Two days of nature and culture

The Chemins d'eau tourist route awaits you for a weekend of discoveries. Start your tour at the Symmes Inn Museum, a designated historic property built in 1831 by Charles Symmes, the founder of Aylmer. Next, head north along Highway 148 and take a break to admire Luskville Falls. The next day, start with a visit to the majestic site of the George Bryson Heritage House, a designated historic site, and end your day with a memorable hike on the Oiseau Rock Trail, one of the most important rock art sites in North America.

1

Symmes Inn Museum

Built in 1831 by Charles Symmes, the founder of Aylmer, this heritage building located in the Old Aylmer’s heritage district is a classified historic monument and a designated National Historic Site of Canada. The Museum presents its permanent exhibition “Symmes Inn: Windows onto the Ottawa River”, which recounts (through historical figures) the various functions of this important location over the centuries.

21 km
2

Luskville Falls

Luskville Falls flows over the Eardley Escarpment, a unique natural habitat in the western sector of Gatineau Park. Spring is the best time to visit, when the waterfall becomes an enormous cascade as the snow melts. A challenging trail climbs the Eardley Escarpment for almost 300 metres, leading to lookouts and a fire tower. The picnic area and trail are off-limits to dogs, to protect the fragile environment. Gatineau Park is managed and protected by the National Capital Commission.

86 km
3

George Bryson Cultural House

In the Pontiac region, at Mansfield-et-Pontefract, the George Bryson House is a heritage museum classified as a Quebec historic monument, open only in summer, from June 30 to August 30. Located on the banks of the Ottawa River, opposite Quebec's longest covered bridge, it showcases the history, culture and heritage of the Pontiac region. Visitors discover exhibits, 19th-century architecture and a genealogy center unique in the region, ideal for tracing their ancestors with the help of passionate volunteers.

97 km
4

Oiseau Rock Trail

The Oiseau Rock Trail is a 5 km hiking trail (9 km round trip) through the forest Migizi Kiishkaabikaan (Algonquin). Discover amazing views from the many lookouts and dip your feet in the Ottawa River on the river trail or take a swim in the lake at the summit. This is a must see to believe view of the Ottawa River that is not to be missed. Remember to bring your snacks and a bottle of water! Hiking boots is a must for this expedition. There are few slippery and risky sections throughout the trail. Bring your pet! Be vigilant and visible during the hunt season.