I love a hike with a waterfall. I know most people probably HATE hikes with waterfalls, but not me!
So here’s a list of all the hikes near Ottawa where you can stretch your legs and have lunch by a waterfall.
In order of distance from Ottawa, we have…
Rideau Falls
Distance from Ottawa: Right downtown.
Trailhead Coordinates: 45.441687, -75.695568
Distance of Hike: Any distance you’d like- this is an urban hike.
Full Paddling Report: Paddling to the Rideau Falls from Jacques Cartier Park | Adventure Report
Princess Louise Falls
Distance from Ottawa: 23 minutes east.
Trailhead Coordinates: 45.489238, -75.477602
Distance of Hike: 4.5 km (shorter if you use the cheater trail)
Full Trail Report: The Princess Louise Falls in Orleans | Adventure Report
The Princess Louise Falls in Orleans.
Carbide Willson Ruins
Distance from Ottawa: 24 minutes north.
Trailhead Coordinates: 45.526513, -75.863445
Distance of Hike: 2.6 km
Full Trail Report: The Carbide Willson Ruins- A 2.6 Km. Hike in Gatineau Park | Adventure Report
The ruins, as shot by @10streamphotography.
Sheila McKee Park
Distance from Ottawa: 30 minutes west.
Trailhead Coordinates: 45.406888, -75.926741
Distance of Hike: 2.4 km
Full Trail Report: The Hiking Trail at Sheila McKee Park, a 2.4 km Hike in Dunrobin, ON | Adventure Report
The Lauriault Trail
Distance from Ottawa: 30 minutes northwest.
Trailhead Coordinates: 45.484392, -75.845758
Distance of Hike: 5 km (shorter if you just go out to the falls and back)
Full Trail Report: The Lauriault Trail- A 5 km Hike in Gatineau Park | Adventure Report
Waterfall on the Lauriault trail.
Luskville Falls
Distance from Ottawa: 38 minutes northwest.
Trailhead Coordinates: 45.640649, -75.133302
Distance of Hike: 4.6 km (shorter if you just go out to the falls and back)
Full Trail Report: The Luskville Falls Trail- A 4.6 km Hike in Gatineau Park | Adventure Report
Chutes de Plaisance
Distance from Ottawa: 47 minutes east.
Trailhead Coordinates: 45.640649, -75.133302
Distance of Hike: 2.5 km
Full Trail Report: The Chutes de Plaisance, a Short Walk in Plaisance, QC | Adventure Report
The Chutes de Plaisance.
Forêt-la-Banche Ecological Reserve
Distance from Ottawa: 48 minutes northeast.
Trailhead Coordinates: 45.709653, -75.295207
Distance of Hike: 3.7 km
Full Trail Report: Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve- An Easy 3.7 Km. Hike in Outaouais | Adventure Report
Waterfall at Forêt-la-Blanche.
Parc des Chutes de Denholm
Distance from Ottawa: 53 minutes north.
Trailhead Coordinates: 45.802311, -75.788381
Distance of Hike: 5 km (shorter if you just go to the falls and back)
Full Trail Report: The Parc des Chutes de Denholm- A 5 Km. Hike in Outaouais | Adventure Report
Go chasing waterfalls!
I feel the need to point out that Luskville Falls are not always flowing – they are huge in the spring, begin to slow in June and are often dry or nearly so from July onward except when we’ve just had a good rain in the past few days. As a regular on the trail, I’ve seen more than a few disappointed and exhausted visitors wondering where the waterfalls are!
Charleston lake PP has a waterfalls trail but you actually have to climb the waterfall as part of the trail. It’s completely dry (used to be active) and a trickle in the spring.
Don’t forget about Hogs Back
I’d consider that within the city, and not part of any hike.