The Outaouais region of Quebec is known for its sheer abundance of lakes and rivers. With all this water, there is sure to be some amazing waterfalls, especially in the spring season. Well, do I have good news for you! Throughout the region, you can find at least a dozen waterfalls that are sure to take your breath away. Here my list of the top 13 waterfalls to explore near Ottawa & Gatineau this year:
1. Quinn Creek Falls
Situated in the town of Montcerf-Lytton in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM, this waterfall is beautiful, especially at night when it is lighted up with a bunch of different coloured lights. Thanks to a wooden walkway, you can explore the waterfall close-up from top to bottom. Access to this waterfall is free and it is situated very close to the parking area.
Location: Rte 117, La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau Regional County Municipality, Quebec J0W 1N0
2. Plaisance Falls
Situated in the town of Plaisance in the Papineau RCM, this waterfall is over 63 m tall (from top to bottom). With multiple lookout points, some of which allow you to get very close to the falls, you can really take in the immenseness of this natural wonder. There is an entry fee to the site (7$ for adults, 6$ for seniors, 3$ for students, free for children under 12, 15$ for families), but this waterfall is totally worth the price. You can bring a picnic and eat by the falls on one of the many picnic tables. You can also learn about the history of this site as well as the town. For now, this location is officially open only between April 30th and November 14th.
Location: 200 chemin Malo #168, Plaisance, Québec
3. Coulonge Waterfall
Considered to be one of the most impressive waterfalls of the region, you can not only get close to it thanks to multiple lookout points and two bridges, but you can also pay a little more and go ziplining over the canyon. Like the Plaisance Waterfall, this waterfall is very active all summer long. At this location, you can do tones of great activities like ziplining, a via ferrata, an obstacle course in the trees, etc. There is an entrance fee of 10$ for adults and 6$ for kids between 17 and 6 years old. There is a little museum there where you can learn about the historical importance of this waterfall and about the forestry industry. For more information on prices and activities, visit Chutes Coulonge Park’s website.
Location: 100 Promenade Du-Parc-des-Chutes, Mansfield-et-Pontefract, Québec
4. Stone Bridge Waterfall
While this is the smallest waterfall of all those mentioned here, this one is probably the most fun. Why? Because you can swim in it. Over time, a natural bowl has formed where you can sit in it and enjoy the waterfall. Near the waterfall, there is a hiking trail, a cavern you can explore, and the 31 Mile Lake. A great destination for a nice summer day of fun in the sun. There is no entrance fee or parking fee. The waterfall is at an 800m hike from the parking lot. For more information and for a downloadable map of the site, visit PeroOutaouais’ website.
Location: Chemin de la Baie Noire, Sainte-Thérèse-de-la-Gatineau, Québec
5. Carbide Wilson Ruins Falls
Located in the heart of the Gatineau Park, near the Meech Lake, this waterfall is not only unique, but also very photo genic! It is surrounded by impressive ruins of an old fertilizer plant that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, an acid condensation tower, a dam, and a generation station. From the parking lot P11 in the Gatineau Park, it’s a 3.25 km round trip hike. During the summer swimming season, there is a parking fee (up to 12$ depending on the time of the day). It is not officially accessible during the winter. I recommend visiting this location during the week, because it tends to be crowded on the weekend. For more information and for direction to the falls, visit the National Capital Commission’s website.
Location: P11 Parking lot, Chemin du Lac Meech, Chelsea, Quebec
6. Luskville Falls
Situated in the beautiful Gatineau Park, this is easily one of the most popular trails of the entire park. To reach the falls, you will need to hike a short 10-minute trail from the main parking area. I do recommend completing the 4 km loop which will allow you to fully appreciate the falls in their entirety. It is recommended to check out the falls in the month of April and May because this is when they are the most active. This trail is free to access but dogs are not permitted. Near the parking area, you may find some toilets as well as picnic tables.
Location: Chemin de l’Hôtel de Ville, Luskville, Quebec
7. Dunlop Falls
Probably the most accessible waterfall in the entire Gatineau Park because it is located only a few hundred metres from the parking lot. Next to the falls is a picnic area with barbecues and toilets. Dogs are permitted at the falls but not in the picnic area. The falls are part of a 1 km loop trail that can be complete within 20 minutes.
Location: P9 Parking lot, Chem. du Lac Meech, Chelsea, Quebec
8. Chute Rouge
I consider this 22 km trail network as a true hidden gem of the Outaouais region. With a beautiful waterfall and a few lakes, it truly is a hiker’s paradise all year round. The waterfall can be accessed without having to complete a long hike by driving to a nearby parking lot (Chemin du Cerf, Sainte-Thérèse-de-la-Gatineau). Dogs are permitted on these trails and access is free. For a complete map of the trails and of the waterfall, check out PeroOutaouais’ website.
Location: C.P. 155, 6 Chemin du Barrage, Sainte-Thérèse-de-la-Gatineau, Quebec
9. Faris Creek Falls
These beautiful falls are located in the Gatineau Park near the Luskville Falls. While this location is closed from April until September, it is still worth the visit when it is open. The falls are located at 5-to-10-minute walk from the main road. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.
Location: At the end of Chemin de l’Hôtel de Ville, Luskville, Quebec
10. Iroquois Creek Falls
These falls are in the town of Duhamel and are part of the National Trail (Sentier Iroquois). Here,you can either complete the entire 7 km trail or visit the main falls from the parking area. There is a really cool train bridge and a suspended wooden bridge. Dogs are permitted on this trail.
Location: Chem. Elmitt, Papineau, QC J0V 1G0
11. Churchill Falls
While not an official trail, there falls can be visited by walking a few hundred metres from the Churchill Hill Picnic Area in the Gatineau Park. While the terrain to reach the falls is not easy or maintained, these falls are pretty amazing in the fall seasons. Near the falls is a large picnic area with barbecues and toilets.
Location: Chemin Eardley-Masham, Eardley, Quebec
12. Lauriault Falls
Located on the Lauriault hiking trail (4 km loop), these falls are mostly active in the spring season or after a big rain fall. They can be reached by hiking from the Parking lot P6 in the Gatineau Park or parking at the Waterfall Trail Parking area on the Champlain Parkway when it is open. On this trail, Dogs are permitted but must always be kept on a leash. Toilets are available in the parking area. It takes around 15 to 20 minutes to reach the falls from the main parking area.
Location: Parking P6, Gatineau Park, Quebec
13. Parc des chutes de Denholm
Situated in the Parc des chutes de Denholm, at a 50-minute drive from Gatineau, this is a really beautiful waterfall to visit. At the bottom, a few picnic tables allow you to relax and enjoy this awesome little place. You can even go for a little hike and explore the park thanks to 4.2 km long loop. Great place to brings friends and family on the weekend. Washrooms are available near the parking area.
Location: 830 Chem. Paugan, Denholm, Quebec
