The Outaouais region is home to an impressive array of lakes and rivers. So much that it is here you will find the famous touristic route ‘Les chemins d’eau’ (‘roads of water’). With all these bodies of water, you are sure to have a few awesome waterfalls. While most waterfalls are active in the spring season because of the melting snow and rain, the summer season is usually dry. That being said, there are a few awesome waterfalls that are totally worth the drive up to see them. Here’s my list of 5 waterfalls to visit this summer in the Outaouais region of Quebec:
1. Plaisance Waterfall
Situated in the town of Plaisance in the Papineau RCM, this waterfall is over 63m 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. Quinn Creek Falls
Situated in the town of Montcerf-Lytton in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM, this waterfall is really beautiful, especially at night when it is lighted up with a bunch of different colours. 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, Montcerf-Lytton, Québec
5. Carbide Willson 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 3.25km 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, Québec
