The Night Riders: The Guardians of Gatineau Park’s Ski Legacy

From Wilderness to Wonderland: The Birth of Gatineau Park Trails

The journey began over a century ago when the idea of creating a recreational park in the Gatineau Hills was first proposed in 1903. By the 1920s, the Ottawa Ski Club (OSC) was already hard at work, carving out a winter wonderland. Camp Fortune became the hub, with 31 kilometers of trails cut for public use by 1920. Recognizing the growing demand for trail maintenance and development, OSC member Joe Morin founded the Night Riders in 1924. Armed with machetes, axes, and even dynamite, these volunteers worked tirelessly—often under the cover of darkness—to transform the dense wilderness into a skier’s paradise.

Their efforts were monumental. By the 1930s, the trail network spanned an impressive 62 miles, connecting lodges like Keogan, Huron, and McKinstry. These trails weren’t just pathways; they were lifelines, with names steeped in history and stories told around lodge fires. Names like “Doug’s Trail” and “Chicken Run” were as much a part of the experience as the skiing itself.

The Night Riders: Champions of the Slopes

The Night Riders weren’t just trailblazers; they were innovators. Initially focused on grooming snow and maintaining safety on the slopes, their roles expanded to include first aid, search and rescue, and even engineering feats like bridge repairs. By the 1950s, the growing distinction between cross-country and downhill skiing led to the creation of the Trail Riders, who took over cross-country responsibilities while the Night Riders honed their focus on alpine trails.

At the heart of their operations was the Rider’s Roost, a cabin built in 1966 to serve as a headquarters, equipment hub, and social gathering spot. The Roost symbolized the camaraderie and dedication of this group, who worked tirelessly to ensure the trails remained accessible and safe for all.

A Family Legacy of Skiing Passion

For families like ours, these efforts resonate deeply. Living in Chelsea means being part of a community where skiing isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way of life. Weekends often find locals heading to Camp Fortune, not just to ski but to volunteer as ski patrols or teach the next generation of skiers as instructors. This dedication echoes the spirit of the Night Riders, who laid the foundation for this enduring culture of giving back.

Whether it’s gliding along Gatineau Park’s cross-country trails or tackling the slopes at Camp Fortune, every turn and every glide is a tribute to the Night Riders’ vision and hard work. Even today, many locals honor their legacy by contributing their time and energy to keep these traditions alive.

The Rise and Fall of the Night Riders

By the 1980s, the Night Riders’ activities began to shift as professional ski patrols and organizations like Natural Fitness Lab took over many responsibilities. However, their legacy remained deeply intertwined with the region’s skiing history. The Ottawa Ski Club’s eventual disbandment in 1991 and Camp Fortune’s financial struggles led to the National Capital Commission (NCC) assuming control of the trails in 1993. This transition wasn’t without its challenges. The dissolution of the Night Riders and Trail Riders left many former members feeling unappreciated for their decades of unpaid labor.

Today, the trails are maintained by a combination of private contractors and volunteers, but the names and stories of the original trails have largely disappeared. Modern trail maps use numbers instead of names, a shift made in the name of bilingualism and practicality but one that has eroded some of the park’s rich heritage.

Keeping the Spirit Alive

Despite these changes, the spirit of the Night Riders lives on in Chelsea. Organizations like Chelsea Nordiq and Natural Fitness Lab continue to nurture a love for skiing through programs that emphasize community, competition, and environmental stewardship. Families pass down the tradition of skiing from one generation to the next, fostering a culture of outdoor adventure and volunteerism.

For our family, the trails of Gatineau Park and the slopes of Camp Fortune are more than just recreational spaces; they’re a connection to a storied past and a commitment to preserving that legacy for the future. Whether it’s through volunteering, sharing stories, or simply enjoying a day in the snow, we honor the Night Riders every time we step onto the trails.

A Winter Wonderland Built on Dedication

The story of the Night Riders is a testament to what a community can achieve when united by passion and purpose. From their pioneering efforts in the 1920s to their lasting influence on today’s skiing culture, they laid the groundwork for a winter playground that continues to inspire. For families like ours, living in Chelsea means being part of this incredible legacy, where every ski run is a nod to the trailblazers who came before us.

As we look to the future, the challenge is clear: to keep this legacy alive. By volunteering, sharing stories, and embracing the winter magic of Gatineau Park and Camp Fortune, we can ensure that the spirit of the Night Riders endures for generations to come. And who knows? Perhaps one day, the names of those trails will return, bringing with them the rich history and camaraderie that make skiing in Chelsea truly unique.