Easy hikes and walks in Parc De La Forêt-Boucher

This two-lane multi-use trail meets the Pionniers Pathway on its north side, but the Champlain Corridor Trail tends to be a little nicer since it doesn't run alongside the highway. Instead, it takes you into the young woods by some other (non-cycleway) hiking trails.

You are immersed in the woods as the trail parallels the perimeter of the nearby golf course. The trail is shared by hikers and cyclists, and is two-laned to aid traffic flow.

Hidden among the trees along Trail 68, this unusual rock formation resembles two faces joined at the back of their heads, each looking in a different direction. The formation stands out because it is one of the only large exposed rocks in the area, making it easy to spot against the surrounding forest. Whether you see profiles, sculptures, or something else entirely, it's one of the more memorable and talked-about landmarks along this section of Gatineau Park.

Covering more than 361 square kilometres, Gatineau Park protects a vast landscape of forests, lakes, escarpments, and rolling hills just north of Ottawa. The park contains more than 165 kilometres of hiking trails and is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including over 50 mammal species and more than 230 bird species. Whether you're walking through quiet woodland, climbing to a lookout, or exploring one of the park's many lakes, the variety of landscapes is what makes Gatineau Park one of Canada's premier outdoor destinations.

Connecting Promenade Gatineau with Trails 65 and 68, Trail 66 provides a rugged alternative to some of the park's wider pathways. The dirt-and-rock surface feels more natural underfoot as it winds through the southern section of Gatineau Park.

This mica mine is a testament to the region's past extraction of this mineral. It was in operation at the beginning of the 20th century. Located on the shores of Pink Lake, it offers a moment of escape from the world when you pause during your walk to explore it.

The lake isn't actually pink; it's named after the Pink family who settled the land in 1826. In truth, the lake is often green with algae, because the caldera-like basin protects the lake from winds. Thus the upper and lower waters never mix, meaning the bottom of the lake has no oxygen and anything down there never decays. Interpretive plaques along the trail explain the lake's unique geography, history, and flora and fauna. Picnic tables and outhouses are near the parking lot, which are always open but you can only access by car on Wednesdays. There are shuttle busses on other days, check the Gatineau Parc website for the schedule.

If you don't have a car, use the free Gatineau Park Shuttle bus service that starts in Ottawa and takes you to the Gatineau Park Visitors Center through a couple of intermediate stops. One of the stops is here at Pink Lake. Check their website for more info: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park-shuttle