Best Hiking Trails in Gatineau Park for Families
Going for a hike is one of our favourite things to do with our kids during weekends. For that reason, we are extremely lucky to have the Gatineau Park in our backyard! Indeed, the Gatineau Park features more than 113 miles of summer and fall hiking trails. Many of these trails are kid friendly and allow families to enjoy a great outdoor activity.
In this post, we share what we think are the 7 best hiking trails in Gatineau Park for families. Some of them are really easy – they are good for mini hikers who are ready to explore the nature!
About the Gatineau Park
The Gatineau Park is the conservation park of the Canada’s National Capital Region. The park is the largest green space in the region – its territory covers more than 220 square miles and features, as already mentioned, more than 113 miles of summer and fall hiking trails. There are trails that will please all levels of hikers – from easy ones for beginners (and families) to difficult ones for experimented hikers.
The Gatineau Park is not limited to hiking, it also features beaches, amazing picnic spots and camping.
The Gatineau Park is located in Gatineau, in the province of Quebec. It is just a short drive from Ottawa – it will take you approximately 20 minutes to drive from downtown Ottawa to Gatineau Park. It is a 2.5-hour drive from Montreal.
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When to visit Gatineau Park?
It is possible to visit Gatineau Park year-round. There are many family-friendly activities that are offered in each season.
For example, summer activities include swimming, water sports, hiking and walking, cycling and camping.
Fall is also one of the best times of the year to visit Gatineau Park. Indeed, it is one of the best spots in the Nation’s Capital Region to admire the wonderful fall colors. Special events and shuttles are also available during this period. The Fall Rhapsody is one of the best family-friendly activities in Gatineau Park.
Winter activities include snowshoeing as well as winter hiking and walking.
The Carbide Wilson Ruins and Waterfalls Trail | Hiking trails for families in Gatineau Park
The Carbide Wilson hiking trail is one of our kids’ favourite! This trail is very short: only 3.25 km roundtrip. It is ideal for families who want to explore Gatineau Park with younger kids.
The ruins and the waterfalls are a must with kids. This place looks magical to them. There is even a little (very little) tunnel that will make them feel like ancient knights or explorer kings!
In Fall, the landscape is breathtaking. On your way to the ruins, you will get beautiful views of the Meech lake – this is a good spot for a hiking family photo stop!
This trail is stroller friendly, except for the last small section to reach the ruins. We usually bring our stroller and park it beside a tree so we can hike the rest of the trail to reach the ruins and the waterfall.
I would qualify this trail as easy/intermediate (for small kids), as there are many hills to climb. The last section to reach the ruins requires a bit of rock climbing, but is totally suited for kids.
Dogs are allowed but must be on leash.
To note, this trail is closed during winter: it is used only for cross-country ski activities.
How to get to the Carbide Wilson hiking trail:
The Carbide Wilson trail is located in Chelsea. You can park at the O’Brien Beach parking (P11). From there, take Trail 36.
Sugarbush Trail | Hiking trails for families in Gatineau Park
The Sugarbush Trail is a super easy one. It is a small loop of 2.1 km that is suitable for little ones.
I would consider this one more as a “walk” than a “hike”. However, it is the perfect trail for little ones who are ready to explore the nature and have some outdoor fun on their own.
There is no sleep slopes or rock climbing involved. The whole trail is on a flat stone dust surface.
As it is on a stone dust surface, the Sugarbush trail is also stroller friendly.
There is a picnic area as well as a visitor centre equipped with indoor bathrooms and water fountains.
During winter, the trail is mechanically groomed, allowing for families to enjoy safe and easy winter hikes with kids.
BONUS: the Sugarbush Trail is located right next to one of the best homemade ice cream shops in the Ottawa-Gatineau region: La Cigale. Make sure to stop for a treat after your family hike!
How to get to the kid friendly Sugarbush hiking trail:
You can park at the Visitor Centre parking lot accessible via Chemin Scott, in Chelsea.
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Pink Lake Loop | Hiking trails for families in Gatineau Park
The 2.3 km Pink Lake loop is one of the most popular trails in Gatineau Park. It trails around a wonderful turquoise water lake. During your hike, you will get many scenic views of the lake. The trail also feature to lookouts from where you’ll get impressive scenic views.
While this trail is considered to be an easy one for regular hikers, I would consider it to fall in the “intermediate/difficult” category for smaller kids. Indeed, this trail features several sets of stairs and steep inclines. However, the pure beauty of this trail is absolutely worth the effort.
For this reason, the Pink Lake loop is not appropriate for strollers. You may want to opt for a baby-carrier for this family hike.
