THE EQUITY’s newsroom has compiled a list of some of the most beautiful and accessible places to get out for a swim, hike or to camp overnight without having to leave the county. Though this list is not comprehensive, we hope it can lead you somewhere you haven’t yet been this summer.
Oiseau Rock Trail
Location: chemin Schyan, Sheenboro
Length: 9 km
Difficulty: Medium
Access fee: $12, payable to ZEC Saint-Patrice
The Oiseau Rock Trail is a 9-km round-trip hike through the forest to an incredible lookout on the Ottawa River. It is also the location of Algonquin pictographs on the face of the cliffs that tower over the river. There is a small swimmable lake at the top, which may or may not have a rope swing. The trail is located just over 6 km up ch. Schyan. There is a road that leads toward the trailhead (46.040761, -77.277080), but it can be bumpy. An SUV or high clearance vehicle is recommended to access the site. Allow yourself 3-3.5 hours at a solid pace, but if you choose to park alongside the road, this will add time to the walk.
Luskville Falls (Gatineau Park)
Location: chemin de l’Hôtel de Ville, Luskville
Length: 4.2 km
Difficulty: Medium
Access fee: Free
Luskville Falls trail is a 4.2 km loop, and features a steep climb up the side of the rocky slopes of the Eardley Escarpment. With a 300-metre elevation gain, the trail is a steep climb, but hikers are rewarded with several lookout points onto the Ottawa River and the surrounding countryside. A fire tower built in 1940 is located at the northern end of the trail. In the past, forest rangers used it to monitor the horizon for signs of forest fires. Good sneakers or hiking shoes are recommended.
Pontiac Pacific Junction Trail (PPJ)
Location: L’Isle-aux-Allumettes to Bristol
Length: 92 km
Difficulty: Easy
Access fee: Free
The Pontiac Pacific Junction (PPJ) trail traverses most of the length of MRC Pontiac, stretching from Cottage Rd. on L’Isle-aux-Allumettes to chemin Gold Mine N in Bristol. Along the way, trail-goers will encounter beautiful vistas of the Ottawa River, rolling farmland and tranquil forested stretches as the trail snakes its way through Pontiac’s towns. This trail for walkers and cyclists – share the trail.
Chutes Coulonge Park
Location: 100 prom. Du-Parc-des-Chutes, Mansfield-et-Pontefract
Length: Three trails, each 1-2 km long
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Access fee: $12 for adults, $10 for visitors over 65 and under 18
The Chutes Coulonge is an outdoor park featuring impressive waterfalls, suspension bridges, adventure activities, and three scenic hiking trails. The 1.2-km Historical Trail leads to the gem of the park: the 42-metre-high Chutes Coulonge. Signage along the way will explain the region’s log driving history. The 1-km Beaver Trail leads visitors through a quieter section of the park, above the roar of the rapids, and visitors may even spot some beavers along the way. Finally, the more challenging Blue Heron Trail is a 2-km loop through the forest.
Mont O’Brien Trail
Location: chem. Mont-O’Brien, Alleyn-et-Cawood
Length: 5 km
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Access fee: Free
Located in the protected Mont O’Brien biodiversity reserve, the Mary Haydon trail snakes through the forest before ascending Mont O’Brien. The trail gives hikers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, opportunities for bird watching and more.
Tote Road Trail (Dumoine River)
Location: Dumoine River, access from Rapides-des-Joachims
Length: 26 km, possible to hike individual segments of the trail
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Access fee: Yes, payable to ZEC Dumoine
The Tote Road Trail is a 26-km hiking trail along the Dumoine River. It follows a historic logging trail that has been reopened thanks to the efforts of local volunteers. Various day-hike options are available, some accessible by vehicle while others only accessible by boat. Multi-day backpacking trips are also possible along this trail. You’ll be walking along a river, so naturally, there will be swimming opportunities. Just be careful around rapids. For more information on recommended routes, safety tips and how to access the trails, visit friendsofdumoine.ca.
Island Trails
Location: Rapides-des-Joachims
Length: over 40 km
Difficulty: Easy
Access fee: Free
A network of walking and hiking trails located on and around the Rapides-des-Joachims island, offering forest scenery and river views. The trails are suitable for casual hikes and family outings. If you’re looking for a swim, one trail will bring you to the beach at Camping McConnell (see entry below). For a map and list of the trails, visit the Municipality of Rapides-des-Joachims’ website.
