November 17, 2018 (Ottawa, Ont.) – A new book was recently launched called “The Trail Beckons: 100 Years of Cross-Country Skiing in Gatineau Park” by Malcolm Hunter, who skied for Canada at the 1972 Winter Olympics and is a past director of Cross-Country Canada.

The history of cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park is well documented by Hunter who began skiing there in 1957as a boy. Did you know in the 1920’s one thousand people a weekend day would travel by train from downtown Ottawa to ski in the Gatineau Park, and then ski back to Ottawa? Meet the original trail builders in the 1920s, Charles Mortureux and Joe Morin, and the trails they made, The Western, Little Switzerland, Highland and Merry Go Round. Learn how Penguin parking lot got its name.

Hunter was also a ski coach and a consultant to the NCC as it expanded the trail network to where it now covers more than 200 kilometres of the park. The official launch was held Nov. in Rockcliffe Park at Crichton Lodge, the home of Norway’s Ambassador to Canada, Anne Kari H. Ovind. The book is published by Burnstown Publishing House.

Looking for a great Christmas Present for a skier? Support the Nakkertok Racing Team that is selling the “The Trail Beckons: 100 Years of Cross-Country Skiing in Gatineau Park” as a fundraiser – here are the details.

Cost $25, plus $7.00 shipping in Canada – order today here.

*You can pick up the book and avoid the shipping fee – info in the form!).
**Une version française disponible début décembre