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

If you’re looking for a magical fall adventure just outside of Ottawa, you can take an easy hike to scenic ruins surrounded by fall foliage.

Tucked deep in a forest and framed by fiery autumn leaves, this hike leads you to a crumbling stone building, rushing waterfalls, and a trail that feels like stepping into a hidden world.

Located about 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa, the Carbide Willson Ruins in Gatineau Park are straight out of a storybook.

The ruins can be found nestled in the forest on the shore of Meech Lake in Quebec, a beautiful industrial heritage site that's a popular spot for photographers and adventure-seekers alike.

The ruins are the last remaining traces of a fertilizer plant constructed by inventor Thomas Leopold Willson, a pioneer of the North American electrochemical industry.

In 1907, Willson purchased 460 acres of land at Meech Lake for his summer home and used the site to advance his research. He later built a dam, a generating station and an acid condensation tower near his home on the shore of Meech Lake.

The entire complex formed the fertilizer plant that remains today.

According to the National Capital Commission, there were originally three buildings in the complex — an acid condensation tower, a dam and a generating station. However, as the ruins were never preserved, the tower was destroyed by fire and today, only its foundation remains.

The dam and plant, however, still stand near the cascading falls today. Visitors can hike to the ruins and admire the rushing waterfalls and the beauty of the area.

The ruins are a popular place to visit year-round, but fall is an especially great time to hike here. As the leaves change colour, the mill and ruins become enveloped in a stunning canopy of red, orange and gold.

The ruins are accessible on foot or by mountain bike. To get to the ruins, take Trail 36 from the P11 parking lot (O'Brien Beach). The trek is about 3.25 kilometres round-trip.

The easy hiking trail winds through thick forest, taking hikers by the pretty lake and then to the Carbide Ruins and small waterfalls.

The infrastructure is still intact here except for the ruins, which are off-limits, and climbing is strictly prohibited. The trail has several nice spots where you can stop for a picnic or read a book.

Swimming is prohibited here, but your furry friend can come along (provided that they're leashed). Washroom facilities are available at the P11 parking lot, and there is also a picnic area at O'Brien Beach.

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.