Looking for an adventurous hiking trail to make up for a thrilling travel experience in Ottawa. We’ve got you covered! Here are the 10 best Gatineau Park Hiking trails in Ottawa. Whether you’re seeking panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls or hidden caves, this guide has something for every type of adventurer.

Top 10 HikingTrails in Ottawa

Mont King

Mont King is a short but rewarding hike with clear, picturesque views of the region, including Gatineau and Ottawa. As a bonus, you might encounter some beaver activity at the small lake along the trail. This hike is perfect for those seeking a quick escape into nature. 

Things to Note:

• Distance- 6 Km round trip
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Elevation: 178 Meters
• Dogs: Not Permitted
• Washrooms: Available 
• Parking: Available

Luskville Falls

Offering breathtaking views and enchanting waterfalls, the Luskville Falls trail is a must-visit for all nature lovers. While the waterfalls look more spectacular after the rains, the initial uprise is intense. The trail should be completed counterclockwise for the best views. Reaching the top, you’ll find a fire tower but the views from here are almost non-existent. In winter, this trail is technically closed, so it’s best to enjoy it in milder seasons. 

Things to Note:

• Distance – 4.2 Km round-trip
• Difficulty level- High
• Elevation- 303 Meters
• Dogs- Not Permitted
• Washrooms- Available
• Parking- Available at the parking lot of Chemin de L’Hôtel de Ville, Luskville, QC

Lusk Cave Trail (unique hiking trail)

Lusk Cave Trail is Gatineau’s most unique offering. While the trail itself is scenic, the real highlight is the Lusk Cave – a 100-meter-long cave system you can explore. For this come prepared with a headlamp, water, shoes, a bathing suit, and a helmet. Although the cave floor isn’t too slippery, be ready to crouch and wade through parts of the cave. 

Things to Note:

• Distance – 14 Km round trip
• Difficulty level- Easy to moderate
• Elevation- 302 meters
• Dogs- Permitted (only on the trail)
• Washrooms- Available
• Parking- Available 

Wolf Trail 

A classic among Gatineau park trails, the Wolf Trail offers sweeping views of the park and the Outaouais River. Make sure to complete the trail counterclockwise to catch a beautiful sunset at the last lookout point. Being moderately challenging, the wolf trail hike is popular, so ensure arriving early or late in the day to avoid crowds.

Things to Note:

• Distance – 8.3 Km round-trip
• Difficulty level- Moderate
• Elevation- 294 meter
• Dogs- Permitted
• Washrooms- Not Available
• Parking- Available 

Tomato Hill via Eardley Escarpment 

Tomato Hill on the Eardley Escarpment offers beautiful vistas of the Outaouais River. This moderately difficult trail provides multiple viewpoints, making it perfect for a weekend adventure. As this is an unofficial trail, take care to minimize your impact. For instance, leave no traces of your visit and avoid walking on the moss. While at it, make sure to download a map from AllTrails to stay on track. 

Things to Note:

• Distance – 8.2 Km round-trip
• Difficulty level- Moderate
• Elevation- 298 Meters
• Dogs- Not Permitted
• Washrooms- Not Available 
• Parking- Available 

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Pink Lake: A Turquoise Wonder

Pink Lake trail is a favorite among first-time visitors and hiking enthusiasts. The lake’s turquoise water looks simply breathtaking on a nice sunny day. This meromictic lake is a unique natural wonder, with distinct upper and lower water layers. Explore the remnants of an old mica mine for a glimpse into the past. 

Pink lake aerial view on middle island surrounded blue ocean. Stark contrasting natural phenomenon in Western Australia.

Things to Note:

• Distance – 2.3 Km round trip
• Difficulty level- Easy to Moderate
• Elevation- 64 Meters
• Dogs- Not Permitted
• Washrooms- Available
• Parking- Available 

Carbide Willson Ruins and Falls

The trail leads to the ruins of an old fertilizer plant, known for producing flammable carbide next to a waterfall, a somewhat ironic pairing. While it’s not a long hike, it provides a unique glimpse into the region’s history and a beautiful site for exploration during the warmer seasons.

Things to Note:

• Distance – 3.4 Km round-trip
• Difficulty level- Easy
• Elevation- 129 Meters
• Dogs- Permitted
• Washrooms- Available 
• Parking- Available 

Yellow Box Trail via Grandview Loop 

Forget what you know about traditional trails, the Yellow Box trail via Grandview Loop offers a unique experience. Unofficial but awe-inspiring, it treats you to some of the most mesmerizing views in the Outaouais region. Comprising two exhilarating loops, this trail leads you to a hidden treasure – a Yellow box filled with hikers’ mementos. The first loop should be tackled counterclockwise, and the second, clockwise. Remember, it’s not an official trail, so tread lightly and minimize your impact. 

Things to Note:

• Distance – 15 Km round-trip
• Difficulty level- High
• Elevation- 432 Meters
• Dogs- Not Permitted
• Washrooms- Not Available
• Parking- Available at Chemin Eardley-Masham

Lauriault & Waterfall Trail 

Starting at the Mackenzie King Estate, this trail takes you through a tunnel, past a waterfall, and to a breathtaking lookout point. It’s perfect for visitors of all ages and offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. 

Things to Note:

• Distance – 3.9 Km
• Difficulty level- Easy
• Elevation- 98 Meters
• Dogs- Permitted 
• Washrooms- Available
• Parking- Available 

What to Pack for Your Hiking Trip? 

Before you embark on hour Gatineau Park hiking adventure, remember to pack the essentials:

• Carry some snacks to keep yourself fueled and energized during the hike.
• Most of the Gatineau Park trails have rough, uneven ground, so don’t forget to carry your hiking boots.
• Always carry bug spray, especially while going on a trail with water around.
• Sunscreen is a must to keep yourself well-protected from harmful UV rays.
• Pack a reusable water bottle that can hold enough water to last all day long.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

Q. What is the most scenic trail in Gatineau Park? 

The Mont King is the most scenic trail offering clear, stunning views of Gatineau and Ottawa.

Q. What is the highest elevation trail in Gatineau Park? 

The Yellow Box Trail (via Grandview Loop) is the highest trail with an elevation of 432 meters. 

Q. Where is the best lookout point in Gatineau Park? 

King Mountain is the best lookout point in Gatineau Park with 10 exotic lookouts offering amazing views of the region.

Q. How many hiking trails are in Gatineau Park? 

There are around 75 scenic trails in the Gatineau Park area. 

Q. How hard is the Wolf trail in Gatineau Park?

If you’re an experienced hiker, you’d certainly have no problem on this trail. However, the loop might get a little difficult for the beginners. Hence, its best advised to come well-prepared with all your essentials.

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