The six peaks within forest bowman are: Montagne Cook (430m), Montagne Desjardins (370m), Montagne Faubert (320m), Montagne Francoeur (420m), Montagne du français (390m), and Montagne de la Grotte (350m)
Sentier #1 Montagne de la Grotte: There isn’t a lot of information online about this trail and no trail map onsite so please have a read through the below as it wouldn’t be hard to get turned about in the forest. The trailhead is approx 50 m before the main parking lot at Lac du Brochet. This trail is best hiked clockwise. The pathway is well marked and wide for the most part. Where we took a wrong turn: Or rather, didn’t turn. It is important to note that once you see the large pond on the trail left, then the main trail swings right and is clearly marked. If you cross a mini bridge over the stream and continue to longer grass – you’ve gone too far. Along the trail are 6 grottos all different in appearance and interesting in there own right. After the grottos, the trail brings you back out to the main forest road where you turn right and hike up the road (and up the incline) until the next entrance for the final push to the lookouts is found. this is marked with a “sentier #1” sign that’s well in the forest and a little hard to see so keep an eye out. The approach to the lookout is a significantly steep incline with a few switchbacks. There are three lookouts, mostly identified by the cliff warning signs. The trails continues to be well marked until the decent begins. They are still working on this section of the trail. You could always double back but this makes for a long hike. The decent is through long grass in section and marked with yellow trail markers in a few spots. Follow the narrow path down to reach the forest road once more. Head right off the trail to the parking lot.
There are three freakin’ fantastic viewpoints. Merci mes amis au foret bowman pour cet sentier! Both Capital City Explorer and I let out little ‘woot woot’ of joy when we got to these lookouts. So dang pretty. And peaceful. You could just sit on the large rock surfaces and watch the birds soar over the lakes below. The perfect reward at the end of the trail and a spot to fuel up with water and snacks.
Wildlife: Hmmm, no big wildlife see in Foret de Bowman but I did yell “yo bear” a zillion times just in case. There has been beaver, porcupine, deer, and moose observed on the property. Native to the area but not yet observer on the property are wolves, coyotes, lynx, raccoons, and marmottes. There were plenty of birds keep the forest alive with song which we both thoroughly enjoyed including wood peckers and osprey. Oohhh, and fish. The lake was full of tiny fish swimming around our toes while chillin’ on the dock post hike.
Features: Those grottos! This forest trail keep me interested the entire route. First of all, there are six grottos along the path along with massive rock formations and plenty of interesting flora. Mushroom lovers rejoice, there are plenty of varied species in foret Bowman for all to observe amongst the flora. Of course, another fantastic feature, are the lakes. In particular, Lac de Brochet for post hike swims and picnics. It is a large clean lake, undisturbed by human instructor save for the floating dock that make for an excellent jumping off point.
