Boucher Forest, Gatineau's Green Lung
Everything you need to know about your favourite local forest!
As of the end of 2025, Boucher Forest is home to more than 1,641 plant, fungal, and animal species, including rare forest communities in Québec and the Outaouais, as well as species designated as being at risk in Québec or Canada. Boucher Forest contains 11 priority ecosystems for biodiversity conservation, including numerous wetlands and aquatic habitats.
A rich and diverse flora and fauna!
Mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and birds… the wildlife of Boucher Forest is not always easy to spot, but there’s no doubt it thrives here!
The Foundation is also proud to help protect hundreds of species of trees, plants, shrubs, flowers, and fungi that thrive in this remarkable natural environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boucher Forest
The 700-acre Boucher Forest is bordered by Antoine-Boucher Road to the north, Vanier Road to the east, des Allumettières Boulevard to the south, and Wilfrid-Lavigne Boulevard to the west.
Under a by-law adopted by Gatineau City Council on May 23, 2023, and enacted in August 2023, dogs are prohibited in 95% of Boucher Forest. The only exception is the area north of the Jardins-Lavigne dog park and the southwest section between the dog park and the Samuel-Edey entrance. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in this designated area.
This decision was based on the results of the Safety in Boucher Forest pilot project, proposed by the City of Gatineau and the Boucher Forest Foundation and carried out between May 2021 and March 2022. The goal was to raise awareness among dog owners about the importance of keeping their dogs on a leash to ensure public safety, protect local ecosystems, and collect data on compliance with the by-law.
As part of this pilot project, leashed dogs were permitted on Boucher Forest trails located on municipal land.
Data collected by volunteer observers and Foundation staff during 1,103 interventions was used to assess the feasibility of allowing leashed dogs on the trails of the future Boucher Forest Park.
Three evaluation criteria and clear targets were established by the City for the final three months of the observation period, allowing time for dog owners to adapt.
Results:
- Compliance with the dog owner by-law. Result: 40% compliance. Target: 95%.
- Number of incidents involving aggressive dogs. Result: 4 incidents. Target: 0.
- Compliance of dog owners following interventions. Result: 45% compliance. Target: 95%.
Two portable toilets including one that is universally accessible—are available to the public at the main entrance, located at 500 Samuel-Edey Street. Our goal is to install our own eco-friendly washrooms by next year, including one at the pedestrian shelter in the heart of the forest, along the Coulicou Trail.
Black bears are occasionally spotted in the area, but sightings are rare. Follow the Government of Canada’s safety guidelines it’s our best advice!