On The Trail of Mother Nature

1 Coulonge Falls

100 Promenade du Parc des Chutes
off Hwy. 148, north of
Fort Coulonge, QC, Canada
819 683 2770

100 Promenade du Parc des Chutes off Hwy. 148, north of Fort Coulonge, Quebec. 1 KM Trail along magnificent 48 metre falls, spectacular canyon, interpretation centre open May-October. (819) 683-2770 $, info@chutescoulonge.qc.ca

(view on the map)

2 International School for Earth Studies

197 Fierobin Rd
Ladysmith, Quebec, Canada
819-647-3226

off Hwy 366, west of Hwy 105. 250 hectare youth leadership school that engages nature, animal husbandry and outdoor education trails. By appointment only.

(view on the map)

3 Gatineau Park

Gatineau Parkway
from Tache Blvd
Hull, QC, Canada
800-465-1867

Gatineau Parkway from Tache Blvd, Hull. 36,131 hectares of parkways, 200 km of trails, lookouts and picnic areas. Maps and information available from Visitors Centre at 33 Scott Rd, Old Chelsea, Quebec and the National Capital Commission Information Centre at Wellington and Metcalfe (see #21).

(view on the map)

28 Trans Canada Trail

Jacques Cartier Park
Hull, Quebec, Canada
800-465-3636

Longest recreational trail in the world, when completed it will extend 21,500 km across Canada to all 3 oceans. It enters our region along Hwy 105 N and Gatineau Park into Hull through Ottawa and west to Carleton place and beyond. Trans Canada trail Pavilion is located in Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau. Mixed use trail. Trail locator on website, www.sentier.ca.

(view on the map)

29 Base de plein air des Outaouais

Chemin du Poisson-Blanc
Denholm, Quebec, CA
800-363-4047

Near Lake Poisson Blanc near Denholme, Quebec on Hwy 307 N. 8 trails through mixed forest with good possibility of wildlife sightings. Hilly terrain.

(view on the map)

27 Richelieu Park, Vanier Library

300 Avenue Des Peres-Blancs
Vanier, ON K1L7L5, Canada
613-291-5362

5.7 hectares with 1.6 hectares of maple sugar forest and 1 km trail in Richelieu Park. Sugar Shack maps with identification of flora and fauna available at Vanier Library

(view on the map)

40 Petrie Island

East of Orleans on Cty Rd 17(174).
on Cty Rd 17 (174).
Orleans, ON, Canada
613-824-1188

Ottawa River shoreline, wetlands and forests, a regionally rare stand of hackberry trees, regionally significant plants, many species of birds, and several species of turtles.

(view on the map)

36 Blanches-Neige Trails

Follow blue signs on hwys 317 or 148
Rang 5 west, north of
Thurso, Quebec, Canada
819-986-8760 or 819-423-5602

14 km of trails winding north towards the Riviere Blanche.

(view on the map)

35 Plaisance National Park

Hwy 148 at
Plaisance, Quebec, Canada
800-665-6527

14 km of trails through marsh and field. In mid-April, the spring return of 1000's of Canada Geese.

(view on the map)

39 MacSkimming Outdoor Edu. Ctr

3634 Route 174
Cumberland, ON, Canada
613-833-2080

167 hectares of Ottawa River shoreline, farmland, mature forests, migratory bird sanctuary, overnight accomodation. 4 field centres.

(view on the map)

34 Plaisance Falls

5 km N. of
Plaisance, Quebec, Canada
819-427-6400

Historic Site of North Nation Mills. 2 km trails wind along the North Nation River. Mixed forest, observation decks over spectacular 67 metre falls, Historic Interpretation. Open June - Labour Day. Corporation North Nation Mills Inc.

(view on the map)

33 La Blanche Forest Ecological Reserve

Chemin Saddler
N.of Mayo on Hwy 315
Quebec, Canada
819-281-6700

N.of Mayo, QC at Saddler Rd. Unique old growth forest with 20 km of hiking trails (one that is wheelchair accessible and .5 km), no dogs allowed. Guided tours and educational programs with reservation.

(view on the map)

32 Louis Joseph Papineau Trail

Behind L'Hotel Petite Nation
in the village of
St. Andre-Avelin, Quebec, Canada
819-423-5491 ext/poste 225

14 km of trails with works of art along the breathtaking landscape. Interesting geological formations. Centre local de Papineau.

(view on the map)

31 Ctr d'aventure et de plein air des Montagnes Noires

Montpellier Rd.
at intersection of Route 315
Ripon, Quebec, Canada
819-983-2000 ext 40

Hwy 317 N. of Thurso, QC. parking at intersection of 315 and Montpellier. 7 km of signed trails, picnic tables, chalet winter park.

