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Explore the cave

Hours and how to get there

Lusk Cave is in the Philippe Lake area, about five kilometres from Parent Beach. It is an easy hike on trails that feature interpretation panels along the way. The 10-kilometre round trip takes about four hours.

    How to get to Lusk Caves when the Philippe Lake parkway is closed to motor vehicles

    Alternative route: Start at P19 and take Trail 50 (Philippe Lake Parkway) to the regular starting point. Adds approximately 5 km (round trip) to your hike.

    Amenities

    • Washrooms: There are washrooms at Parent Beach.
    • Parking: Parking is available at Parent Beach on Philippe Lake. There is a vehicle access fee.
    • Picnic Area: There is a picnic area at Parent Beach.

    Safety

    In the cave itself, water levels can be as high as a metre or more. It is recommended that cave explorers bring an extra pair of shoes, flashlight and safety helmet. Sandals and rubber boots are not recommended footwear.

    Are you worried about what you might encounter in the cave? You are unlikely to find any wildlife in the cave, other than insects, bats, frogs and a few fish in the stream — although a beaver did take up residence one summer.

    Cave history

    During the Ice Age, Canada went through four major glaciations. The last, the Wisconsin Glaciation, saw ice forming over almost all of Canada and as far as the state of Wisconsin in the United States. When the Wisconsin Glacier melted about 12,500 years ago, water trapped under the melting glacier was forced into cracks in the rocks. The marble of Lusk Cave eroded more quickly than surrounding rocks, causing a series of tunnels to form. Since then, Lusk Creek has continued to shape the cave.


    Help us protect Gatineau Park, and leave no trace.

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