Luskville Falls | outdoors

Two summers ago, my good friend Gen brought me to the Luskville Falls for a hike. Since then, I’ve been meaning to return so I could make it to the top. When Chris was in town for the Canada Day long weekend, I knew I had to make it happen.

The Luskville Falls are the closest you’ll be to mountain hiking in the Ottawa area (about 1,000 ft elevation).

Directions

Rhonda 

To get there, it’ll take you about 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa.

From the West: Take the 417 to Carling, turn left on Merivale and then left on Island Park Drive.

From the East: Take the 417 to Island Park Drive and stick to the right to head North.

Follow Island Park Drive to cross the Champlain Bridge (make sure to look out for some gorgeous houses along the way). Once on the Quebec side, take the second right on Chemin Ayler, then a quick left on Boulevard Saint-Raymond. Follow signs to get on Boulevard des Allumetieres (Hwy148) going West. You’ll stay on 148 until you’re out of the city. Your next turn will be on Chemin de l’Hotel de Ville where you’ll also see a NCC sign. Turn left to get to the parking lot.

At the parking lot, there’s a lovely grassy area with lots of trees and picnic tables which can be nice if you want to go for a shorter hike and have a lunch. Make sure you to use the facilities before you start if you’re thinking of going all the way up.

As Chris and I started our hike, I quickly became anxious that we were on the wrong path. We weren’t heading up and despite the parking lot being full, we hadn’t crossed anyone yet. After about 10 minutes, we spotted someone coming towards us and before I could ask if we were indeed on our way to the falls, he let us know that he had crossed a bear up ahead. Ok, no dice. But he also confirmed that we were on the wrong path. Needless to say, we doubled back. Once at the parking lot, we noticed that closer to the entrance, there was a large sign and a set of wooden stairs… a much more obvious entrance to the path we wanted.

Take two.

This time, things were drastically different (re: vertical). It doesn’t take long to work up a sweat. About 15-20 minutes in, you reach the falls. Unfortunately, it being mid-summer and 35 degrees and all, they were all but dry, but gorgeous nevertheless.

This first part of the hike was pretty busy both on our way up and down. Not surprising, considering the parking lot was full. Once we continued past the falls, the path started to intertwine large rocks and boulders. It was a good thing we had hiking shoes/old running shoes. My mistake, though, was my attire. A cotton t-shirt and jean shirts were a deadly on a day like that. I would have loved me some Lululemon. Good thing Boyfriend looks good sans t-shirt cause soon enough I was ditching my soaked shortsleeve and rocking his wifebeater.   

An hour after we set out on the right path, we reached the tower at the top. We found some comfy rocks, mowed our lunch and started to head back down. 

On our way (which took about 45 minutes), we made sure to stop at a few pretty amazing lookouts. 

Overall, this was a great hike and a great way to spend an early afternoon. Not to mention, it was a bad ass workout. Definitely more interesting that the regular Gatineau Park trails but not too challenging for amateur hikers. Make to bring water, snacks and some breathable clothes if it's a scorcher. 

As if this is in Ottawa (ish). I love this city.  

xo

OC