Hiking - Luskville Falls Trail - Gatineau Park

Tuesday, June 06, 2017

The Luskville Falls are located about 30 minutes from downtown Gatineau. With easy access by car, simply take Boulevard des Allumetières, until it turns into route 148 and follow that. After about 15-20 minutes, the road will switch into a divided highway, and the exit will be one of the first gravel roads to the right shortly after. Follow the road and turn left and you will arrive at the falls trail. The area is peaceful yet quite busy with visitors, as the trail is fairly popular to hike.

A bit of forewarning, the trail is fairly steep, but nothing too challenging. Good footwear is recommended as most of the path is on rocks of various sizes and shapes.

Beginning the trail from the parking lot, you head slightly downwards, then begin your ascent. The full hike up is approximately 300+ vertical metres.

As you hike, the path follows a rocky path, almost in the form of stairs.

Not long after the beginning, you see the base of the majestic falls up close. The flow of the water is greatest in the spring, as the melting snow can create an impressive rush of water passing down the rocky facade.

Continuing along the trail, some sections are steeper and windier than others, but you are often brought back close to the waterfall, making you appreciate this natural wonder and leave you wanting to continue onward.

At several spots, the water can be crossed over. There also seems to be a little dam created by some industrious forest dwellers.

At the time of our visit, due to the abundant rainfall of May, the upper half of the trail was closed. When it is open, you can continue along to a fire tower as you follow the water to its source.

This trail is one of the most scenic trails in Gatineau Park to experience. The challenge and variety of the terrain make it very enjoyable to hike and discover. The action starts as soon as you leave the parking lot, with incredible views of Luskville as you hike and reach the summit.