Looking for a free activity in Gatineau that combines stunning natural beauty with a good workout? Gatineau Park offers a fantastic selection of hiking trails that are perfect for exploring the great outdoors without spending a dime. Below is a summary of the top hiking trails in Gatineau Park, as well as some fun facts to make your adventure even more enjoyable.
Summary
Gatineau Park, covering over 350 square kilometers, is a hiker’s paradise with 170 kilometers of trails offering everything from challenging climbs to scenic views. Here are some of the top trails you can explore:
- Yellow Box Trail via Grandview Loop – A challenging 15 km trail that offers some of the best views in the Outaouais region. Note: This is a non-official trail with no facilities.
- Luskville Falls – A 4.2 km round-trip trail known for its waterfalls and steep initial incline. Best visited in spring when the waterfalls are at their peak.
- Mont King – A moderate 6 km trail providing breathtaking views of Gatineau and Ottawa, with the chance to spot beaver activity in a nearby lake.
- Tomato Hill via Eardley Escarpment – A moderate 8.2 km trail offering stunning lookout points of the Outaouais River.
- Grandview Loop – A shorter, 6.3 km trail that’s perfect for catching a sunset. It’s a part of the Yellow Box Trail and offers amazing views.
- Wolf Trail – An 8.3 km loop with great views of the Outaouais River and a small lake. This trail is popular, so arrive early to secure parking.
- Lusk Cave Trail – A unique 14 km trail featuring the Lusk Cave system, where you can explore the caves with a headlamp and water shoes.
- Pink Lake – A 2.3 km loop around a meromictic lake with turquoise-green water. It’s one of the most popular spots in Gatineau Park.
- Carbide Willson Ruins and Falls – A 3.4 km round-trip to explore the ruins of an old fertilizer plant and a nearby waterfall.
- Lauriault & Waterfall Trail – A 3.9 km loop starting from the Mackenzie King Estate, featuring a tunnel, waterfall, and scenic lookout points.
Fun Facts
- Yellow Box Trail: This trail is not officially recognized, and the National Capital Commission (NCC) plans to integrate it into official trails by 2022.
- Pink Lake: Despite its name, the lake’s striking color comes from its unique meromictic properties, where the upper and lower water layers don’t mix.
- Carbide Willson Ruins: The ruins were once part of a plant producing carbide, a substance that ignites when in contact with water, ironically located next to a waterfall.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, Gatineau Park offers a range of trails that are sure to impress—all for free! So lace up your hiking boots and explore the natural beauty of Gatineau Park today.
For more information: Top 10 hiking trails to do in the Gatineau Park
