Camp Fortune is a ski resort located in the municipality of Chelsea, Quebec, Canada, within the Gatineau Hills. It is situated approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) north of downtown Ottawa, Ontario, making it a primary winter recreation destination for the National Capital Region.
The resort operates on the north side of the Gatineau River valley, utilizing the natural topography of the Canadian Shield. It features a vertical drop of approximately 180 meters (590 feet) and a summit elevation of roughly 335 meters (1,099 feet) above sea level.
History The ski area originated in the early 20th century. The Ottawa Ski Club was formed in 1910, and organized skiing began on the slopes of what is now Camp Fortune in the 1920s. The name "Camp Fortune" derives from the "Fortune" family, early settlers in the Chelsea area, and the "camp" established by the Ottawa Ski Club. The club operated the facility for decades before it transitioned to a commercial operation. In 1999, the resort was purchased by the Skotel Group (later known as Resort of the Canadian Rockies), which invested in significant infrastructure upgrades, including high-speed quad chairlifts and expanded snowmaking capabilities.
Facilities and Terrain As of the 2023–2024 season, the resort comprises three main ski areas: Valley, Meech, and Skyline.
- Valley: The primary base area, featuring beginner and intermediate terrain, the main lodge, rental facilities, and the "Fortune" terrain park.
- Meech: Accessible via a high-speed quad, offering intermediate and advanced runs, including gladed areas.
- Skyline: Served by a high-speed quad, featuring advanced and expert terrain, including the "Killer Rabbit" run and additional glades.
The resort operates a total of seven chairlifts (including three high-speed quads) and one magic carpet. It possesses extensive snowmaking coverage across the majority of its trails. The facility includes a main day lodge, a secondary lodge at the Meech base, rental and repair shops, and a ski school.
Operations Camp Fortune typically operates from late November or early December through early April, weather permitting. It offers alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing (via the adjacent Gatineau Park trail network, managed separately by the National Capital Commission). Night skiing is available on a significant portion of the trails.
Summer Operations Since the early 2010s, the resort has developed summer operations centered around an aerial park and zip lines, operating under the name "Camp Fortune Aerial Experience." This includes obstacle courses suspended in the forest canopy and a dual zip line spanning the valley.
Location and Access The resort is located at 300 Chemin Dunlop, Chelsea, Quebec J9B 1P9. It is accessible via Quebec Route 105 and the Gatineau Parkway. Public transit service is limited; however, seasonal shuttle services often operate from Ottawa on weekends and holidays.
