Trail Blazing

Remember when you were young, fit, free, and loved to go on long fall hikes? Well even if you don’t, you can start making those memories now. Yes, even if you’ve got kids in tow.

The Gatineau Hills, just 15 minutes from Parliament Hill, offer a whack of autumn trails the whole family can enjoy.

And the best time to hike those hills is now, as the leaves change their colours. From October 2 to 17, the National Capital Commission will run its annual celebration of autumn colours—Fall Rhapsody. There’s not a lot of hoopla here: the festival is mainly a reminder that you live next to some splendid scenery, that the colours are beautiful in autumn, and that you ought to get out and see them. Seriously.

Of course, the secret is out and the time frame is short—so you may have to contend with crowds. Choose your trails wisely and refer to this Gatineau Park Interactive Trail Map for some ideas.

Consider dropping by the Visitor Centre on the weekend for the NCC’s Follies of the Fall Forest program. It’s a free, two-hour educational workshop for the whole family which introduces different tree species and investigates why leaves change their colours. A guided hike on the adjacent Sugarbush Trail rounds up the experience perfectly. (Runs September 25 to October 17, weekends only.)

Speaking of the Sugarbush Trail, it happens to be one of the park’s friendliest routes for babies and toddlers. Taking just 45 minutes or so to complete, its incline is nearly imperceptible, and it’s stroller-navigable with reasonably sturdy wheels. It’s also right next to the Visitor Centre (perfect if you need access to indoor plumbing). The winding river and possibility of wildlife sightings (beaver and deer have been reported) should keep everyone entertained. The interpretive Des Fées Lake, Pioneer and Hickory trails are other options with little-to-no slope that can be completed in 20 to 40 minutes, nearly custom-made for preschoolers.

If your family is a bit older and up for something a little more challenging, we like the Luskville Falls Trail. At 4.5 kilometres (round trip) and classified as ‘very steep’, it’s a decent workout and takes 2.5 to 3 hours. A 300-metre scamper up the rocky slope of the Eardley Escarpment nets you superb views of the Ottawa River Valley—well worth the effort.

If you’re worried your crew of city-dwelling kids will claim walking is borrrrring, there are ways to make the outing more exciting. They might be interested in finding things in the forest that they’ve learned about at the Visitor Centre, for example. Make a list and see who can spot the most items of interest and turn it into a scavenger hunt. Have them collect interesting rocks, acorns, pine cones or whatever catches their fancy.

Toddlers can be bribed with frequent snacks, frequent breaks, chipmunk sightings, and promises of the occasional ride on your shoulders or in a backpack—and they may surprise you with their determination to show off what capable hikers they can be. 

Happy trails!

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