The National Capital Region is one of the best places to watch the changing of the season. Here are the three best hikes in Ottawa & Gatineau, according to a survey of Faces readers and followers.
- Pink Lake Trail
The Pink Lake Trail is a 2.3KM loop around Pink Lake, which incorporates several flights of stairs, (making it more of a challenge). Pink Lake is one of Gatineau Park’s most popular destinations. The lake is meromictic, meaning that the layers in the water do not intermix. This is because the cliffs surrounded by the lake protect the water from the wind. The water is a beautiful turquoise with outstanding views of the fall foliage. It has become one of Ottawa’s most famous spots for an outdoor hike only, 25 minutes from Downtown.
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- Luskville Falls
Luskville Falls can be found in the west of Gatineau Park, and has become increasingly popular with its three-season trail of 4.2KM. The trail follows several smaller waterfalls through the forest that will lead you to Eardley Escarpment. Here, you can climb to appreciate large rocks to get a spectacular view overlooking the Ottawa River and the Valley.
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- Eagle’s Nest Lookout
Eagle’s Nest, voted the best hike in Ottawa, is a 45 minute drive from downtown. Its 1.5KM trail will lead you to a picturesque view of the Madawaska Highlands. This sacred Indigenous lookout over miles of forest comes alive in fall. The lookout is over a 120-meter cliff, and viewers can climb out to a jutting rock – not unlike the Lion King’s famous pride rock – for a one-of-a-kind experience.
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