Venture along the Oiseau Rock Trail, a hidden gem in the heart of the Algonquin forest. With its breathtaking views and fascinating interpretation panels, this 9 km hike offers 3 to 4 hours of total immersion in nature. Rough terrain? Opt for a 4x4 and put on your best boots.

Visit the municipality of Cayamant and discover the five trails (total length 8 km) managed by the PERO trails. Mont Cayamant also has a 24-metre observation tower that offers a spectacular view of Lake Cayamant and the surrounding area. Although the trails are rated easy, the mountain has 563 steps through the forest — a fun challenge to take on as a family!

Go for a hike along the 12 kilometres of trails in the Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve. Try Le Ouaouaron (“the bullfrog”), a 2.3-kilometre loop that traverses one of the oldest forests in Quebec, with trees over 400 years old. The trail is rated intermediate and has a positive gradient of 74 metres. Along the way, you'll pass two lakes and a beaver lodge and dam. The trail can be completed in about 45 minutes.

For a spur-of-the-moment family outing, take advantage of the proximity of the 15 kilometres of trails at the Centre de plein air du Lac-Beauchamp. Some trails take about 15 minutes to complete, while others take almost an hour. Near the trails, you'll find the outdoor centre's pavilion, a playground and a picnic area. It's the ideal place to have a fun day in the great outdoors without having to venture far from home.

Located in the heart of the Hull sector, the Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy is an ideal place to enjoy nature in an urban setting. Take advantage of the picnic area to share a meal al fresco with your family, and let your children blow off steam in the play area. You can bike around the lake on the recreational path, which is also great for strollers. The terrain is fairly flat, perfect for a leisurely stroll in the sunshine. Walk down to the beach and take a moment to admire the unobstructed view across the lake to the Hôtel-Casino Lac-Leamy.

Discover Parc de la Forêt-Boucher, a 270-hectare urban forest in the Aylmer sector. Explore its 8 km of trails as a family and take advantage of autumn to observe the different natural environments that make up the forest. For an easy outing, take the universal Jaseur trail, a 1.6-km loop accessible to everyone that winds through hardwood stands, cedar groves and wetlands. Kids can also extend the outing on the ropes course and its various wooden modules.

The property at Parc régional de Champboisé has five kilometres of walking trails. Take a stroll along the banks of the Lièvre River in a beautiful wooded setting and breathe in the fresh air. Take part in a unique family activity as you search for the geocaching caches scattered around the site.

Gatineau Park needs no introduction. In its 361 square kilometres of forest, you're sure to find a trail you like! Some trails, like the Pink Lake trail, have lots of stairs; others, like the Wolf trail, require sustained physical effort; and some, like the Mackenzie King Estate trail, are an easy, accessible option. Inform yourself on the different options depending on your needs.

The trails at Parc des Montagnes Noires in Ripon are varied. The Belvedere Trail, a 4-km loop linking the parking area, the lookout and the 12-metre observation tower, is one of the most popular. It's rated medium difficulty and takes just over an hour to complete. Engage the whole family in a quest to find the 17 caches, and sign the log book in each one as proof of your discovery.

Parc Omega is well known for its safari-style car trail, but did you know that it also has well-maintained hiking trails? Near Lac des Truites, enjoy a roughly 1.5-km walk around the lake alongside fallow deer, and take a moment to feed the trout. Continue your exploration at Terre des Pionniers, where hiking trails lead you to the Ferme d'antan. A great way to stretch your legs as a family while discovering the animals and various attractions the park has to offer.

Mont Morissette Regional Park near Blue Sea has 13 km of marked walking trails. Set a family challenge and climb to the highest platform of the 18-metre observation tower for breathtaking views of a dozen lakes, including majestic Blue Sea Lake. Then make your way to the mountaintop hut and warm up by the wood-burning stove.

Chutes Coulonge Park combines nature, history and outdoor adventure. Take the family along the historic trail, an easy 1.2-km route leading to the impressive Chutes Coulonge, which stand 42 metres high. Along the way, discover interpretation panels on the history of log driving and local flora, historical artifacts, bridges over the river, and several viewpoints over the falls. Plan for a bit of effort: about 200 steps punctuate the route. The park also offers two other trails, the 1-km Beaver Trail and the 2-km Blue Heron Trail, for those who'd like to extend their hike. Looking for an extra dose of adrenaline? The adventure park also offers a treetop obstacle course, giant zip lines and via ferrata.

Take an urban stroll through Downtown Gatineau's Culture Trail, a public art trail that can be explored in summer and winter, day or night. Now in its 10th edition, starting at the Canadian Museum of History, explore some 30 public artworks, art installations, and points of interest that trace the story of local artists.

Teach your family good habits to adopt on a forest outing. Do your part to protect local wildlife and plant life by staying on the marked trails. Be safe, and happy hiking!

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Discover even more family activities in the Outaouais with our fall bucket list