• Carry enough water or a filter
• Resupply in Gracefield, as the only other reliable resupply is in Otter Lake.
• Wear shoes comfortable enough to hike-a-bike as there are a few kilometers after you pass Lac Cayamant.
• Carry insect repellant. The mosquitos in the Gatineau Park can get pretty intense.

The Canadian Shield 250is the shortest of the Bikepack Adventures Grand Depart routes. It has also been designed to have no single-track and a minimal amount of really chunky unmaintained roads. This ride can be completed on a gravel bike or a mountain bike, ideally using tires that are 40c or larger.

• Mountain Bike: For mountain bikes, it is recommended to use tires on the bigger end of the spectrum, in order to provide as much comfort as possible. Something in the 2″ to 2.25″range would be ideal, while larger tires or a full-suspension bike would be overkill.
• Gravel Bike: A cyclocross bike could be used to ride this route, although you would be more comfortable with slightly larger tires.
• Setup: Run tubeless if possible. You can use bikepacking style bags or a hybrid setup with small panniers. A lighter set-up is recommended when bikepacking as it allows better control of the bike when riding technical sections of trail. You are also going to want to have a wide range of gear options for climbing the bigger and tougher hills.

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This route goes through some of the best parts of the Outaouais region, from Gatineau Park to Gracefield, Otter Lake and back. Passing through many small towns there are ample opportunities to find a hotel for the night. Campgrounds are located sporadically and there is always the option to wild camp.

• Hotels: Wakefield, Masham, Lac des Loups, Otter Lake, Gracefield
• Campgrounds: Gracefield, Lac Taylor (Gatineau Park), Lac Philippe (Gatineau Park); Check the POI’s for camping locations
• Cabins/Glamping: Gatineau Park has several locations where you can rent beds in a cabin, yurt, etc. They book out early in the season, so it is recommended to book early.
• Wild camping: There are lots of places to wild camp throughout the region, but as it may not be permitted, it is best to 'stealth camp' and remain unseen. Set-up late and leave early. Please follow “leave no trace” practices and be aware that wild camping is at your own risk.

There are a good amount of resupply locations throughout the route. There is 24h access to water and toilets at the Gracefield Tourist Kiosk as well as a spring water well less than 1 km off the route. Towns along the route where water and food can be resupplied include Lac Cayamant, Otter Lake and Lac-des-Loups.

Average Physical Difficulty – 3

From easy rail trail to rolling gravel roads to rugged and unrelenting terrain with steep climbs, the Canadian Shield 250 provides an excellent route to explore. The unmaintained road between Lac Cayamant and Otter Lake will add a little bit of adventure to your ride while you get a taste of what a long-distance bikepacking adventure can offer without being so difficult you feel it is impossible.

Average Technical Difficulty – 4

The Canadian Shield 250 bikepacking route is built to incorporate a variety of rider surfaces, from the non-technical rail trail and relatively flat gravel roads along the Gatineau River to a section of hike-a-bike along a very chunky section of unmaintained road between Lac Cayamant and Otter Lake. Overall, this route provides a good selection of all types of riding and is the perfect intro to bikepacking or shorter weekend trips.