Gatineau in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Gatineau
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Rideau Canal becomes the world's largest skating rink - 7.8 km (4.8 miles) of groomed ice surface with warming huts every 1 km (0.6 miles)
- Prime cross-country skiing season in Gatineau Park with 200 km (124 miles) of groomed trails and reliable snow coverage by mid-December
- Christmas markets and Winterlude preparation activities offer authentic Canadian winter experiences without tourist crowds
- Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to summer, with many properties offering winter activity packages including ski passes and equipment rental
Considerations
- Extremely cold temperatures require significant winter gear investment - quality winter boots alone cost CAD $200-400
- Daylight limited to 8.5 hours (sunrise 7:30am, sunset 4:15pm) restricts outdoor activity timing
- Many outdoor attractions close or operate reduced hours, including most Gatineau Park facilities except ski trails
Best Activities in December
Rideau Canal Skateway Ice Skating
December marks the beginning of skating season on the UNESCO World Heritage canal. The 7.8 km (4.8 miles) skateway typically opens by December 20th with perfect ice conditions. Warming huts serve hot chocolate and BeaverTails pastries. Best skating hours are 10am-2pm when temperatures are warmest.
Gatineau Park Cross-Country Skiing
December offers the season's best powder conditions before trails become packed. 200 km (124 miles) of groomed trails across 5 sectors, with Trail 1 (Lac Pink loop) being ideal for beginners. Snow conditions are typically excellent by December 15th, with 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) base.
Ottawa Christmas Market and Winter Festival Tours
December features authentic European-style Christmas markets in Byward Market area, just 15 minutes from Gatineau. Local artisan vendors, maple syrup tastings, and traditional winter foods. Combines well with Parliament Hill winter light displays that begin December 1st.
Snowshoeing Adventures in Chelsea
Chelsea sector of Gatineau Park offers guided snowshoeing on easier terrain than summer hiking trails. December provides fresh powder without January's extreme cold. 5-15 km (3-9 mile) routes through frozen waterfalls and old-growth forest.
Winter Photography Tours
December's fresh snow and dramatic winter light create ideal conditions for landscape photography. Mackenzie King Estate ruins look spectacular snow-covered, and frozen Meech Lake offers mirror reflections. Golden hour occurs 3:30-4:15pm.
Indoor Cultural Experiences
Canadian Museum of History and National Gallery offer special winter exhibitions. December is perfect for museum-hopping between outdoor winter activities. Museum of History's IMAX theater provides warm respite with nature documentaries.
December Events & Festivals
Winterlude Preparation and Preview Events
Late December features ice sculpture workshops and winter activity demonstrations leading up to February's main Winterlude festival. Local artisans demonstrate ice carving techniques and snow sculpture building.
Christmas Light Displays at Parliament Hill
Northern Lights Sound and Light Show projected on Bridgetown runs nightly from December 1-31. Shows at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm in English and French. Best viewed from Major's Hill Park, 5-minute walk from Gatineau.