To note, this trail is closed during winter season.
How to get to the kid friendly Pink Lake loop hiking trail:
For a direct and easy access to the trail, you can park at the Pink Lake parking lot which is accessible via the Gatineau Parkway, in Gatineau.
The Waterfall Trail – Makenzie King Estate | Hiking trails for families in Gatineau Park
The Waterfall is approximately is located on the Mackenzie King Estate, which is one of our favourite places in Gatineau Park.
The Mackenzie King Estate is the gorgeous 231-hectare country estate of former Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. On site, you can explore ruins, gardens and cottages (small museums).
The Waterfall Trail is accessible from the Estate. At the end of the trail, you will find the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls. The whole family will be impressed by this lovely spot.
If you are hiking with holder kids, you can easily add the Lauriault trail to your journey. Together, they form a 4.5 loop. At he end of the Laurier Trail, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the Mulhivill Lake – a nice spot for a picnic or snack break after a good family hike!
How to get to the Waterfall and Lauriault hiking trails:
Depending on what you want to do, you can start your hike from three different places.
- The Lauriault Trail parking lot
- The Waterfall Trail parking lot
- The Mackenzie King Estate parking lot (this is always where we go).
The Mackenzie King Estate is located in Chelsea, QC. It is accessible via the Chemin Kingsmere. The Estate grounds are open year-round.
King Mountain | Hiking trails for families in Gatineau Park
The King Mountain trail has the same difficulty level: it has several sets of stairs and a few uphill sections. It may be better suited for older kids and teens.
Strollers are not appropriate for this trail – baby-carriers are a better option.
The 1.8 km loop will take you to the top of the Eardley Escarpment at 300 metres above the Ottawa Valley. On your way to the top, you can stop and admire the beautiful scenic views from 10 lookouts.
October is one of the best times to go for a hike at the King Mountain trail as you get splendid views of the Gatineau Park. It is a great spot to enjoy the wonderful Fall Rhapsody.
How to get to the King Mountain hiking trail:
The most direct and easy access to the trail is from the King Mountain parking lot. It is located in Chelsea, and you can access it via the Prom. Champlain.
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Pioneers Trail | Hiking trails for families in Gatineau Park
The Pioneers Trail is another super easy one for kids. It is relatively flat and pretty short (only 1.3 km).
It is an ideal trail for families who wish to enjoy a fun outdoor activity with little ones. Given the easiness of this trail, small kids can walk and explore on their own.
In addition, the Pioneers Trail is stroller friendly.
During winter season, the trail is mechanically groomed. Hence, it is possible to plan a family hike and have fun in the snow!
How to get to the Pioneer hiking trail:
The Pioneer trail is located near downtown Hull. It is just a short drive from downtown Ottawa (approximately 10-15 minutes). You can access the trail from P3 (accessible via the Prom. de la Gatineau)
The Lusk Cave| Hiking trails for families in Gatineau Park
I’ll put it in bluntly: the Lusk Cave is a hike of just under 10 km. I know it sounds a lot for a family hike. I agree that this is not appropriate for younger kids and little ones. However, I believe that this is one of the best trails in Gatineau Park for older kids and teens.
At the end of the trail, there is a CAVE… a real one! The cave was created about 11,000 years ago. I mean, it’s pretty impressive for older kids, right? When the cave is open, it is even possible to visit. Just make sure to bring a bathing suit as well as water shoes to explore the cave safely.
This is not a stroller friendly trail.
How to get to the kid friendly Lusk Cave hiking trail:
Lusk Cave is located in the Philippe Lake area. The hike starts at Parent Beach.
If you want to access it from the parking lot, follow Trail 73 to Philippe Lake Parkway after Smith Beach.
We are lucky enough to have the Gatineau Park in the Nation’s Capital Region, might as well enjoy it! You have plenty of family friendly hiking trails to choose from in the vast Gatineau Park.
Wrapping Up the Best Hiking Trails in Gatineau Park for Families
Gatineau Park is an incredible destination for families who love the outdoors. With trails that cater to all levels of hikers, from the scenic Sugarbush Trail to the more adventurous King Mountain, there’s something for everyone, no matter your kids’ ages or hiking experience. The park’s well-marked trails and beautiful scenery make it easy to spend a day exploring nature while keeping things fun and manageable for little ones.
Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a longer hike with rewarding views, these trails offer the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy quality time as a family. Just remember to pack plenty of snacks, water, and layers, and take it at your own pace!
Going for a family hike? Read this next:
– Hiking Essentials for Kids: What to Bring on Family Hikes
