Ultimate Guide to Pink Lake Gatineau Hike

Q: What Time of Year is Pink Lake Pink?

Its name is deceptive. Pink Lake isn’t actually pink at all during any time of year. It is more of a blue-green in colour year-round. The lake takes its name from the Pink family that settled in the area.

Are you thinking of hiking Pink Lake in Gatineau Park? You’ve come to the right place.

Nestled among the lush forests of Quebec’s Gatineau Park, with the roads not always open it can be tricky to get here.

This easy, scenic hike is one of the best places to see fall colours in the area. After visiting Pink Lake in the fall, I can see why this is a great day trip from Ottawa and Montreal.

Let’s get right into everything you need to know about the Pink Lake Gatineau hike, including how to get here, how long the hike is, and parking.

Table of Contents

What is Special About Pink Lake?

Pink Lake is a small meromictic lake in Gatineau Park. Meromictic means its upper and lower layers of water never mix. It’s one of the only lakes of its kind in North America, which makes it pretty special.

Despite its name, Pink Lake is blue-green due to microscopic algae growth. But don’t let this stop you from enjoying one of Canada’s most remarkable natural wonders!

It was named after the Pink family who settled the land in 1826 and remains an important part of Quebec’s cultural heritage.

How Long is the Pink Lake Hike?

The Pink Lake Trail is 2.3 km in length, from the trail start in the parking lot and back. The hike takes about 40 minutes roundtrip, depending on your pace.

It’s a 3-season trail plus a lookout. In the winter, Pink Lake Trail is closed and the parkway is used for cross-country skiing.

How Hard is It to Hike Pink Lake?

Pink Lake is an easy and enjoyable hike.

The trail is well-maintained. Some sections are boardwalks so you can explore without worrying about the terrain. Be prepared for plenty of stairs, as the trail elevation changes as you loop around the lake.

Pink Lake trail is not accessible-friendly, so plan to visit the Lookout only.

If you’re looking for an easy and picturesque hike then Pink Lake should definitely be on your list.

How Deep is Pink Lake, Gatineau?

Pink Lake has a maximum depth of 20m and the bottom 7m doesn’t have any oxygen. It’s a deep lake for its small size of 9 hectares.

Pink Lake Lookout

Pink Lake Lookout is at the highest point of the trail. This section of the boardwalk offers scenic views of the entire lake below.

While the trail itself isn’t accessible, there is a ramp to reach the Lookout and the summer weekend shuttle is accessible-friendly.

Stop here on your hike to admire the view and snap some photos.

Pink Lake Gatineau Opening Hours

May – October: 24 Hours

Hiking Pink Lake Gatineau in Fall

Pink Lake Gatineau is a beautiful fall hike. The blue-green hues of the lake surrounded by the colourful foliage make it one of the best places to see fall colours in Gatineau Park.

Pink Lake offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While it’s not remote, there are still quiet spots to enjoy the beauty of nature during this special time of year. I paused multiple times along the way to enjoy the view.

I visited in late September and the leaves weren’t at peak yet, but it was still an enjoyable fall hike.

How to Get to Pink Lake, Gatineau Park

Getting to Pink Lake takes some figuring out but is accessible to all types of travellers.

The parkway is open to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians on a variable summer schedule. It’s important to check the parkway schedule before you go. You don’t want the road to be closed to vehicles if you plan to drive.

Visitors can bike from Parking Lot 6 or use the free shuttle service offered on summer weekends. The shuttle serves downtown Gatineau as well as some of the parking lots in Gatineau Park.

It’s possible to walk from downtown but will be quite a long journey.

Parking

There are two free parking lots to start your hike: one at Pink Lake Lookout and one at Pink Lake Trail (Sentier Lac Pink).

Both parking lots offer limited parking. Go early, check both lots to see if one has a spot, or park in another hiking area in the park and take the weekend shuttle. I parked at the Pink Lake Trail lot.

Other Hikes in Gatineau Park

Sugar Bush Trail – an easy 1.9 km loop hike through the forest
Lauriault Trail – an intermediate 4.5 km loop hike with a picnic area and waterfall
King Mountain Trail – a difficult 1.8 km with 10 lookouts over the Ottawa Valley

Tips for Visiting Pink Lake

Check the parkway schedule before you go, if you plan to drive
Weekends are the busiest, so visit on a weekday when possible
Bring a water bottle with you to stay hydrated
Fall is the best time of year to visit for beautiful weather and fall foliage
If parking is full, park at another lot and take the free summer weekend shuttle to Pink Lake

Map of Pink Lake Trail

FAQs About Pink Lake

What Time of Year is Pink Lake Pink?

Its name is deceptive. Pink Lake isn’t actually pink at all during any time of year. It is more of a blue-green in colour year-round. The lake takes its name from the Pink family that settled in the area.

Can You Swim at Pink Lake?

Due to the unique makeup of the lake, there is limited life in the lake and it’s a delicate ecosystem. For Pink Lake’s preservation, swimming is not allowed. Nor is any kind of boat or dogs allowed on the trails.

Final Thoughts: Pink Lake Gatineau Hike

Visiting Pink Lake in Gatineau Park is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Whether you’re looking for an easy, picturesque hike or just want to admire the stunning fall colours from the lookout, Pink Lake has something for everyone.

Be sure to check out King Mountain Trail, Lauriault Trail, and Sugar Bush Trail too if you’re interested in exploring more trails within Gatineau Park.

And when you finish in Gatineau, spend more time exploring Quebec by visiting Montreal or Quebec City.

Happy travelling!