Oiseau Rock (Pontiac): Trail Report

Oiseau Rock (Pontiac): Trail Report

This 10km hike is the gem on the Pontiac region with multiple lookout areas, rock formations, pictographs, beachfront, vista views, and a lake. The hike offers large rock formations and diverse fauna to observe along the way, the last optional section to the beach is a good challenge.

Suggested Stops

Important Insights

Check in with the ZEC St-Patrice main office. Hiking trail closed during hunting season. Oiseau Rock is rich with First Nations history, visit the Friends of Oiseau Rock for more background information (and pictogragh meanings!)

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin), and Wendake-Nionwentsïo 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

Oiseau Rock trail is managed by the ZEC St-Patrice.

GPS Coordinates

46.04043, -77.27769

Street Address

Chem. Schyan, Sheenboro, QC J0X 2Z0

Directions

Directions Option 1: From Ottawa take the 417 West and continue on the 17 West (towards Arnprior/Renfrew/Pembroke). Exit on the #40 (Greenwood Rd) towards (Pembroke/Cotnam Island). Take hwy 148 over Cotnam Island and Ile Morrison. Turn left (west on Chemin Pembroke, road curves to the North), after the bridge turn left (west) on Chemin de Chapeau Sheenboro (turns into Sheen Rd). Pass Sheenboro and turn right on Mountain Rd. Finally, turn left onto Shyan Rd and continue until you hit the ZEC St-Patrice’s main office. Directions Option 2: Alternatively, from Ottawa you can take King Edward bridge across to Quebec. Take exit for hwy 50 South towards hwy 148. Follow hwy 148 until Waltham and then turn right onto Chemin de Chapeau Waltham (turns into Chemin de Chapeau Sheenboro which turns into Sheen Rd). Pass Sheenboro and turn right on Mountain Rd. Finally, turn left onto Shyan Rd and continue until you hit the main office. Directions to Trailhead: It is a rough gravel road, with dips and bumbs so low cars need not apply for this excursion (or at your own risk). Register at the ZEC St-Patrice’s main office. It is 12$ to camp overnight. From the main office, drive until just passed the #6 road marker and then take the next left for Oiseau Rock. Follow that trail for 1 km untl you reach the parking lot. You’re allowed to camp there overnight if you wish. The trail starts from this parking lot.

Parking

Small parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Outhouses onsite otherwise please abide by outdoor washroom etiquette.

Accessibility

No

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

10

Hours of Operation

May - Oct only. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from Rando Quebec.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

1

Total Distance (km)

10

Elevation Gain (m)

140

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Woodlands, Ponds

Activities

Hiking, Birding

Trail Description

The trail itself is well maintained and easy to follow. There are markers at every kilometer point as well as for the lookouts. This is a gorgeous walk through the woods with all kinds of flora, rock formations, waterways, and cute wooden bridges. Honestly one of my favourite hikes to date for the area! The trail itself is mostly ground with a little rock here and there. The elevation is ‘rolly’ with some section that get your heart pumping nice and good. Slow and steady wins the race with this trail though, considering it’s a longer one it’s better to take it at a steady pace.

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