(view on the map)

37 Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail

Belvedere Rd
intersection of Canaan Rd
Ottawa, ON K0A, CA
888-673-1820

Beginning here in Ottawa, the four seasons trail runs along 72 km of the old railway bed to the Quebec border. A rich tapestry of historical and natural features, pavilions which provide facilities, info and parking. Managed by the Prescott-Russell recreational Trail Corporation.

(view on the map)

38 Alfred Bog

Conc. 11
from County Rd. 15
Alfred, ON, Canada
877-984-2948 or 613-258-8204

3 km boardwalk in the 4200 hectares highlights interesting plants in the largest and most significant wetland of Eastern Ontario. Resident moose population and interesting birds. Pamphlets available. info@nation.on.ca

(view on the map)

30 Réserve Faunique Papineau-Labelle

443 Rte 309
north of Masson
Val-des-Bois, QC, Canada
800-665-6527 or 819-454-2011 ext 33

1628 km with 35 km of groomed hiking and 120 km of backcountry ski trails marked but not mechanically groomed. Open all year.

(view on the map)

6 MacNamara Trail

McNab St
off Madawaska Blvd.
Arnprior, ON, Canada
613 623-6498

4 m interpretive trail in the Nopiming Game Sanctuary. Boardwalks, observation tower, old lime kiln, rare walking ferns, striped maple, Cross country skiing. Guide book by Michael Runtz. Access courtesy of Honeywell Inc.; maintained by MacNamara Field Naturalists' Club.

(view on the map)

7 Bill Mason Outdoor Ed. Ctr.

3088 Dunrobin Rd.
Dunrobin, ON, Canada
613 832-0126

At west Carleton High School. 31.16 hectares, boardwalk and gravelled trails, wetland, forest. September through July.

(view on the map)

8 Mill of Kintail Conservation Area

Ramsey Concession Rd. 8
Almonte, ON, Canada
613-256-3610

Historic Home of Robert Tait Mackenzie, famous sculptor, surgeon and the "Father of Physical Education". Walking trails, museum, gift shop, exhibits, and nature programs.

(view on the map)

9 Alba Wilderness School

502 Hills of Peace Rd.
Flower Station, ON, Canada
613 259-3412

20 km from Brightside, ON, off Cty Rd. 511. 500 hectares of scenic wilderness with trails, mixed forest, scenic outcroppings, swamps, beaver ponds. Guided nature hikes year round (snowshoe in winter) to view birds, animals, plant life and their habitats.

(view on the map)

10 Purdon Conservation Area

8th Concession Dalhousie
off Watson's Corner Rd.
Lanark Village, ON, Canada
613 259-2421 or 613 256-3610

27.5 hectares with 400 metre boardwalk into the Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid colony blooming in mid-June to early July. Other wetland plants abound. Self guiding signs. Accessible parking. Managed by the Mississippi Valley Conservation.

(view on the map)

16 Mississippi Lake Nat'l Wildlife Centre

Drummond Conc 9 east
17 km north of
Perth , ON, Canada
519 472-6695

Mississippi Lake around McEwen Bay. Wetland with mature hardwood forest and abandoned farmland. Limestone outcroppings, aquatic plants, wild rice stands. Important for migrating waterfowl. Boat launch, picnic area, self-guided walking trails. Canadian Wildlife Service.

(view on the map)

17 Marlborough Forest

Roger Stevens Dr. (County Rd 6)
west of North Gower, ON, Canada

Access from County Rd 6. Over 10,000 hectares of public and private land including more than 2500 hectares of wetlands as well as a combination of mixed forests, hardwood forests and alvars, accessed by the Rideau Trail, Cedar Grove trail and other trails. Interesting flora and fauna. Maps available. Managed by the City of Ottawa.

(view on the map)

18 Rideau River Provincial Park

2680 Donnelly Dr. (Regional Rd 5)
north of
Kemptville, ON, Canada

3 km of trails along wooded Rideau River shoreline the length of the park. Three sandy beaches. Good for birds, turtles and frogs.

(view on the map)

11 Meisel Woods Conservation Area

Anderson Rd
off Crow Lake Rd
ON, Canada
613 692-3571

53 pristine forested hectares at the headwaters of the Tay and Upper Rideau watersheds. The Sandi Slater Memorial Walk provides over 5 km of walking and hiking trails around Bass Lake. Scenic picnic and rest spots.

(view on the map)

12 Foley Mtn Conservation Area

County Rd. 10
north of
Westport, ON, Canada
613 273-3255 or 613 692-3571

Rideau Valley Conservation. 240 hectares of mixed forest and rocky outcrops, with year round trails, including an 8 km section of the Rideau Trail. Especially good for wildflowers in spring and bird watching all year. Spectacular lookouts, discovery centre and public beach.

