Because our ankles are weak and sore from walking in wet snow and on icy pavement, we’re craving a firm grip on the ground now that it’s slowly thawing. And we want to see all that snow, turned into water, flowing away.
For the scent of leaves, the fresh water of the lakes, the damp earth, and nature waking up, here are three walks to take in the spring. Don’t forget your water bottle, a rain poncho, a spare pair of socks, and a camera to prove to everyone that you’ve found the first flower of the season.
Luskville Falls, a 3-hour drive from Montreal
Less than a three-hour drive from Montreal lies the impressive Luskville Falls, located in Gatineau Park.
It’s accessible via the Luskville Falls Trail, a 4.2-km loop. To get there, follow the western boundary of Gatineau Park toward the municipality of Pontiac and take Route 148 west.
For more information, click here!For Gatineau Park’s opening hours—and the start of the warm season—click here!Dorwin Falls Park, a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Montreal
There are 3 km of nature trails, a picnic area, and you can take a walk in Rawdon’s Parc des Chutes Dorwin with a dog.
Surrounded by dense forest, the waterfalls are incredibly romantic, especially during the snowmelt.
You can’t swim there, but the park’s lookouts offer spectacular views for a day of relaxation and contemplation.
For more info, click here!
Near Mont Saint-Anne, you can visit the Jean-Larose Falls—even in winter.
You can hike a 4km loop and climb 400 steps—weather permitting—to a stunning waterfall that freezes in winter and creates otherworldly, poetic shapes as it thaws, making for beautiful photo opportunities.
For more information on Mont Saint-Anne, click here!You can also download a trail map from the link on the website to plan your hike (the one to the falls isn’t very long, and a second loop might be nice to earn your hot chocolate).
