5 underrated hiking trails to do in Outaouais (Quebec)

Compared to many regions in Quebec, such as the Eastern Townships, the Laurentians and Charlevoix, the Outaouais region is probably less known in the Quebec hiking community. Yet, while the Outaouais does not offer the tallest mountains, you will discover some awesome nature parks and reserves which offer some memorable hiking trails. Here are 5 underrated hiking trails to do in Outaouais (Quebec):

1. Mont-Morissette Regional Park (Blue Sea, Québec)

Chemin de la Tour, Blue Sea, Québec, Canada, J0X 1C0

With its newly constructed observation tower, you will be able to enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding area at over 400 m (1312 ft.) of elevation. This regional park is completely free to access and offers 3 trails with a combined total of around 13 km (8 mi.) of maintained and well indicated trails. I personally recommend you start with trail #1 which will lead you to the observation tower and a lookout point with beautiful views of the Blue Sea Lake. Watch video for more details:

2. La Forêt Blanche Ecological Reserve (Mayo, Québec)

300 Chemin Saddler, Mayo, QC J8L 4L8

In this tranquil ecological reserve, you are greeted with well-maintained and informative trails which offer guests different environments and sceneries. Here, you get great views of few beautiful lakes, such as La Blanche Lake, a charming waterfall (trail #5), and unique ecosystems. I recommend you take trails # 4-5-3 which form a loop. This loop should be completed clockwise in order to avoid climbing up the staircase on the way back. Entrance to the park is subject to fees: 4.00$ for kids (5-17 years), 7.00$ for adults, and 15.00$ for a family (max. 2 adults and 3 kids). Fees can be paid at the administration office during hours of operation or payment can be left in the deposit box during after hours.

3. Sentiers des chutes de la Montagne (Grand-Remous, Québec)

79 Chemin Lamoureux, Grand-Remous, QC JOW 1EO

While this is not the closest trail to get to, it’s probably the most underrated trail in the entire region. I must admit, I was blown away by the beauty of the environment, the views, and the tranquility this place offers. Here, you get it all: mountain views, lake side picnic, waterfalls, and much more. Access to this park is free and open year-round. Its 3 trails each form loops which interconnect to create an 8.1 km long trail which should take 3-4 hours to complete. Picnic tables and toilets are available on the trail. Watch video for more details:

4. Mont Cayamant (Cayamant, Québec)

Chemin du Mont Cayamant, Cayamant, QC

This park offers not only fantastic views of the region thanks to its observation tower on top of the Mont Cayamant, but also 5 different trails which combine to give you 8.8 km of trails. I recommend hiking up the Tower trail (Sentier de la tour) (3 km long) which will lead you to the observation tower. The difficulty of this trail is due to the over 500 steps you must climb to get to the top. From on top, you will spot the vast Cayamant Lake. This park is free to access but after mid-October, the trails are no longer maintained by the municipality. Watch video for more details:

5. Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon (Ripon, Québec)

39 Chemin de la Montagne Noire, Ripon, QC J0V 1V0

From the observation tower situated at 426 m (1397 ft.) of elevation, you will get 360-degree views of the surrounding area. This park offers multiple trails ranging in distance and offerings. I recommend hiking trail #7 (3.4 km long) which will lead you not only to a breathtaking lookout point on the way up the Grand-Pic summit, but to an impressive observation tower as well. On the way back down, you are greeted with a little waterfall and a stream. The park is accessible all year round and an access fee must be paid: 4.00$ for kids, 8.00$ for adults and 20.00$ for a family (prices are for non-residents of Ripon, Québec). watch video for more details:

For more hiking trails to do in the Outaouais region, consult my hiking trails map locator where you will find over 60 trails to discover. Also, check out my latest blog post where I present 10 trails to do in the Gatineau Park in 2021.