A man was taken to hospital with hypothermia after trying to cross the Ottawa River on foot after taking part in Winterlude in Gatineau, Que., on Sunday.

Firefighters, police and paramedics on both sides of the river were called to the scene near Jacques-Cartier Park at about 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

The man's legs were submerged after the ice below him gave way, Gatineau firefighters said.

He had been celebrating Winterlude with friends at Jacques-Cartier Park when the group decided to leave. He crossed the river while the others used a bridge, the fire department said.

His injuries were not life-threatening.