Advisory

Please take note of the following before your visit.

The Luskville Falls area in summer. Welcome sign and gravel road in the foreground. The hills of the Outaouais in the background.
Entrance to the Luskville Falls area

Luskville Falls is located in the western sector of Gatineau Park, in the Municipality of Pontiac.

It has a popular three-season trail that boasts magnificent views from the Eardley Escarpment, looking toward the Ottawa River, at a point where the Canadian Shield meets the St. Lawrence Lowlands. It’s a great area for hiking, picnicking and even stargazing!

Important

  • Luskville Falls is a fragile ecological environment. Please follow the principles of outdoor ethics.
  • Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the Luskville Falls Trail or in the picnic areas.

Visit Luskville Falls

Hours and directions

To get to Luskville Falls, follow the western boundary of Gatineau Park toward the Municipality of Pontiac. From Gatineau, take Highway 148 west. This route offers magnificent views of the Eardley Escarpment.

The Luskville Falls parking lot and trail are closed in winter.

Points of interest

The Falls

Luskville Falls flows over the Eardley Escarpment, a unique natural habitat. The lower part of the falls is almost vertical and, below that, a stream winds its way from the base of the falls. May is the best time to visit the area, when Luskville Falls becomes a rushing torrent, with water from the melting snow.

The Luskville Falls Trail

The Luskville Falls Trail is a 4.2-km loop with a 300-metre elevation gain. This very steep trail takes hikers up the rocky slopes of the Eardley Escarpment. The trail features two lookouts, a fire tower and interpretation panels. The trail is closed in winter.

Lookouts

The Pontiac Lookout provides a panoramic view of the Ottawa Valley. It was named in honour of Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa Nation.

The Lusk Lookout offers a view of rich clay plains. This lookout was named after Joseph Lusk, an Irish pioneer who came to Canada in 1820 and became a prosperous farmer in the region.

The Fire Tower

A fire tower built in 1940 is located at the northern end of the trail. In the past, forest rangers used it to monitor the horizon for signs of forest fires. It is closed to the public.

Facilities

  • Parking: Free parking is available at the Luskville Falls parking lot. Closed in winter.
  • Washrooms: There are outhouses at the parking lot.
  • Picnic area: There are unsheltered picnic tables and barbecues at the parking lot.
  • Universal accessibility: The Luskville Falls Trail does not meet universal accessibility standards.

About Luskville Falls

Luskville Falls is part of the Eardley Escarpment, the most spectacular ecosystem in Gatineau Park. Its summit is part of an ancient mountain range composed of Precambrian rock, which has been eroded by water, wind and glaciers. About 10,000 years ago, the Champlain Sea was at the foot of the Escarpment.

It is a fragile ecological environment that is home to many species at risk, including the peregrine falcon.

Other nearby activities

The Municipality of Pontiac offers suggestions for attractions to visit in the area on its road map.

Scenic ride in the Gatineau Hills

Did you know it is possible to do a 73.3-km loop around the Park? This route provides magnificent views of the countryside around the municipalities of Chelsea, La Pêche and Pontiac, all in the same outing.

Please note that an eight-kilometre section of the Eardley-Masham Road, which links the municipalities of La Pêche and Pontiac, is a gravel road.

The Church Hill Picnic Area, located on the Eardley-Masham Road, is a beautiful spot to take a break from your outdoor adventures. Its parking lot is located approximately 12 km west of Luskville Falls, toward the municipality of La Pêche.

Horseback riding

The Luskville Falls parking lot is the starting point for the Pontiac Equestrian Association’s equestrian trail. To ride on the trail, please contact the association. A daily fee is required to access the trail.

Rock climbing

In Gatineau Park, there are five rock faces in where climbing is permitted. They are all located in the Luskville Falls area.

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