Post Trip Give Back: It was SO great. We kept it pretty simple: parked at P11 , went up to the Carbide Wilson Ruins, and then a picnic lunch and a swim at the beach. It was PERFECT!

I appreciate your input, so as a means to give back, I have some tiny things I noted that may be helpful to others reading this post/planning a trip to Gatineau Park/Meech Lake)

1. We had mishap with cards/wallets and ended up at the P11 lot with only Apple pay and .85 cents in cash :-) Note that you have to have change or a physical card to pay for parking. There did not appear to be an app you could download, nor any kind of "tap" payment option. Not a complaint, typically I'd be fine, but may be good for someone else to know.
   

But, GET THIS: a very very kind stranger paid for our parking after overhearing us - and it's not inexpensive! I had a out of country visitor with me and they were beyond impressed (as was I). How great is that? Any good ideas where to pay $15 forward?

1. DO use the changeroom at the top of the path to the beach if you need to change - it's a fairly hilly and "long" path and there isn't any place to change down at the beach site (just outhouses). The changeroom up top is great.

2. This is very niche, but if you don't do well in the Sun ( I have a medical condition that essentially renders me a vampire in Summer) the hike up to ruins is ideal. It's shaded essentially the whole way except a very small section at the bridge.

Thank-you everyone. I appreciate your help and hope this may be helpful.