Carbide Willson Ruins
P11 Parking, Meech Lake Road, Chelsea, QC
Stone ruins of a 1907 fertilizer plant deep in Gatineau Park, with a waterfall — a 3.25 km hike from Meech Lake. Built by Canadian electrochemistry pioneer Thomas "Carbide" Willson.
Features
About Carbide Willson Ruins
Deep in Gatineau Park near Meech Lake, the Carbide Willson Ruins are the stone remains of a fertilizer plant built in 1907 by Thomas "Carbide" Willson — a Canadian inventor and electrochemistry pioneer. A small waterfall runs through the property, and the ruins themselves have a movie-set quality: stone foundations and partial walls slowly being reclaimed by the forest.
A 3.25 km return hike from the P11 (O'Brien Beach) parking lot at Meech Lake. Family-friendly trail, but mind the seasonal trail conditions.
What to Expect
- Distance: 3.25 km return
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Stone ruins + small waterfall
- Trailhead: P11 parking, Meech Lake (Gatineau Park parking pass required)
Getting There
- Parking: P11 (O'Brien Beach), Meech Lake Road
- From downtown Ottawa: ~30 min via Highway 5 + Meech Lake Road
- Best time: Late spring through early fall — arrive before 9 AM on weekends, P11 fills early
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Details
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