(view on the map)

13 Murphy's Point Provincial Park

South of Hwy 7
19 km from
Perth, ON, Canada
613 267-5060

Over 15 km of rugged hiking trails of historic interest through a mosaic of wetlands, mature forests and open meadow habitat, including a section the Rideau Trail. Good for songbirds. Interpretive guides, tours of the Silver Queen Mine, and historic buildings.

(view on the map)

14 Mill Pond Conservation Area

Briton-Houghton Bay road
off Highway 15 between Portland and Lombardy.
ON
613 692-3571 or 1 800-267-3504

6 km of trails lead through 537 hectares of quiet and serene sugar bush. Boat ramp access to Mill Pond. Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

(view on the map)

15 Perth Wildlife Reserve

Wlidlife Rd
off County Rd 1
Perth, ON, Canada
613 273-3255 or 613 692-3571

257 hectares of reserve with a large lookout providing excellent viewing of the Tay Marsh. 2.5 km of nature trails with signs identifying nesting islands, wildlife and interesting features. No dogs. Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

(view on the map)

19 Ferguson Forest Centre

275 County Rd. 44
Kemptville, ON, Canada
1 888-791-1103

2.3 km trail through natural and planted forest. Tree and shrub nursery. Partners are Ferguson Forest Centre, ON., Model Forest and The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

(view on the map)

20 Baxter Conservation Area

Off Hwy 16 at exit 42
east on Dilworth Rd.
Ontario, Canada
613-489-3592 or 613-692-3571

68 hectares, a sandy beach, 5 km nature trails, Filmore R. Park Nut Grove, wildflower meadow, wetlands, forests, picnic areas, public beach. Open year round. Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

(view on the map)

21 The Greenbelt

90 Wellington
Metcalfe Ave.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
800-465-1867 or 613-239-5000

20,350 hectares of protected rural and natural land surrounding the National Capital on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. "National Capital Greenbelt All Seasons Trail Map" ($) deatils 5 areas of interest. National Capital Commission Information Centre.

(view on the map)

22 Chapman Mills Conservation Area

regional Rd 73
Winding Way

800-267-3504 or 613-692-3571

West bank of the Rideau River off Regional Rd 73 between Winding Way and Lodge Rd. 9.3 hectares of conservation land with a 1.5 km trail through sensitive and beautiful habitats with interpretive signs, several lookouts, picnic shelter, fishing platform and canoe access.

(view on the map)

25 City of Ottawa

110 Laurier Ave W
Ottawa, ON, CA
866-261-9799 or 613-580-2400

"Pathways to Health" Trail Maps and information are available at Client Services:
110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, and 101 Centrepointe Dr., Nepean, and
580 Terry Fox Dr., Kanata, as well as 255 Centrum Blvd., Gloucester.

(view on the map)

42 New York Central Fitness Trail

Off County Rd 3
south of Hwy 417
Russell, ON, Canada
613 443-1386 or 613 445-2050

This 7.1 km trail that links the villages of Embrun and Russell, was once a section of the New York Central Railway. Managed by the township of Russell.

(view on the map)

41 Larose Forest

County Rd 8
south of the village of
Bourget, ON, Canada
1 800-361-7439

10,700 hectares, originally a man-made conifer plantation, now a mature mixed forest with a diversity of tree and wild flowers. Mnay species of birds and other animals, including moose. 160 km of trails. Hunting permitted in season. Two serviced areas, parking and picnic areas.

(view on the map)

4 Fitzroy Provincial Park

County Rd 5
Fitzroy Harbour, Ontario, Canada
613-623-5159

Off Ottawa Rd 5 north of Fitzroy Harbour. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Mixed forest. 3 km of hiking trails; 10 km of cross country ski trails. Self-guiding trail maps available at the park. Year round access.

(view on the map)

5 Morris Island Conservation Area

Loggers Way (L off the Galetta SR.)
R. on Morris Island Dr.
Galetta, ON, Canada
613-259-2421

West of Fitzroy Harbour, Ontario. Managed by the Mississippi Valley Conservation. 47 hectares of mixed forest and wetlands with year-round trails. Unique islands with lookouts. Wildlife viewing. Maps at kiosk in parking lot.

(view on the map)

43 W.E Burton Conservation Area

North side of Church St.
Russell, ON, Canada
1 877-984-2948 or 613 984-2948

3 km trail winds along the Castor River through pine plantations and a hardwood bush. Scenic view of Russell Dam and Reservoir. Picnic shelter and benches. South Nation Reserve.

