Gatineau Park is located in the Quebec Province and is part of the National Capital Region as it is is close proximity to Ottawa as well. It is about a 4km car ride North of Ottawa. This is a huge park, according to wiki, it its 361.3l km2. Its really huge. Putting it into perspective for Singaporeans, its 212 times of bukit timah nature reserve, or 360 times of Gardens by the Bay, or, half of Singapore (including islands).
Information Centre
Our first stop was the information centre located on 33 Scott Road. They gave us essential information about the park, as well as maps, scenic trails and activities. Also, they have a permanent exhibition which tells us a little about the park's animals. It was useful visiting the information centre because when you tell them what your interests are they will be able to tell you the relevant activities you can do in the area. So you kind get a 'customized tour route'.
Car Park
The information centre had a car park which was so full because when we went it was summer and many families were there just exploring, but this is probably the only other place you'll see that many people, other parts of the park are nice and tranquil. A small fee of 10 CAD was charged for car access for an entire day in Gatineau Park and is paid at the entrance. With this fee paid, you can park anywhere in Gatineau Park.
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| At the Pink Lake |
As to why its called Pink Lake, its because the Pink family who arrived from Ireland in the 1840s used to own properties here.
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| I can just stand here all day |
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| A boardwalk was a recent addition to stop erosion caused by tourism |
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| And, Fall is coming :) |
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| Singaporean+1HK students in Canada! |
Photo Credits: Charles
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| In the shade of the lungs of the region |
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| A man who was trekking with his wife stopped to tell us about the Pink Lake |
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| The colours of fall :) |
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| Mackenzie King Estate (Canada's 10th Prime Minister) |
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| Cafe at the Mackenzie King Estate |
Lusk Cave (For the Adventure Seekers)
My friends wanted to go to the Lusk Cave so we went and walked through the forest along Lake Philipe. It was an enjoyable walk with all the slopes along the way and you're amidst the red and yellow forest.
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| Against Parent Beach with Lake Philippe behind :) |
Photo Credits: Xianyao
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| The few of us who shared the same car :) Was fun with this bunch :) |
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| Crystal Clear. |
As the sun set, this lake grew prettier than it had been all day. We spoke in whispers because it was just so serene. It was here where we saw the colours of the setting sun; orange to red and shades of purple and blue.. gradually, stars appeared.
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| Going into the Lusk Cave |
My friends went into the Lusk Cave. I wasn't keen on entering because I wasn't dressed for adventure and I'd probably spoil my Geox in the cave where waters can go up to a metre high and its a squeezy trek into the cave. I almost died waiting out there alone because I feared the darkness and the animals which are around.. Slowly, I couldn't hear the sounds of their laughter and it became dark in a matter of minutes. It wasn't the best experience being in the forest alone at night but thankfully Eric gave me a dagger should I need to use it.
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| The Happy Bunch |
So actually, the opening of the cave is where we climbed up, halfway between parent beach and where they entered. By the time they exited the cave it was already pitch dark and for someone who turns on the light at night it was quite a scare for me. I guess they didn't expect it would take so long and I should have just stayed in the car had I known they were really gonna enter the cave despite warning from the tourist information that it can be dangerous at night. I was really just planning to go see it, not go into it. x.x
My friends apologised though after they sensed I was really angry with the whole episode. I mean I understand they wanted to experience it and have fun but they went into the cave not considering their safety and mine. And I was alone at night in a dark forest. x.x I only finally calmed down after we found the car in the dark. It was almost difficult to make out that it was a car cos it was so dark :( They were so happy though.. It musn't have been an easy feat for them and I hope I didn't spoil their experience.
I guess if you're dressed for it and ready to take the risk (I heard some parts of the cave you're fully underwater and there's little to breathe), then it would be fun to go in with some friends. Otherwise, just stay in the car.. Its a 10km round trip, so don't go if you doubt you can get back in the dark.
