This Gatineau Park Trail Near Ottawa Takes You Past Colourful Leaves, A Waterfall & Ruins

It is only 30 minutes from Ottawa!

This Gatineau Park Trail Near Ottawa Takes You Past Colourful Leaves, A Waterfall & Ruins
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Staff Writer

No fall would be complete without going hiking in Gatineau Park.

Only 30 minutes from Ottawa, you can explore one of the most breathtaking sights, the Carbide Willson Ruins.

Getting to the ruins is simple; you'll want to park at lot P11 and follow the well-marked Trail 36.

The entire journey is only a 3.25-kilometres round trip and will take you through a forest bursting in fall hues, past a bright blue lake before you finally reach the main attractions.

Right next to the ruins, you'll see a waterfall that rushes past the remains of an old fertilizer plant built by inventor Thomas Leopold Willson.

The striking contrast of the yellow leaves, tumbling falls, and remains of the still-standing walls are a favourite with locals and a site you'll want to see for yourself.

Carbide Willson Ruins

Price: Admission to Gatineau Park is free

Address: Chelsea, QC

Why You Need To Go: It is a short walk to the ruins, and you'll get to enjoy tons of natural beauty along the way

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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.

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  • 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.

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