Openings Update After the Rains

I’m a little behind the times here because the NCC announced this on July 8th (this being the 11th) but:

Canada’s Capital Region — The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce the reopening of the Philippe Lake sector of Gatineau Park, closed to the public since the torrential rains of June 23 and 24.

Tomorrow, Saturday July 9, the Philippe Lake area will be reopened to the public as follows:

• the public (excluding campers) will have access only to the parking lot at Breton Beach;
• access to various services and activities will be from the parking lot at Breton Beach;
• beyond Breton Beach, access to this area will be limited to campers;
• Parent Beach area will remain closed for the season because of the damage incurred during the June 23 and 24 weather event ;
• Lusk Cave and boat rental: visitors should use the parking lot at Breton Beach;
• canoe and kayak launch: at Breton Beach.

Breton Beach

• beach will open tomorrow July 9 and water quality is ‘B’, good for swimming;
• parking lot open to all. The parking lot will also serve those who wish to visit the Lusk Cave or to use the boat rental service;

Lusk Cave

• open – visitors will use the parking lot at Breton Beach;
• water level is low and the site is safe.

Parent Beach

• beach is closed for the season because of the damage incurred during the June 23 and 24 weather event and there is no lifeguard on site;
• parking lot is closed to the public except for campers;
• boat rental is open and, to get there, visitors will use the parking lot at Breton Beach;
• visitors to the Lusk Cave will walk from the parking lot at Breton Beach.

La Pêche Beach

• swimming area has been expanded: two lifeguard positions have been added;
• water quality is ‘A’, excellent for swimming;
• canoe-camping at La Pêche Lake remains open

Trails

• all trails are accessible. Trail users are urged to exercise caution. Wearing good hiking shoes is recommended, wearing sandals should be avoided;
• work is still needed on several trails. NCC and the services récréatifs Demsis crews are still at work on the clean up and rehabilitation of the trail network;
• trail surface may be damaged or littered with debris in some areas.