Legend’s Path
Legend’s Path is the name used by the Gatineau Loppet to designate its hall of fame. The Legend’s Path honours individuals or organizations which have marked the Gatineau Loppet and who have helped develop or spread the word about the event or cross-country skiing in general. An individual or organization inducted in the Legend’s Path is recognized for its contribution as a participant, volunteer, sponsor, donor, ambassador or in any other way deemed acceptable by the Recognition and Loyalty Committee.
DIRK VAN WIJK (Men)
Dirk Van Wijk is truly an exceptional athlete, volunteer, and businessman. He has made his mark in the Outaouais, across Canada, and internationally through his professionalism and passionate involvement especially in two natural elements: snow and water. Why? Because his parents, originally from the Netherlands, settled in Ottawa and, as he likes to say, “raised him with a paddle and ski poles in his hands.”
In cross-country skiing, Dirk was a member of the Canadian junior national team and competed at the Junior World Championships in 1979. At the Gatineau Loppet, he took the star 18 times since 1984 and finished twice in third place. In addition, on four occasions he completed both 50 km long-distance races in the same weekend, making it relatively easy for him to complete several Canadian Ski Marathon events with family or with Team Swix. The Coureur des bois event totals 180 km of skiing over two days.
On the water, he worked as a canoe guide with Black Feather and his boss Wally Shaber, among others, on the Nahanni River, a legendary river in Canada’s Northwest Territories. He also trained seriously in whitewater canoeing with his wife Claudia, herself a champion. He later joined her family to become a co-owner of OWL Rafting and the Madawaska Kanu Centre.
In 2003, they acquired the property where the Nakkertok Ski Club is located, founded by the Weber family and renowned as the largest cross-country ski club in Canada. He remains very active there as a member of the Board of Directors. It was there that he developed his interest in cross-country ski trail grooming.
He went on to become a world authority in this field, because when he does something, he never does it halfway. Among many achievements, he groomed trails for numerous World Cup events and for the Olympic Games in Whistler, Canada (2010), South Korea (2018), and China (2020). He has also often lent a helping hand here at the Gatineau Loppet.
I could go on for hours, but to conclude, it is worth noting that he served on the Gatineau Loppet Board of Directors for two years and was an invaluable help in selecting the linear A-to-B course that we introduced in 2013 for our 51 km long-distance races—a format we still use today. Thank you for that, Dirk.
DIRK VAN WIJK therefore fully deserves the great honor of becoming a Gatineau Loppet Legend. He is accompanied this evening by his wife Claudia, his daughter Karina, Alastair Watson, Anne Johnson, and his good friend Bryan Aller.
TOURISME OUTAOUAIS (Pillar – Partner)
The Gatineau Loppet is proud to welcome Tourisme Outaouais as a new member of the select LEGENDS TRAIL – PARTNER category for 2026.
Tourisme Outaouais is a private, non-profit organization representing 500 members, dedicated to positioning the Outaouais as a must-visit tourism destination in Québec and Canada.
Tourisme Outaouais has supported the Gatineau Loppet for more than 20 years. This long-standing relationship reflects a shared vision to showcase the Outaouais as a premier winter and sports destination.
Tourisme Outaouais provides financial support to the Gatineau Loppet through programs of Québec’s Ministry of Tourism, increased visibility on its promotional platforms, and sponsorships granted as part of the partnership agreement with the City of Gatineau.
Cross-country skiing is an integral part of the Outaouais’ identity. Tourisme Outaouais has long contributed to the promotion and enhancement of this sport among visitors from near and far through its marketing initiatives, hosted media tours, and support of major events such as the Gatineau Loppet, the Canadian Ski Marathon, and the Coupe Canne de Noël.
Each year, the Tourisme Outaouais team is present on site at the Gatineau Loppet throughout the competition weekend to welcome participants, provide tourism information, and showcase the region’s winter offerings—an ideal opportunity to connect with cross-country skiing enthusiasts from around the world.
To receive the Legends Trail Award, please welcome Geneviève Latulippe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Outaouais.
Click here to discover the legends of past years.
Veterans Club
The Veterans Club recognizes participants who have taken part in at least 35 middle or long distance Gatineau Loppet races. If there are any among us who can tell the story of the Gatineau Loppet, it is them! By conferring upon them the title of “veteran”, the Gatineau Loppet thanks them for their tenacity and loyalty to the event.
2026
– Nicole Bernard (Gtaineau, QC) – 35 races
– Jacques Lemay (Val-des-Monts, QC) – 35 Races