should not leave any items of value in their vehicle. • During your stay, one member of your group must be responsible for, and have in his or her possession, the receipt issued upon payment of the reservation. Parking The Park’s network of trails is served by several parking lots around the periphery. The P11 (O’Brien), P16 (Meech Valley), P17 (Wakefield) and P19 (Philippe Lake Sector) parking lots are the departure points to the ready-to-camp units and campsites. Your choice of departure point depends on the distance you wish to travel. Ski Trails With one exception, all trails are machine-groomed at least once a week. Trail 56, which links Taylor Lake to the Richard Lake Yurt, is usually left in a natural state to give skiers a back-country experience. Reservation and Cancellation Policy Reservations Trail signage • There must be at least two persons spending the night to reserve an overnight stay. There must be at least one adult if the group includes anyone under 18 years of age. • Anyone who wishes to stay overnight in a ready-to-camp unit or at a campsite must pay in advance for their stay. • Visitors accept full responsibility for their own safety during their stay in the Park, and acknowledge that they are aware of the information provided in this document, including the section entitled “Acknowledgement of Risk.” Trails are identified by signs that indicate the trail number and the level of difficulty. Destinations and distances are posted at most trail intersections. Trail map The winter trail map may be purchased at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre ($5.65 plus tax). 1 WEEKEND RATES NUMBER OF PEOPLE DISTANCE FROM P19 Ski Snowshoe 6 km Not accessible (FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND STATUTORY AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS) (INCLUDING TAX) WEEKDAY RATES (SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY) 30 TO 50% OFF (INCLUDING TAX) Skiers and snowshoers with a season pass* CABINS Lusk Lake The Pines 6 Philippe 10 Brown Lake 17 $165 $115 3.5 km $280 $196 2 km (from P17) $430 $215 $165 $115 $125 $87 4 km 3 km 2.5 km (from P17) YURTS Taylor Lake 6 km Ohomisi 5 km Wanakiwin 6 Richard Lake Not accessible 4.5 km 5.5 km 13 km Not accessible 4 km 4 km FOUR-SEASON TENTS Philippe Lake (4 sites) 4 * For those without a season pass, daily passes are $5 per skier, $3 per snowshoer. Ready-to-Camp Units Check-in time: 2 pm • Check-out time: 11 am Electricity, heating and lighting Other rules and regulations • • • All ready-to-camp units are equipped with a wood stove for heating and cooking. You must bring your own candles or other lighting equipment. • Please keep the wood stove door closed at all times. Specific instructions are provided on-site. • Yurts (except for the one at Richard Lake) and four-season tents are also equipped with a portable gas stove for cooking, as well as a refrigerator. • Brown Lake Cabin has electricity, but no electrical outlets. Smoking is not permitted in ready-to-camp units. Any person who contravenes these rules and regulations will have their lodging permit revoked, be evicted from the ready-to-camp unit and may also be fined. Revoked permits will not be reimbursed. • At all times, users are responsible for ensuring that the premises and equipment provided are kept clean and tidy. Ready-to-camp units that are not left in clean condition will be cleaned at the users’ expense. In addition, users will be charged for the repair of any damage to NCC property. Users must pack out all of their garbage. Waste containers can be found in the parking lots. Equipment • Ready-to-camp units are equipped with a few basic kitchen items, including a kettle, spatula, ladle, stockpot, strainer and can opener. • You should bring your own plates and cutlery. • Beds have foam mattresses, but users must bring their own sleeping bag and pillow. Lusk Lake Cabin The Lusk Lake Cabin serves as a day shelter between 10 am and 4 pm. After 4 pm, this cabin may be used only by people with an overnight stay permit. This cabin features lockable compartments under the beds, where you can store your belongings (you must bring your own lock). 2 NUMBER OF PEOPLE WEEKEND RATES DISTANCE FROM P19 Ski Snowshoe (FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND STATUTORY AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS) (INCLUDING TAX) WEEKDAY RATES (SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY) 30 TO 50% OFF (INCLUDING TAX) Skiers and snowshoers with a season pass* WINTER CAMPING Individual site 6 Group site (8 or more) 25 3 km 3 km 3.5 km $17/person $17/person $130/site $130/site * For those without a season pass, daily passes are $5 per skier, $3 per snowshoer. Winter Camping Check-in time: 2 pm • Check-out time: 11 am Facilities and equipment Other rules and regulations • • • Campsites are very basic: there are no buildings that could be used for shelter at the campsites. • Campsites have a picnic table and campfire pit. Firewood is provided, but must be picked up at the location indicated on the camping map. Campers must set up their tents on designated tent sites. It is not permitted to use branches to make shelters or as bedding material. Safety on the Trails Acknowledgement of Risk You are responsible for your own safety. Trails are patrolled daily. In case of emergency, it is possible to get help 24 hours a day by calling 613-239-5353. An emergency radio communications system is available at the Lusk Lake Cabin and the Renaud day shelter, near the Philippe Lake Cabin. There are a few public telephones in the Philippe Lake Sector: at the entrance to the Philippe Lake Sector, at the campground store and at the Breton Beach snack counter. In winter, cold temperatures increase the potential risk associated with overnight stays in ready-to-camp units and at winter campsites. By choosing one of these options to stay overnight, you are acknowledging that you recognize and accept the risks involved. Although ready-to-camp units offer greater comfort than winter camping, you must nonetheless take the necessary precautions. A few examples of risks: • Frostbite and hypothermia • Frozen food or water, frozen camp stove, frozen valve on self-inflating mattress To get the most out of your stay and to ensure your safety, we suggest the following. • Depart for the ready-to-camp unit or campsite in the morning (or before 1 pm). • Plan your route according to trail length and level of difficulty, and your own ability. • Avoid setting out alone, and tell someone where you are going and which route you are taking. • Bring a trail map. • Stay on officially marked trails. • Always carry food and water, a whistle, matches in a waterproof container, a flashlight and warm clothing. • Carry a first aid kit and an equipment repair kit. • Respect the Park’s wildlife and learn what to do to avoid unpleasant encounters. • Travelling on ice-covered waterways is dangerous and not permitted anywhere in Gatineau Park. Before heading out, take the time to test your equipment and familiarize yourself with the risks and possible problems that could be associated with colder temperatures. Recommended Winter Camping Equipment • Four-season sleeping bag • Insulated sleeping pad • Four-season tent • Camp stove for boiling water • Sufficient quantity of matches in a waterproof container •Pots • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries kept close to your body • Clothing made of synthetic fabric or wool; avoid cotton • First aid kit and survival blanket (strongly recommended) Also, be sure to bring extra food and water. 3 information Emergency Shelter The Renaud Shelter is heated and has an emergency radio. This shelter can help get you through the night in case of an emergency. Please note that there is no staff person at the entrance to the Philippe Lake Sector. Gatineau Park Visitor Centre 33 Scott Road Chelsea, Quebec 819-827-2020 • 1-866-456-3016 24-hour emergency line 613-239-5353 November 2 to April 30 Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm gatineaupark.gc.ca [email protected] 4