(view on the map)

44 Warwick Recreational Trail

County Rd 9
east of County Rd 15, near
Berwick, ON, Canada
613 258-8204 or 1-877-984-2948

10 km trail in the 650 hectare Warwick Forest through mixed forests and wetlands. Good spring and summer birding.

(view on the map)

45 Robert Graham Recreational Trail

Off county Rd 18
5 km west of
Glen Stewart, ON, Canada
1 877-984-2948 or 613 258-8204

6.5 km of wilderness trails in a 57 hectare forest with a number of species of trees, including majestic pines. Picnic facilities

(view on the map)

46 Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary

County Rd 2
east of
Morrisburg, ON, Canada
800-437-2233 or 613-537-2024

Goose feeding program mid-september and October. Interpretive centre, campsites, 13 km of nature trails.

(view on the map)

47 St. Lawrence Recreational Path

follows shoreline of
the St. Lawrence River
ON, Canada
800-937-4748 or 613-938-4748

90 km of scenic multi-use trails hug the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River stretching from the Quebec border to the village of Iroquois. The path is part of the Ontario Waterfront Trail System and meanders through a number of attractions such as Lamoureux Park in the city of Cornwall, the Long Sault Parkway as well as as the award winning living history museum "Upper Canada Village".

(view on the map)

48 Gray's Creek Conservation Area

Boundary Rd
Cornwall, ON K6H, CA
613-938-3611

East of Cornwall. 5 km trails run through 43 hectares. Young mixed forest and open areas provide ideal wildlife and nature viewing. Picnic shelters, washrooms, model aircraft runway. Managed by The Raisin Region Conservation Authority

(view on the map)

26 Fletcher Wildlife Garden

Prince of Wales Dr.
Ottawa, ON, Canada
613-730-0714

Off Prince of Wales Drive, adjacent to the Dominion Arboretum. Year round access. 5 hectares includes interpretive centre, backyard garden, old field, hedgerows, woodlot, butterfly meadow and the 1.5 km Bill Holland Trail.

(view on the map)

24 The Rideau Trail

The Mill Restaurant parking lot west of the Portage Bridge.
555 Wellington St.W
Ottawa, ON, Canada
613-860-2225

A 300 km hiking trail between Kingston and downtown Ottawa with added loops and side trails. Marked by orange traiangles (blue triangles for loops), it crosses a variety of terrain from placid farm land to rugged rocks of the Canadian Shield. Some sections suitable for skiing and snowshoeing.

(view on the map)

23 The Rideau Canal

888-773-8888 or 613-283-5170

The Rideau Canal Waterway is a chain of beautiful lakes, rivers and canals winding 202 km between Ottawa and Kingston. The 22 unique locks are operated in the same manner as in 1832. Most locks provide washrooms, overnight mooring and picnic facilities. Nine lock stations have self-guided hiking trails. Hartwell's, Hog's Back, Long Island (Col.By Island) Burritt's Rapids, Smith Falls Combined, Poonamalie, Narrows, Jones Falls and Upper Beveridges.

(view on the map)

50 Glengarry Trails

Lakeshore Rd.
County Rd 43
Ontario, Canada

South off County Rd. 43 on Lakeshore Rd. to Loch Garry on the Garry River. 14 km of trails. Provincially significant wetland, forest cover. Friends of the Glengarry Trails Association.

(view on the map)

21 National Capital Commission

90 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON, Canada
800-465-1867 or 613-239-5000

"National Capital Greenbelt All Seasons Trail Map" can be bought here.

(view on the map)

Promenade du Parc des Chutes

road not named on map...Access to Coulonge Falls

(view on the map)

Mississippi Lake

Look for Mississippi Lake National Wildlife Centre.

(view on the map)

25b City of Ottawa - Client Service Centre

101 Centrepointe Dr
Ottawa, ON K2G, CA

(view on the map)

25c City of Ottawa - Client Service Centre

580 Terry Fox Dr
Ottawa, ON K2L, CA

(view on the map)

25d City of Ottawa - Client Services Centre

255 Centrum Blvd
Ottawa, ON K1E, CA

(view on the map)

Val Des Bois, Quebec

Val-des-Bois, QC, CA

Look for Reserve Faunique Papineau-Labelle

(view on the map)

Bass Lake

Look for Meisel Woods Conservation Area

(view on the map)

49 Cooper Marsh Conservation Area

Visitor's Centre 18 km east of Cornwall
on county Rd. 2 near South Lancaster.
Cornwall, ON, Canada
(613) 938-3611 or (613) 347 1332

7 km of trails around the main dyke of the marsh, through the treed swamp area, open marsh and deciduous stands. Managed by The Raisin Region Conservation Authority.