Mont Morisette (Blue Sea): Trail Report

Mont Morissette’s observation tower offers an unobstructed 360′ panoramic view of rolling hills and lakes was impressive, especially while dressed in it’s finest fall colours. You can drive up to the tower or hike between 1-7kms. There is also a second lookout on trail #2.

Suggested Stops

Normally it’s tradition to hit up local coffee shops post hike but this time we decided to stop at Le Hibou in Wakefield for a late lunch. Le Hibou has incredibly delicious food that’s pretty hard to pass up. Wakefield itself is on the route home anyways, and as most locals know, has plenty to offer. We enjoy our lunch, checked out local shops, then headed to the iconic covered bridge for some pictures. I got the pictures, but not until properly soaking my feet in the river with a misstep.

Important Insights

You can drive up to the Observation Tower for the panoramic views or park at the main parking lot and have an enjoyable 1km hike up to the tower before continuing on trails 1 and 2. While not an accessible trailer, the option to drive to the tower is great for those with mild mobility challenges and can manage climbing stairs.

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

Mont Morissette Regional Park is managed by the PERO Outaouais.

GPS Coordinates

46.21982539291343, -76.09934569515313

Street Address

35 Chemin du Lac Long, Blue Sea, QC J0X 1C0

Directions

1 hr 25 min (114 km) fro Ottawa. Take Hwy 5 North and Rte 105 North to Chem. du Lac Cayamant in La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau (90kms). Continue on Chem. du Lac Cayamant. Take Chem. de Blue Sea to Chem. du Lac Long in Blue Sea.

Parking

Large parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Outhouses located at the parking lot.

Accessibility

Yes (for a portion of the trail)

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

All seasons. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from PERO Outaouais.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

Total Distance (km)

Elevation Gain (m)

400

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Woodlands

Activities

Hiking

Dogs

Permitted on-leash.

Trail Description

You can park at the first lot at the base of the trailheads 1 & 2 or you can drive up to the observation tower and choose to hike a little from there. All three trails are well groomed, well marked, and have route maps posted at the beginning and midway points. #winning Trail 1: From the main parking lot at the base of the mountain, you can hike up trail 1 and either a) opt to go straight to the observation tower if you hit the road after the switchbacks or b) you can continue on trail 1 and enjoy the extra kms along with the second lookout before going up the observation tower (recommended). Trail 2: On our second trip to Mont Morissette we decided to park at the top parking lot, hike trail 1 and the hike the full length (4.5kms approx with 400m elevation) of trail 2. It was a moderately challenging hike, well marked, and we really enjoying being in the thick of the woods. Although the observation tower is the obvious highlight of the hike during the fall months, there is also another second lookout along trail 1 which is equally breathtaking. Especially if you manage to get up there during sunrise or a foggy morning!

Other Hiking Trails

AOG Gallery Art Trail in Frankville: Trail Report

Mont Morisette (Blue Sea): Trail Report