This route is just over 42kms of single track, double track, road, dirt roads and bicycle paths, and is part of the Great Trail (Trans Canadian Trail) all within the boundaries of the Gatineau Park. It begins near the Wakefield parking lot where the trail begins under the highway right on the park boundary.
I started out with Patricia Yates my partner and running partner. The trail meanders through wide hilly paths for the first 6km at which point it switches to a road section. at this time Patricia turned back to the beginning in order to drive to the first meeting point to provide me water. The road section lasts for approximately 4kms and takes you through the Lac Phillipe campground. Views of amazing tree stands and eventually running right alongside the lake.
Once again, the trail switches to now a dirt fire road alongside the lake. At the end of the lake, there is a transition and the next 16km section is a mix of single track and double track. Many rolling hills and a few steep climbs.
Following this section there is a road crossing at the 26.5Km mark. This is where I met Patricia for a bottle switch and grabbed two gels. At this time the trail becomes more and more challenging making the last 15.5kms difficult on tired legs. These 15kms include rolling hills, steep climbs of single track and in sections the trail becomes technical as well with rocks and roots. It also includes some amazing views of smaller lakes, the camp fortune ski hill and the skyline of the city of Gatineau and Ottawa from a lookout on the Skyline trail.
Finally the trail meanders its way near Pink lake. Once there the trail switches to a 2.5km section of bicycle path where with all effort left these last 2.5km can be a quick finish to pick up some time. The 42+ section of the Great Trail, truly provides all the types of trails, flora and fauna you can expect throughout the park.