Combining our love for our four-legged friends and our passion for hiking is not something that is always easy. More and more hiking trails do not authorize dogs. In the Outaouais region, the Gatineau Park offers only a limited number of trails for dog owners to enjoy its amazing environment. The Plaisance National Park, like most national parks in Quebec, does not permit dogs on their trails. That being said, there are still some awesome trails in the Outaouais region not to far from Gatineau that do not sacrifice on the quality of hiking trail offered and accept dogs. Here’s a short list of 5 hiking trails in Outaouais where dogs are permitted:
1. Mont Morissette Regional Park
Situated in the beautiful and charming town of Blue Sea, just off the Blue Sea Lake, the Mont Morissette Regional Park offers 3 trails with a combined length of 13km. There, you will find an awesome observation tower which offers breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding area. I recommend taking the trail #1 to reach the observation tower and a lookout point (3km round-trip).
Location: 35 Chemin du Lac Long, Blue Sea, QC
2. Bowman Forest Trail
Located in the Parc regional de la Forêt Bowman, this 5.1km long loop offers superb views of the surrounding area thanks to its multiple lookout points. The trail is well maintained, and the forest is super tranquil with a few lakes and a little waterfall. Just an awesome location to visit on the weekend that is not too far from Gatineau.
Location: Chemin du Lac du Brochet, Bowman, QC
3. Mont Sainte-Marie Loop Trail
This is the most intense trail of the 5 trails mentioned in this list. With 409m of elevation gain, you will get amazing views of the area. The trail is considered difficult because of the elevation. This 8.9km loop trail is really underrated and a great place to visit all year round.
Location: 76 Chemin de la Montagne, Lac-Sainte-Marie, QC (trail head starts on Chemin du Radar)
4. Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon
Probably one of the most well-known locations out of all the 5 trails mentioned in this list, and for good reason. This park offers 15 trails to choose from, each offering something a little different. I recommend taking trail #7 which is a 3.4km loop that brings to a great lookout spot and an awesome observation tower that gives fantastic views of the surrounding area. The trail is well maintained and well indicated.
Location: 39 Chemin de la Montagne Noire, Ripon, QC (Trail head starts at Parking lot P2)
5. Sentier de la Chute Rouge
To finish off this list in style, we are heading to the town of Sainte-Thérèse-de-la-Gatineau where you will find the awesome Chute Rouge trail. This 22km long trail (can be done in different sections) brings you to an incredible waterfall with turquoise-blue water. Honestly, I was blown away by the beauty of this place. The trail is really beautiful and tranquil. Well maintained and indicated with washrooms situated throughout the trail. It’s totally worth the drive up!
Location: C.P. 155, 6 Chemin du Barrage, Sainte-Thérèse-de-la-Gatineau, QC
For more awesome hiking trails where dogs are permitted, I recommend checking out my hiking trail locator where I add new trails on a monthly basis! Don’t forget, as dog owners, it is a privilege to be able to bring our pets on these trails. Always remember to pick up after our four-legged friends and keep them on a leash. Enjoy!
For more hiking trails in the Outaouais region where dogs are permitted, I recommend visiting Pero Outaouais’s website for more awesome trails.
