Lac Philippe open for camping, not swimming

Reservations can be made for camping at the park starting June 11

By Stuart Benson

Update: On June 10, it was decided that the laundry facilities at the Lac Philippe campground will not be accessible to campers this summer. See changes on the NCC’s website: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/covid-19-camping-measures

Gatineau Hills families are already gathering at Lac Philippe to soak up the sun but the NCC says you can sit by the water and float on top of it, but you’re still not allowed to swim in it.

As the NCC enters Phase 2 of their plan for reopening their assets, Gatineau Park is accessible for broader public use. Photo courtesy NCC

Starting on June 11, reservations can be made for the 260 campsites for tents, trailers and motorhomes at Philippe, Renaud and Taylor lakes for the period from June 17 to October 11, as Gatineau Park enters Phase 2 of its reopening.

Unfortunately, while access to public beaches is permitted, you will not actually be able to swim in the water under the current public health directives, according to the NCC’s website. However, you will still be allowed to launch canoes, kayaks and paddleboards from the beach. Gatineau Park users will be able to rent canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and paddleboards at Lac Philippe starting June 17, 2020.

Unsurprisingly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCC has established additional measures to protect the health and safety of campers and staff, in compliance with provincial recommendations.

Many of the rules will be familiar to residents already, including limiting each campsite to only people living at the same residential address, limiting gatherings to 10 people and a maximum of three households, and the continuing closure of communal infrastructure – excluding washrooms– and a required 24-hour vacancy period between stays in cabins and yurts.

For more information on which parkways and parking lots are and are not accessible in Gatineau Park, and the preventative measures in place for the safety of campers, go to ncc-ccn.gc.ca/news/covid-19.