Gatineau Park - Huron Trail

Gatineau Park - Huron Trail

Length: 4.9 km (one way)

Time: 1-2 hours

Terrain: Moderate

The boots are knotted, the pack is full and the dog is excited... Today's hike is the Huron Trail located in Gatineau Park. Parking can be found at the Lac Fortune Lookoff (N45 30.707 - W075 52.099) which is just east of the trail head. The beginning is easy found as it is marked with a signpost (N45 30.727 - W075 52.269).

Trail Head

This 4.9 km hike is marked for its entire length as trail 3 and ends with a fantastic view of the Ottawa Valley. The first leg consists of a steady climb for approximately half a kilometre. After that, the route levels out and is quite easy with only a few more ups and downs. The trail is for the most part is crushed gravel but also includes grass and mud. In the spring it's advised you wear Gore-Tex boots.

For this hike, I recommend you bring at least two litres of water, a camera, a good trekking pole and a bear bell. You're walking into the back country, it's always a good idea to be prepared for anything.

As you progress in the hike you'll pass a number of beaver ponds and even get a nice close-up of a dam. For those photographers, there are a lot of opportunities for scenery shots. This is also one of the trails that does not allow mountain bikers so there is no need to be constantly looking over your shoulder.

As you near the end of the hike you'll intersect with Trail 1, Ridge Road. Continue straight through for another 300 metres to the end of the trail and the Étienne Brûlé Lookout where you can enjoy a nice picnic with a great view.

Étienne Brûlé Lookout

If you planned ahead and parked a second car at the Lookout then you're quickly on your way. If you have to hike back you have two options, returning back on the Huron Trail or heading south on Trail 1 which is an shorter and easier route back to the Lac Fortune lot.

Huron Trail may be one of Gatineau Park's less traveled trails it is all worth it in the end.

Huron Trail Map

Huron Trail Elevation Profile

Foley Mountain Conservation Area

Foley Mountain Conservation Area

Length: 9 km trail system

Time: 3-4 hours

Terrain: Easy-Moderate

Located on the north shore of Upper Rideau Lake is Foley Mountain Conservation Area. With over nine kilometers of hiking trails and scenic views, the park has something for everyone. The entrance to Foley Mountain is off Country Road 10 just north of the Village of Westport and there is a $6.00 entry fee (per vehicle) which is payable by cash or credit.

A must see is the Spy Rock Lookout which is located near the first parking area (N 44 41.068 W 076 23.527). From the clifftop you get a full 180° view of the lake and Westport.

Spy Rock Lookout

This parking area is also a great spot to start your hike as you have access to three different trails. To the north you can take the 1.3 km (loop) Beaver Trail which follows the shoreline of an old Beaver Pond. To the east is the 3 km Blue Circle Trail which takes you though wetlands and hardwood forests.

Beaver Pond

To the south is the 1.8 km White Pine Trail which takes you along the ridge line above Upper Rideau Lake towards the Interpretive Centre. This section is also part of Rideau Trail system which runs from Ottawa to Kingston. For the most part, this trail is quite easy and mostly downhill. There are a few soggy spots and in the Spring there could be streams crossing the trail.

White Pine Trail in the Spring

If you're at the point where you need a break why not stop by the Interpretive Centre and learn about the park. Also located here is a second parking are (closed in the off season), washrooms and the wheelchair friendly, Mobility Trail. This short walk has views of the lake as well as information panels on how the region was formed.

Mobility Trail

Each trail is marked with their own unique identifier and maps can be found near both parking lots or with the scan of a smartphone (look for the QR code). Whether you're looking for a easy walk or a tough hike, Foley Mountain will not disappoint.

Algonquin Park - Beaver Pond Trail

Beaver Pond Trail

Length: 2 km Loop
Time: 60-90 minutes
Terrain: Moderate

Located in Algonquin Park, the Beaver Pond Trail is a great spot to learn about Canada's national animal, the beaver. Along this 2 kilometer loop you will pass through some great Canadian wilderness including lakes, creeks, cliff tops and of course, beaver dams.

Parking is located on Highway 60 near the kilometer 45 marker (N45 35.520 W078 20.405). The trail is has a wide range of difficulty so come prepared with comfortable hiking boots and lots of water. The trail head is located at the west side of the parking, be sure to grab a copy of the trail guide which includes a map and explanations of the numbered sign posts. You can borrow the guide book for free but if you wish to take it home there is a post where you can deposit $0.50.

From here you'll cross the bridge to start the hike. Just across the bride is your first (and only) fork in the trail, you'll want to turn left as the trail to the right is where the hike will end. The first few hundred metres of the trail is downhill and quite rocky but will eventually open up to a great view of a beaver pond complete with a den.

After the small lookout the trail turns into a boardwalk which allows you to cross the pond. From the boardwalk you can get some closer views of the pond to the right and the meadow to the left. The meadow is a good example of the ecological changes a beaver can make on the region. This area at one time was thick forest but after the dam was build and the area was flooded the tree died and became the base for the new meadow.

This next part of the hike will bring you back into the forest which will follow the edge of the pond and eventually a small creek. It consists on a wide but rocky trail as well as a few sets of stairs. If you have not already applied the bug spray you might want to stop and do so now, this part of the hike is in a small valley with little air flow so the mosquitos are thick.

After a few hundred metres you'll see a clearing on the left of a very impressive beaver dam. This is a great spot for a few distant pictures but the trail leads you to the edge where you can go in for some close-ups. From here you can see just how the dam works. Below is a tiny creek but above is a very large lake which is filled with many other dens.

The next section of the trail will follow the lakes edge and eventually bring you out to a point with a nice panorama of the lake. The trail itself is a little more difficult at this point with a lot of up and downhill but it is quite a bit easier than what will come next. If you need a break or a drink of water I suggest taking a moment at one of the nice clearings along the lake.

The next half kilometer of the hike is quite demanding as the trail climbs about 25 vertical metres away from the lake. The route is full of roots, rocks and poorly spaced steps but you're in for a treat once you get to the top as you get a fantastic view of the first beaver pond from high above. Watch your footing around the edge of the cliff as it is not fenced off.

The trek ends with a simple downhill back to the bridge at the beginning of the hike. Beaver Pond Trail is a great walk for those looking for a challenge without hiking too far. The terrain has a great mix and the views are fantastic.

Trail Map