Nature Canada

Ottawa: 5 Great Hikes in Your Own Backyard

Image of Greg Nesbitt

Guest Blogger Greg Nesbitt

This blog was written by guest blogger Greg Nesbitt.

Guest blogger Greg Nesbitt is doing a series of his choice for the top five hikes to do in and around Ottawa! The first of the series is on Luskville Falls, Quebec.

Hike 1: Luskville Falls – A great workout with a lot of natural beauty

Image of Luskville Falls

Luskville Falls. Photo by Greg Nesbitt

When Prime Minster King designated Gatineau Park as federal land and part of the National Capital Region in 1938, he gave area residents a 361 square kilometres outdoor wonderland. The park has year-round activities including endless hiking trails with all levels of difficulty.

One of my favourite trails in the park is located just outside Luskville, Quebec. Luskville Falls provides hikers with nice views of the valley and a challenging terrain. Described by the National Capital Commission as difficult, the hike winds its way past the falls and over several undulating rocks.

I first discovered this trail when I was looking for a challenging hike in the Ottawa area, after doing Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain Grind. Similar to our neighbours out West, this is a demanding hike with plenty to see along the way, including natural waterfalls and multiple rock formations. The trail is well marked with arrows up and down and two different paths for you to traverse. There are magnificent views of the Ottawa River below and several places to get stunning photos.

This hike is recommended for anyone who can handle a difficult trail and doesn’t mind earning their views of the valley.  In addition to the hike, there are plenty of picnic tables and areas to congregate at the bottom of the hills before or after your adventure to the top.

Helpful Information[one_third]

By the Numbers: Elevation: 290 meters to the Fire Tower Distance: Approximately 2.25km each way (4.5km round trip) Average Time to get to the top: 60 minutes

By the Numbers:
Elevation: 290 meters to the Fire Tower
Distance: Approximately 2.25km each way (4.5km round trip)
Average Time to get to the top: 60 minutes

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Best Time To Go: Spring gives you the best conditions to see the falls with maximum winter runoff but can be muddy.

Best Time To Go:
Spring gives you the best conditions to see the falls with maximum winter runoff but can be muddy.

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 How to get out there: Highway / Autoroute 148 leaving the Alymer section of Gatineau (The turnoff is just before you get to the village of Luskville)

How to get out there:
Highway / Autoroute 148 leaving the Alymer section of Gatineau
(The turnoff is just before you get to the village of Luskville)

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Enjoy and hope to see you out there!

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