Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

User AvatarBuild your avatar
Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

This Hidden Waterfall Runs Through Beautiful Old Ruins & It's Just 30 Minutes From Ottawa

You'll also see a bright blue lake. 😍

Unbelievable Carbide Willson Ruins Is Only 30 Minutes From Ottawa
@vero.love_ | Instagram, @magdaeneim | Instagram
Staff Writer

Lace up your sneakers, as there are unbelievable ruins with a waterfall through them only 30-minutes from Ottawa.

There is no shortage of incredible sights within Gatineau Park, but one you'll want to see for yourself is the hauntingly beautiful Carbide Willson Ruins.

To see it for yourself, head to the P11 O'Brien parking lot near O'Brien Beach, and follow Trail 36.

The easy 3.25-kilometre roundtrip path will take you through the forest and over the blue water of Meech Lake.

Then you'll reach the ruins of an old fertilizer plant built by inventor Thomas Leopold Willson.

Today you can still see the remains of the dam and plant next to the falls, making for a photo-worthy spot.

Carbide Willson Ruins

Price: $13 per vehicle (half price after 3 p.m.)

Address: Chelsea, QC

Why You Need To Go: If you visit in the summer, make sure to bring your swimsuit, as the parking lot is only a few minutes away from O'Brien Beach.

Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

From Your Site Articles
OttawaCanadaThings To DoThings To Do
  • Stephanie White
    Stephanie White was an Ottawa-based Associate Editor for Narcity Canada. She has been writing mouthwatering food and wanderlust-inspiring articles for Canadians since 2012. She has a B.A. and B.Ed. from Ottawa University. When she isn't writing, you can find her travelling the globe and trying new restaurants. Stephanie has previously been published on Insider, Flight Network, Apartment Therapy, Faces Magazine, Daily Hive, Dished and The Spruce.

This fall hike near Ottawa takes you to a waterfall and stone ruins hidden in a golden forest

It's a must-do hike for fall. 🍂

8 stunning natural wonders less than 3 hours from Ottawa to explore this summer

Including provincial parks, scenic caves and turquoise pools.

This beautiful park near Ottawa has a breathtaking lookout and hidden waterfall trail

It's just a short drive from the city.

7 majestic waterfall hikes near Ottawa that are even more beautiful in the fall

Catch them before the season ends. 🍂

Ontario has a hidden German Christmas village with a twinkly market and mulled wine

It's like a holiday trip to Europe.

Ontario's new Costco is opening this week and here's what we know about the unique store

You can find thousands of products that aren't available at regular warehouses!

This 2.5 hr train from Toronto takes you to an enchanting riverside village with European vibes

It's a magical spot for a Christmas getaway.

University of Toronto is hiring for these jobs and you can make up to $177,000 a year

Positions are available at the St. George, Scarborough and Mississauga campuses.

This underrated BC spot is like a storybook with a castle, waterfall & small-town streets

It's B.C.'s best-kept hidden gem. 💎🤫

7 food recalls issued in Canada recently for yogurt, broccoli, tea, beef jerky and more

You might have these products at home.

The Canada Workers Benefit is increasing — Here's how much you can get in 2026

Plus, when those quarterly advance payments are coming. 👀

These are the grocery stores in Canada people 'never' shop at and Loblaws isn't number one

"Galen has enough money. He doesn't need mine too." 👀

Here's how much Galen Weston Jr. could give every Loblaws shopper — and still be a billionaire

The guy who sold you that $40 steak is worth over $20 billion. 😳