Alpine Club of Canada - Ottawa Section

The Ottawa section has a prolific hiking program that caters to all levels, from beginner to seasoned veteran. At least one hiking trip is scheduled every weekend, and much of the time there are several trips to choose from, both in the Ottawa area and further a field. Hiking takes place all year long; when the snow flies, we just strap on the skis and snowshoes.

The extensive trail system and excellent terrain in Gatineau Park has given us a hiker’s paradise right in our own back yard, and we make full use of it. Our hikes beginner and intermediate hikes in the Park can range from just 3 hours to 8 hours with the average hike being 5.5 hours. Hikes usually include an initial climb up the escarpment of about 800 feet and will have lots of creek crossings, great views and beaver dam traverses. Most routes are reasonably marked on trails whereas some trails are faintly marked. In addition the hiking trips often have route finding, map and compass challenges to solve.

Intermediate and advanced weekend hiking trips are run to the Adirondacks, White Mountains and other areas on a regular basis. Some of the highest peaks in the east, including Mt Marcy, Mt Washington, Mt Mansfield and Mt Katahdin, have all been club objectives in recent seasons.

Backpacking and camping out weekend trips have been organized for the Adirondaks and Algonquin Park.

In addition to recreational hiking, training hikes are also offered in the spring and summer. These hikes are designed to be more strenuous and are intended to assist club members to get in shape for the section camp in the Rockies or for their own adventures. Weekly or bi-weekly scheduled training hikes take place on the Gatineau escarpment and are supplemented with occasional forays to high level traverses in the Adirondacks and White Mountains.

Each summer the Ottawa section heads out west for one week section camp at one of the ACC mountain huts. While out west members of the Ottawa ACC Section get to experience high altitude high elevation gain hikes in fantastic scenery.