Lauriault (Gatineau Park): Trail Report

An enjoyable 5km trail with points of interest that include: Lauriault Trail Lookout, Bridal Veil Falls, Mackenzie King Estate, Abbey Ruins, and Mulhivill Lake.

Suggested Stops

Oh you know we stopped at Biscotti et cie again! I’m in love with there vibe (try going upstairs to the lounge area!) and oh-so-delish lattes. We warmed up there, drank all the coffee goodness, and talked about future adventures. These are the kind of days I love best.

Important Insights

Lauriault Trail is one of only 4 trails that are open to winter hiking in Gatineau Park.

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) people.⁠ It is important as avid hikers and stewards of the land, to acknowledge and understand the full story our surroundings along with the people that care for her, both past and present. As sourced from native-land.ca, if there are corrections please send to victoria@girlgonegood.com.

Land Management

Lauriault trail is managed by the NCC.

GPS Coordinates

45.48443, -75.84599

Street Address

Mackenzie King Estate, Chelsea, QC J9B 1H7

Directions

Get on Autoroute 5 N in Hull, Gatineau from Albert St/Ottawa 42, Wellington St/Ottawa 34, Portage Bridge and Boulevard Maisonneuve N. (9 mins, 5.4kms) or get on Autoroute 5 N in Hull, Gatineau from King Edward Bridge. Follow Autoroute 5 N to Chemin Old Chelsea in Chelsea. Take exit 12 from Autoroute 5 N. (7mins, 10.7kms). Continue on Chemin Old Chelsea and take Chemin Kingsmere on left (south). From Chemin Kingsmere turn left on Chemin Swamp. At the end of Chemin Swamp turn right on Chemin Barns. Take the first left in Mackenzie King Estate P6.

Parking

Large parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Outhouses located at the parking lot.

Accessibility

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

All seasons. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from the NCC.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

Total Distance (km)

Elevation Gain (m)

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Activities

Hiking

Dogs

Permitted on-leash. See the Ultimate Guide to Hiking with Dogs in Ottawa and Region.

Trail Description

Just like Wolf Trail, Lauriault Trail is a little tricky to follow if you’re unsure of how it’s laid out. We got a little turned around twice, but once you know it it’s easy peasy. Or follow these directions, either way works! Here’s what you need to keep in mind: Park at P6 (Mackenzie King Estates parking lot). Trail head is right beside the outhouses (snap a pic of the trail board!). The trail is actually goes under a roadway on the outgoing trek and crosses the road way on the return. Follow the signs for ‘waterfalls’ Print out the Gatineau Park map for Lauriault Trail, it’ll make better sense once you see the route. Lauriault trail is pretty well maintained and certainly wide enough to hike two by two. The trail is slippery in the winter from packed snow or ice, especially down near the waterfalls area and trail steps.

Other Hiking Trails

AOG Gallery Art Trail in Frankville: Trail Report

Lauriault (Gatineau Park): Trail Report