Waterfalls Near Ottawa: 6 Walks, Lookouts and Day Trips

For a waterfall outing in Ottawa, start with Hog's Back or Rideau Falls. For a forest walk, consider Lauriault Falls; for a demanding hike, choose Luskville Falls. Almonte and Plaisance make useful day-trip options when the waterfall is the main stop.

Official access information checked October 20, 2026. Distances below describe the routes published by the managing organizations, rather than a walk we measured. Water levels and seasonal access can change.

Choose Your Waterfall Outing

Hog's Back Falls: An Ottawa Park Visit

Hog's Back Falls is a good choice when you want waterfall views without planning a forest hike. The NCC park is at Hog's Back Road and Riverside Drive, with picnic areas and views of the Rideau River. Ottawa Tourism also includes the falls among the city's natural attractions. NCC park information, Ottawa Tourism's natural wonders guide.

Parking: The NCC lists free park parking May to December 1, weather permitting, from 7 AM to dusk, no later than 10 PM, with posted time limits. Nearby canal and club parking have separate arrangements, so use the signs for the lot you enter. The Rideau Canoe Club's parking guide also distinguishes the free park lot from paid Parks Canada parking.

Rideau Falls: Where Two Rivers Meet

Rideau Falls is the pair of falls where the Rideau River enters the Ottawa River. Choose this stop for river views around Green Island and Sussex Drive, rather than for a long waterfall trail. NCC visitor information, Ottawa Tourism's natural wonders guide.

The NCC identifies 50 Sussex Drive as the park's location. The neighbouring Royal Canadian Geographical Society uses that address too; its event venue and the public park are different visitor destinations. Follow public park access signs rather than assuming the venue is open for drop-in visits.

Luskville Falls: The More Demanding Hike

Luskville Falls lies on the Eardley Escarpment in the western part of Gatineau Park. The 4.2 km loop is steep and rocky, rated difficult by Tourisme Outaouais. Choose it for a substantial hike with waterfall and valley views.

The NCC confirms free parking and outhouses near the lot. Dogs and other pets are prohibited on the trail and in the picnic areas. The trail and parking lot close for winter. Check the linked NCC trail page before travelling; a waterfall outing here depends on trail access as well as water flow.

Lauriault Falls: A Forest Loop in Gatineau Park

Lauriault Falls, also called Bridal Veil Falls, is reached on the 3 km Waterfall and Lauriault loop. The NCC describes a moderately hilly route with rocks and roots. Spring is a better choice when flowing water is the priority; the cascade is less active in autumn. NCC route description, Tourisme Outaouais waterfall guide.

The Mackenzie King Estate is another starting area identified by the tourism board. Decide on your trailhead before checking the NCC's current parkway and Gatineau Park shuttle schedule; vehicle access and shuttle service are seasonal. A quiet forest loop can still be worthwhile when the falls have little water, but do not choose it expecting a powerful cascade in every season.

Almonte: Waterfall Lookouts and a Town Walk

For a waterfall outing with shops and a town centre, follow Almonte's Riverwalk. The published route starts at Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge Street, and includes a falls lookout by the Victoria Woollen Mill and views toward the lower falls near Metcalfe Park.

Mississippi Mills' community services plan also identifies the Riverwalk, Mill Falls and the Metcalfe Park connection. Choose the sections that suit your group: the Riverwalk includes a Millworkers' Staircase, so this guide does not treat the complete route as step-free. For a broader outing, see our day trips from Ottawa.

Chutes du Moulin: Use the Waterfall Entrance

Chutes du Moulin is a separate waterfall destination managed by Sépaq. Its 2 km return trail leads to an observation deck. The waterfall entrance is 100 Rang Malo, Plaisance; it is different from the main entrance to Parc national de Plaisance. Sépaq waterfall information, site address and operating calendar.

A valid Plaisance daily or annual access permit includes the waterfall site. Check the operator's current admission options rather than assuming the visit is free. Sépaq's visitor guide also explains the site's management and access.

Late-season planning: The published 2026 registration-centre season ends November 1, with reduced kiosk days in late October. Sépaq says the parking lot is not cleared of snow and the lookout closes at the first snowfall. Check the current calendar before making this your main day-trip stop.

Plan Around the Type of Visit

• A city outing: Choose Hog's Back or Rideau Falls, leaving time for a park or riverside walk.
• A forest walk: Choose Lauriault, with the waterfall's seasonal flow in mind.
• A hiking day: Choose Luskville when the trail is open and its difficult terrain suits your group.
• A town-and-waterfall day: Choose Almonte, or make a dedicated seasonal trip to Chutes du Moulin.

For another outdoor day, see Eagles Nest Lookout in Calabogie. For a wider selection of outings, browse things to do in Gatineau.