Hiking - Waterfall and Lauriault Trails - Gatineau Park

Sunday, August 05, 2018

It had been 3 years since we last explored these trails. With another hot and summery day upon us, it was time to stay cool by hitting the trails during the heatwave. It's truly amazing how nature and the trees can help regulate the heat. You really do not feel as hot when under the tree canopy.

Arriving shortly after 11am (as the Gatineau Parkway roads are closed till 11 for the Sunday Bikedays), we parked at the lot by the Waterfall Trail. A short little slope down and to the left we find the tunnel, which passes under the parkway. After emerging on the other side, a fairly short hike brings us right to the Bridal Veil Falls. Heading back up and now to the Lauriault Trail, the long trek begins. The terrain is relatively easy to cross, although there are some mild hills along the way to go up and over.

Eventually, you arrive at a clearing and lookout point, perfect to see the surrounding region from up above.

Heading back into the forest, the path takes us up one more hill and then back down some stairs into the Lauriault Parking lot. Here the trail gets a bit tricky if you aren't familiar with it (as it isn't marked where to go next). In actuality, you need to immediately cross the parkway road to the other side and the path resumes there. If you do not cross, you will find other paths that arrive at a small lake and picnic areas, very pretty, but with no real exit as they just loop back into the parking.

After crossing the road, the trail continues, following the direction of the signpost towards the Waterfall Trail and Parking.

This final stretch of the trail is relatively easy, with just a few hills, and before you know it (well it was longer than that), you arrive near the tunnel and the parking once again.

A great trail to discover with a few sights to see along the way.

Happy hiking!

Here are some more photos from this hike.