21 May, 2015
Family hike! Checking out two easy trails in Gatineau Park
Posted by andrea tomkins in: - Ottawa for kids|Easy ways to make kids happy|Ottawa|travel talk
One of the great things about where we live is our proximity to Gatineau Park. A visit doesn’t need to involve a 100 km bike ride or a daylong trail blazing trek, it can be much simpler. So on Sunday we decided to pop in the car and to check out two easy Gatineau Park hiking trails.
Sidebar: I recently stumbled upon a phrase which totally defines my approach to this kind of thing: Shinrin-yoku – which translates as “forest bathing” – a Japanese term for visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation. Isn’t that great? I am ALL ABOUT THE SHINRIN YOKU, yo.
We drove up to the Champlain Lookout and took a short hiking trail that’s in behind it. You’d hardly know it was there actually. We haven’t bothered with it on previous visits, but we were so glad we took an hour to do it this time around. It’s very scenic and quiet, and SHORT. At only 1.4K it’s pretty much a stroll in the park that can be achieved without too much perspiration.
Behold the moss! (I like moss.)
Visitors to Champlain Lookout will recognize the view, but it’s much quieter here. With no smokers or motorbikes revving up behind you. :|
I should point out that this area is part of the Eardley Escarpment and it’s home to some special flora and fauna that is exclusive to the area. I don’t know if it’s because I’m older but I do enjoy interpretive trails like this one. I get more enjoyment out of the experience when I know what I’m looking at, and plaques along the way are quite helpful and interesting. Also, there’s no getting lost!
How to get to the Champlain Lookout trail in Gatineau Park:
- Check the NCC website to find your preferred way to get to Champlain Lookout.
- Park in the large lot.
- The trail begins underneath the paved lookout area. You’ll take a set of stairs downwards. The trail is a loop that ends closer to the parking lot where you started. Easy peasy.
(Good to know: there are outhouses in the parking lot!)
On the way home we decided to check out the Waterfall Trail. It’s the other side of the Mackenzie King estate, which is also a worthwhile visit.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen water in the waterfall before. It’s always been dry, so I was happy to see it alive and well again.
It was a pretty nice stroll for a Sunday!
