Achievements That Bring Conservation to Life!
The projects completed by the Foundation in Boucher Forest Park demonstrate the dedication of our team and volunteers, as well as the invaluable support of our donors and partners. Here is a summary of our achievements as of summer 2023.
The Trails
Nearly 8 km of trails have been developed and maintained since work began in Boucher Forest Park in September 2021. And there’s more to come! Each trail is named after a bird species that inhabits Boucher Forest, with names officially recognized by the City of Gatineau’s Toponymy Committee.
Download the trail map by clicking here.
Southern Sector
The southernmost trail, which loops around the main entrance at 500 Samuel-Edey Street (the park’s official address), is the Jaseur Universal Trail. At 1.6 km long, this crushed-stone trail is accessible to everyone, including visitors with reduced mobility as well as more active users.
In 2022, the Foundation received a David Award from the Outaouais Association of Persons with Disabilities (RAPHO) in recognition of this trail.
As one of the few community hiking destinations in western Gatineau, accessibility was a key consideration. The growing population of residents aged 65 and over, combined with the limited availability of accessible outdoor spaces, led us to prioritize the development of this loop, which crosses several ecosystems—including hardwood forests, cedar groves, and wetlands—and features two boardwalks and a small bridge, the first infrastructure built in the park.
Currently, no other hiking trail in Gatineau offers people with reduced mobility such an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
The other trail beginning in the southern sector is the Coulicou Trail. At 1.9 km in length, it is the longest trail in the park and runs north-south, connecting the Samuel-Edey entrance in the south with the Antoine-Boucher entrance in the northeast.
Eastern Sector
Three trails of varying lengths are located along the eastern boundary of Boucher Forest Park. The short Oriole Trail begins at the junction of the Jaseur and Coulicou trails in the south and extends for approximately 100 metres. In the coming years, it will also host the park’s fitness trail.
The two other eastern trails are located farther north. Together, the Passerin and Carouge trails form a 0.9 km route.
Western Sector
Two trails are located near Jardins-Lavigne Park: the Grimpeureau Trail and the Pioui Trail (not to be confused with the pee-wee sports category!).
The Moucherolle Trail intersects the Pioui Trail and features the longest boardwalk in the park. Its eastern end connects with the Coulicou Trail and leads visitors to the pedestrian shelter located in the heart of the park.
Northern Sector
The first trail in the northern section of the park is the Piranga Trail, the well-known winter trail connecting the Coulicou and Pioui trails. Since it crosses several marshes, it is only accessible during the cold season. A unique and memorable experience!
Two additional trails, the Faucon and Viréo trails, are located in the park’s rockier northeastern section. The Viréo Trail offers views of one of the most beautiful maple forests in the region!
Boardwalks
Our hemlock boardwalks serve two main purposes: protecting the wetlands they cross along the Jaseur, Coulicou, Passerin, and Moucherolle trails, while allowing visitors to access all areas of the park without getting their feet wet!
We have observed that wildlife and plant life have flourished since the boardwalks were built in 2021 and 2022.
Some have become refuges for amphibians and reptiles, while others are ideal places to relax, socialize, and meet fellow visitors.
Some boardwalks do not have railings, so it is important to share the space, avoid running, and remain cautious at all times.
Signage
Who hasn’t gotten lost in Boucher Forest at least once? It’s a long-running joke familiar to many who enjoy this natural area close to home!
The Foundation recognized the need for clear signage to improve both safety and visitor enjoyment. In spring 2023, we installed more than 300 trail markers on wooden posts throughout the park.
Each trail has its own colour and is clearly identified on the signage. Special landmarks, such as the shelter and the famous Hippie Rock, are also marked.
Pedestrian Shelter
Built in late spring 2023, this structure serves as a gathering place for all visitors. Located in the heart of the forest, at the junction of the Coulicou, Moucherolle, and Passerin trails, the shelter can be used as a refuge, activity space, learning area, creative space, and resting place.
Its design blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment, and its welcoming atmosphere appeals to visitors of all ages. It is also universally accessible thanks to improvements made along a 320-metre section of the Coulicou Trail that connects it to the Jaseur Universal Trail in the south.
Interpretive Panels
The Foundation combines education and enjoyment through 10 interpretive panels highlighting some of the most remarkable plants and wildlife found in Boucher Forest. Designed by Orkestra and featuring illustrations by renowned author and illustrator Élise Gravel, these panels support the Foundation’s educational mission by encouraging visitors of all ages to learn, explore, and enjoy nature while staying young at heart.
Scan the QR codes found on these beautiful panels located along the trails surrounding the shelter to access exclusive content on our website!
Recognition Trees
Several major donors from our first fundraising campaign, Everyone for Boucher Forest Park, chose to sponsor our trails for a five-year period. Artist and Foundation board member Sylvain Potvin created these works to honour their contribution using wood generously provided by our partner Logs End of Bristol.
This white pine, more than 70 years old, was recovered from the Ottawa River, dried, and carefully prepared for reuse. It now lives on in the park as a symbol of gratitude to our generous donors, whose names are permanently displayed on plaques attached to these recognition trees.
Hebertism trail
To encourage outdoor physical activity and strengthen connections with nature, the Boucher Forest Foundation has created a new fitness trail near the Samuel-Edey entrance.
This natural obstacle course, featuring wooden structures such as boardwalks, tunnels, and climbing nets, was designed to provide families and young visitors with a fun and engaging experience in the heart of the forest.
Developed in partnership with the City of Gatineau, this project supports the Foundation’s mission to protect and showcase Boucher Forest while making it accessible to the public through educational and interactive experiences.
Available free of charge during park opening hours, this new installation enhances the park’s outdoor activity offerings and invites visitors of all ages to discover the forest in a new way.
Eco-Friendly Toilet
To enhance the visitor experience while respecting Boucher Forest’s exceptional natural environment, a 100% eco-friendly toilet was recently installed near the shelter.
This new facility reflects our commitment to making the forest more accessible and welcoming while preserving its unique ecosystem.
A small addition, but a big step toward balancing visitor comfort and environmental protection.
2021–2022 Fundraising Campaign
The first fundraising campaign, Everyone for Boucher Forest Park, concluded successfully in December 2022. We exceeded our fundraising goal of $1.75 million by raising $1.8 million and reached a total of $2.022 million when in-kind donations and media services were included.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this incredible journey since it began in March 2021. Every donation and every act of support made a difference!
A special thank you to our spokesperson, professor and musician Jérôme Dupras, as well as to Jessy Desjardins, our honorary campaign president, whose leadership and dedication helped make this campaign a tremendous success alongside our campaign committee led by the outstanding Christina Richard.
Christina Richard (Vice-President of the Foundation at the time), presidente
Jessy Desjardins, Honorary president Brigil
Jérôme Dupras, Spokesperson, UQO/Cowboys Fringants
Raouf Ben Zaied, Member, Le Groupe Heafey
Sylvie Carbonneau, Member, Brigil
Sylvie Charette, member LeDroit
Mathieu Charron, member, Parisien Construction
Elaine Dupras, member, La Sporthèque
Alain Lavoie, member, administrateur de la Fondation
Maxime Tremblay, member, Brigil