Norway Bay Beach
Location: ch. Wharf, Bristol
Access fee: Free
Located in the heart of Norway Bay, next to the iconic pier, the beach offers a large shallow swimming area, often monitored by a life guard, as well as docks in deeper water for those looking to swim. The site also has washrooms, picnic benches, and a wheelchair mat ramp down to the water.
Bryson Beach
Location: rue Wellington, Bryson
Access fee: Free
This municipally maintained beach along the Ottawa River is equipped with picnic tables, volleyball nets, and portable washrooms. A wheelchair access mat helps improve accessibility, making the beach more welcoming for all visitors.
Fort William Beach
(Hotel Pontiac)
Location: 7 ch. Perrault, Sheenboro
Access fee: Free
Located on one of the finest patches of sand along the Ottawa River in Sheenboro, Hotel Pontiac, commonly known as The Fort, is a community hub and former Hudson Bay Company trading post. The beach is accessible by land or water, with plenty of space for parking a boat. The venue hosts activities and events throughout the summer. More information at welcometothefort.ca
Côte Jaune Beach
Location: ch. Des Iroquois, l’Île-du-Grand-Calumet
Access fee: Free
Plage Côte Jaune, on l’Île-du-Grand-Calumet’s northern tip, is named after
the distinctive yellow colouring of the hillside. The water becomes deep relatively quickly, and swimming is at your own risk. The site includes a portable toilet and a small
changing area.
Parc Leslie
Location: 460 ch. Belmont, Otter Lake
Day access fee: $12/adult
Access to the park, including beach access, is $12/adult, and free for people under 18. The beach is huge, the water stays shallow for a long stretch, and dogs are welcome. You can swim, rent a canoe or kayak, or launch your own boat, just make sure to stop at the boatwashing station in town first. This park also offers camping options for tents and RVs. More information at parcleslie.com or by calling 819-453-7382.
Lac Dumont
Location: ch. de l’Aigle, Cayamant
Access fee: $10 – $20
The Lac Dumont beach is located in Pontiac’s TNO Lac-Nilgaut, almost two hours north of Shawville on backcountry roads. The pristine beach is maintained by the non-profit group Amis du Lac Dumont. Day passes are $10 per adult and $20 per adult for overnight rustic camping. Children under 18 are admitted free. Pets welcome. Dry toilets on site. For more information, contact lesamiesdulacdumont@gmail.com.
Plage du Pont Blanc
Location: 257 rue Principale (Hwy. 148), Mansfield-et-Pontefract
Access fee: Free
The Pont Blanc beach, right off the highway in downtown Mansfield-et-Pontefract, is a gorgeous sandy beach on the Coulonge River. Axe throwing and other adventure activities are available throughout the summer months at a cost. Campsites and RV parking are available by reservation, starting at $30/night. For more information visit cooperativehelianthe.com or call (613) 401-2997.
Camping McConnell
Location: 228 ch. Du Lac McConnell, Rapides-des-Joachims
Access fee: $42/night for tent site
Camping McConnell is located on the sandy banks of the Ottawa River in Pontiac’s western-most municipality of Rapides-des-Joachims. The campground offers sites for tents, trailers and RVs, as well as a picnic area, and boat launch, and access to a 40-km network of walking trails. More information is available at https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/rapides-des-joachims/camping.php.
Public Land Camping (TNO Lac-Nilgaut)
Location: TNO Lac-Nilgaut
Access fee: Free
Camping in the MRC Pontiac’s unorganized territories offers a true back to nature experience on public Crown land. It’s ideal for self-sufficient campers looking for solitude, remote landscapes, and access to lakes, rivers, and forested areas. Keep in mind that in remote areas, an emergency means rescue, not roadside assistance. Services can be far away, and you must be prepared to rely on yourself. Before you head out, remember: in nature, your safety is your responsibility. Anyone wishing to camp with a motorized vehicle must obtain a permit from the MRC and pay the required camping fees. Visit https://mrcpontiac.qc.ca/en/visitors/camping/ for more information.
