The best time to visit waterfalls is in the spring, after the snow melts or after a big rain storm. Even so, some of the waterfalls in and near Ottawa are great to visit year round. Without further ado, I introduce a few locations to chase waterfalls in Ottawa and Gatineau this year!
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Princess Louise Falls
The first of three waterfalls to chase in Ottawa is Princess Louise Falls. This small waterfall is located in Orleans, just off St. Joseph Boulevard. Parking is prohibited in the neighbourhood across from the falls, so drive down to Taylor Creek Drive to find parking on the road. It’ll take you about 10 minutes to walk back to the falls. Follow the trail to walk to the base of the falls and enjoy the views! If you’re visiting in the summer, it does get quite buggy so bring bug’s spray if you plan to stay for any length of time.
Rideau Falls
These falls in Ottawa are located just east of downtown and very accessible. There is a lookout on the west or visit Tavern on the Falls to grab a drink or some food and look out over the falls during sunset. They are also beautiful in the winter: although they aren’t frozen falls in the winter, the surrounding landscape freezes and offers stunning views in the colder months.
Hog’s Back Falls
Located in the heart of Ottawa near Mooney’s Bay you’ll find the Hog’s Back Falls. Head to Hog’s Back Road between Colonel By Drive and Prince of Wales. You’ll find a small parking lot on the north side of Hog’s Back Road. Alternatively, you can bike along the Rideau River Eastern Pathway and park your bike at one of the racks. Wander the footpaths through Hog’s Back Park, read the historical displays, see the falls from one of a few lookouts, or enjoy time outdoors in the heritage pavilion. It’s also a beautiful location year round, and I highly recommend visiting during Golden Hour or sunrise/sunset for photos.
Waterfall Trail (Mackenzie King Estate)
Best enjoyed early spring, the waterfall trail is an intermediate trail with three starting points. Make sure to stop by the Mackenzie King Estate on your way by! The trail is a total 4.5 km (just over 1 hour walking) and dog friendly. Park at the Lauriault parking lot; Waterfall Trail parking lot; or P6 (Mackenzie King Estate).
Carbide Willson Ruins
These beautiful ruins are the remains of a fertilizer plant located beside the falls. An extremely popular location for photographers, this 3.25 km round trip hike is a fantastic location to visit in Gatineau Park. Drive to P11 (paid parking) and walk through the forest to the ruins. You’ll find this view by climbing down to the bottom of the falls, or find a set of cascading falls upstream from the ruins.
Luskville Falls
One of the more difficult hikes in Gatineau, you’ll walk up a rocky escarpment past the waterfall until you get to the top of the trail. You’ll be greeted with amazing views of Gatineau! The Luskville Falls trail has a 300 m elevation gain so be prepared for a very steep incline at the beginning. Make sure to check the NCC website to see if the parking lot is open for the season, as it closes in the winter.
Dunlop Picnic Area Falls
Very easy to access, Dunlop Falls are much more impressive in the spring (the photo below is from early Fall 2020). Park in the small parking lot and walk along Fortune Creek. The best view is from the bottom of the falls so head across the bridge and down the rocks to loop up at the cascading falls.
Chutes de Plaisance (Plaisance Falls)
I discovered this one on a whim during a drive home from Quebec City one winter. Since then, I’ve noticed it’s been written about on several blogs and has picked up in popularity! Located 45 minutes east of Ottawa in Plaisance, Quebec you’ll find this magnificent waterfall. Park at the lot and walk along the hiking trail to a scenic lookout. Read the interpretive panels along the way and pack a picnic for the summer. There is a daily fee.
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