The Outaouais region of Quebec is home to some amazing paddle locations, including Lake Edja and Lake Pemichangan. That being said, there is one lake that stands out from the crowd, that is Lac Vert. With majestic turquoise-green water, beautiful underwater rock formations, tranquility, and areas to freedom camping, Lac Vert truly is a piece of paradise in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau region of the Outaouais. Still, this is not an easy-to-access lake. In this post, I discuss everything you need to know on how to get to this lake, what to expect once there, and where to explore. My goal is to make your adventure a worry-free one!
Getting to Lac Vert
Getting to Lac Vert is not easy, but it can be done with these simple directions (follow the map below). There is no direct road to Lac Vert which can be used by visitors. In order to reach Lac Vert, you must cross the Lac des Bagnoles by paddle and complete a short portage to get to Lac Vert. To reach the Lac des Bagnoles, you will first make your way to the red marker on Chemin du Lac Pemichangan (see map below). This road will lead you to a water access on Lac des Bagnoles (yellow marker). I highly recommend using a 4×4 vehicle on this road because it is not well maintained and can be very rough.
Once at the water access (yellow marker), you will need to make your way to the purple marker by paddling for about 25 to 30 minutes. Once there, you will have to complete a short portage on a well-indicated trail. After that, you have officially reached the famous lake.
Access to the lake is free and there are a good number of parking spots at the water access (yellow marker). I do recommend washing your equipment before heading there in the town of Lac Sainte-Marie in order to avoid spreading armful bacteria. Bring a trash bag to bring back all your trash. It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep the lake clean. There are no toilets on the lake or at the water access. I recommend stopping beforehand in Lac Sainte-Marie or bringing the proper environmentally friendly equipment (stay at least 30 m from the lake).
Once on the Water: Where to Go?
Once you have arrived on the Lac Vert, I recommend you to head left on the lake. There are a few islands with beautiful shorelines and rock formations. I also recommend exploring a section of the Roche Lake (bleu marker) by taking a short access point on the Lac Vert. Finally, paddle around the Godzilla’s Retreat island where you can find beautiful turquoise bleu and green water, a great little beach, and a perfect place to stop and rest.
You can camp on this lake on the different islands. If you do so, please be respectful of the environment and respect the fire guidelines in place for this sector of the region. Pick up all your trash and avoid taking a shower or going to the washroom close to the lake (stay at a 30-meter distance).
Where to Next?
After visiting the amazing destionation, why not check out the 31-Mile Lake or the Lake Edja in Gracefield (Quebec). Both offer amazing turquoise-green water in certain areas. You can also explore the beautiful and grand Pemichangan Lake. Looking to go on a hike? Check out the Mont Sainte-Marie which offers fantastic hiking trails with great views of the surrounding area.
8 thoughts on “Lac Vert: Most Beautiful Paddle Destination Near Ottawa & Gatineau”
Hi Brandon, I see what you meant by a remote access road to Lac-Vert. The route I had heard of to reach there and that was closed off in 2020 by the municipality involved taking Chemin du Grand Poisson Blanc past Ski MSM, then turning left on Chemin Lacroix leading all the way to the lake. I’m not sure if you are familiar with this method but it looks more direct if open. Beautiful Pictures!
Hi Matt,
Unfortunately, that route is private and leads to a cottage on the lake. This is the only legal and safe way to make it to the lac. While it looks like a difficult journey, it’s actually quite easy and takes less than an hour. And, the journey is always part of the adventure 🙂
Ok thanks, that makes more sense. The friend I had spoken to who went there said they took the road, but that was 2 years ago. I will look into the longer way!
Hi Matt!
While it is the longer way, it really doesn’t take too long to complete and is really relaxing! Have a good time out there!
Hi Brandon
do you think a CRV will amek this trip?
Hi there,
Sorry for the late reply. Indeed, a Honda CRV should have no problem getting to the lake.
Hi Brandon, I’m curious if you are aware of any updates regarding the condition of the logging road described in your original post. Our family has travelled that sometimes challenging road many times over the years, but we never went last summer (2021). We are thinking of driving up from Chelsea and checking it out tomorrow.
Hi Greg,
Sorry, I yet to have the chance to go back this year, so no updates, but let me ask around!