Brave the Cave

Cave exploration: you can do it, and it’s not as crazy as you think.

An excursion to Lusk Cave, located just off Lac Philippe in Gatineau Park, might be the most exciting day trip you’ll take with your family this summer.

It’s going to take some planning, and a bit of effort, but the payoff is worth it. Release that inner cave-man in all of you (or maybe the budding geologist)—your kids will talk about it for years to come.

Pack snacks and drinking water. It’s a long day. Think lightweight, because you’re going to be carrying it with you. 

You will get wet. Bathing suits and water shoes are ideal cavewear. Some recommend bringing helmets. Do bring a flashlight. Regulars were spotted wearing small LED headlights (you can find a wide selection at Mountain Equipment Co-op). This is a great option because it ensures you are completely hands-free while moving through the cave.

You’ll need to pay for a day-pass ($8.90 per car) in order to get in the park. Grab a free map at the park entrance on the way in. Follow the signs and park at Parent Beach/Plage Parent.

You can rent a canoe, bike, or walk to the cave. It’s approximately 5 km each way. If you canoe or bike you’ll have to park and walk the last kilometre.

If you’re walking, don’t follow NCC signs for the caves. This route is longer, and will bring you through the Lac Philippe campground. Start at Parent Beach and follow the perimeter of Lac Philippe to the end (it will be on your left side as you walk). The path isn’t very difficult. Most of it is a flat, wide, gravelly path, which makes it accessible for cyclists—and even strollers!

The first part of the path ends at the end of Lac Philippe. There will be a sign. And then it’s a 1 km hike uphill to the cave. 

Know what you’re getting into. You’ll be walking along a stream that has been shaping this space for thousands of years. Near the mouth of the cave there are maps of the cave system that tell you where the deepest parts of the water are located. (Also available online as a PDF). Water levels in the cave vary with the season. And it’ll be higher if it’s rained recently. Don’t worry, you can’t get lost; there’s really only one way you can go. And it’s much too wet for bears.

There isn’t a perfect path through the cave. It’s not like walking along a sidewalk or a woodland trail. There are rocks to step over. Everything is wet, but not slippery. It’s dark (heed our advice and bring that flashlight!) and there’s rushing water in some parts. This part can be a little challenging with younger kids. Some families go as far as the first deeper part of water and turn back.

Obviously, a certain degree of caution is required. Walking the rocky path might seem tricky at first, but by the end you will feel like an expert.

If you don’t make it all the way through the cave system, return to dry land and watch the other adventurers emerge from the other side of the cave.

If you’re looking for something a little different to do…this is it. And when it’s time for your kid to write their “what I did this summer” essays they’ll definitely have something thrilling to write about. 

Lusk Cave
Lac Philippe, Gatineau Park
How to get there: Take the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge to Hwy#5 North. From there take Hwy 105 North. Turn left at #366 West (blink and you’ll miss it). Turn left at the red-covered bridge and continue to Lac Phillipe.

More information is available at the NCC website.

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