Luskville Falls (Gatineau Park): Trail Report

Luskville Falls is a popular favourite for those looking for steep elevation and a challenging rocky terrain (especially on the descent) with the option of a longer hike to the fire tower. The falls is best in the spring.

Suggested Stops

One of my favourite spots on the way home from this hike is Cafe British (Cafe, Pub, and Hotel). If you’re more on the hungry side and craving post hike beers there’s always the British Pub next door as well. I prefer the cafe though with its fabulous trendy yet comfortable atmosphere coupled with the most absurdly delicious treats. Coffee however is always my first order of business and their coffee is organic and fair trade. #winning

Important Insights

Extremely popular trail. Steep and rocky trail, extra caution required on descent and on wet days. Poles recommended.

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

This property is managed by the NCC. Did you know that beyond Gatineau Park, that NCC trails are divided into six major sectors? They are; Shirley’s Bay, Phiney Forest, Mer Bleue, Green’s Creek, Stony Swamp, and Pine Grove. Kindly respect the trail guidelines by keeping your dog on-leash, carrying out all trash, and staying on the trail (no off trail roaming to protect ecological efforts and in respect of other hikers).

GPS Coordinates

45.53318216328284, -75.99397170341011

Street Address

Chem. de l'Hôtel de Ville, Luskville, QC J0X 2G0

Directions

The easier way to get there from Ottawa is to cross over on the Champlain Bridge and head west on the 148 (towards Aylmer) until you reach Luskville (turning right on chemin de l’hotel-de-ville).

Parking

Large parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Outhouses located at the parking lot.

Accessibility

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

Spring, summer, fall. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

NCC's Interactive Summer Trails Map for Gatineau Park.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

Total Distance (km)

4.5

Elevation Gain (m)

300

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Activities

Hiking

Dogs

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

Trail Description

The trail is 4.5 kms return if you go up to the fire tower and back and a total of 290m of elevation. You start the trail at the base of Luskville Falls (which is still ice at the moment but impressive in the spring) and follow along the clearly marked trail (steep incline) until you reach the first look out (Lusk Lookout). At that point you have the choice to either veer left (west) towards the fire tower (gradual incline) or right (east) towards the second look out (steep incline) called Pontiac Point. The trail is a loop so it doesn’t matter which you end up taking although we went left towards the fire tower and enjoyed the gradual incline. Admittedly this was my fire time ever hiking to the fire tower! There isn’t much of a look out view but it is impressive to see the old fire tower still standing above the trees. On the return, Pontiac Point, with it’s rocky surface, is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch with a view before finishing your hike. It’s a steep downhill hike that some, might want their poles for. In the winter, crampons are a must. We admittedly didn’t have any on this hike and slid down sections of the trail on our butts like two kids!

Other Hiking Trails

AOG Gallery Art Trail in Frankville: Trail Report

Luskville Falls (Gatineau Park): Trail Report