Lusk Falls (Chutes de Lusk) - Gatineau Park - SOLD OUT
(Moderate to Strenuous Hike) This will be one of the most absolutely stunning hikes you will ever experience! You cannot come to Ottawa Odyssey and miss this hike! The 2.8 mile (4.5 km) Luskville Falls Trail is not long, but it certainly goes up! The 950 foot (290 meter) climb brings you to a peak elevation of 1,250 feet above sea level up the rocky slope of the Eardley Escarpment. The summit is part of an ancient mountain range composed of Precambrian rock, eroded by water, wind and glaciers. You will scramble up a series of stepping stones and between rocks alongside a series of waterfalls as you ascend to the fire tower high up in Gatineau Park. You will experience large pine, rushing falls, wildlife, stunning rock formations, trickling rivers, and great views. You will also get a very good workout. At first, the hike is steep and rocky as you pass the rushing "Chutes de Lusk", largest of the waterfalls, near the beginning of the hike. We will hike through the forest and see nature at its finest; water tumbling along various rock walls and into deep pools. The water has worn the rock smooth. There are three stops on the trail: Lusk gazebo, Pontiac and fire tower. Once at the top of the ridge, we can explore the ridgeline and rock, enjoying great views back on the Ottawa valley. We will then continue along the well-worn trail to the fire tower. Moderate hikers will turn around at the fire tower and begin the descent back to flat land. Advanced hikers will reach the fire tower sooner at their faster pace and continue an extra 1.5 miles (2 km) along the rangers’ road to a cabin before turning back. There are many vistas along the way to stop and enjoy lunch. Hiking boots with good ankle support are MANDATORY on this hike. Hiking poles are recommended. Distance from camp: 15 Min /18 Km / 11.3 Miles
Via Ferrata and Zip line at Chutes Coulonge
Climb the Via Ferrata on a distance of 600 meters (657 yards) and cross 2 suspended bridges and 2 giant zip lines. One of ten Via Ferratas in Canada. Located in the Canyon of the Coulonge River, Via Ferrata consists of a climb/walk along the canyon’s rock face, using cables and anchor points to help you progress along the way. It’s like mountain climbing without the skills being required. This adventure is not for the faint of heart. The climb includes two giant zip lines (260 meters and 100 meters) above white water rapids located in the magnificent canyon of the Coulonge River. This very unique and safe activity will leave you stunned at the beauty of our site and thrilled with adventure. Participants must be in good physical condition to do this activity, over 4’6’’ and no more than 250lbs. DO NOT ATTEMPT this activity if you have fear of heights. Estimated 3-4 hours of extreme adventure included.
Chutes Coulonge is breathtaking scenery of the area's most magnificent waterfalls and canyon. The Italians invented via ferratas in the 1800's to connect remote communities in the Dolomitic alps and later expanded them as transportation routes for soldiers in WWI. It literally means 'iron road' and is for all practical purposes an iron ladder up the side of a cliff which would be otherwise impassable.
Distance from camp: 60 Min / 76Km / 48 Miles from camp Approx. $72 USD
Video of Via Ferrata Zipline #1 Zipline #2
Enjoy a newly built adult obstacle course located up in the trees. Over 23 obstacles such as: rope bridge, monkey bridge, zip lines, ladders and more will provide you with a perfect dose of adventure and challenge. It’s a great way to keep in shape with family and friends. But we are not done yet…
Experience the breathtaking scenery of the area's most magnificent waterfalls and canyon while experiencing two giant zip lines (260 meters and 100 meters) above white water rapids located in the magnificent canyon of the Coulonge River. This breathtaking activity will provide you with the ultimate zip lining experience. It’s a must!
Afterwards we will walk the grounds to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the area's most magnificent waterfalls and canyon.
Participants must be in good physical condition to do this activity, over 4’6’’ and no more than 250lbs. DO NOT ATTEMPT this activity if you have fear of heights.
Distance from camp: 60 Min / 76Km / 48 Miles from camp Approx. $42 USD
Video of what Chutes Coulonge has to offer Trip Advisor Reviews of Chutes Coulonge
Join David Liebman in exploration on of the Ornamental Gardens and Arboretum at the Central Experimental Farm with tips on the best methods of taking amazing nature pictures. This will be a slow two to three hour walk around the grounds looking at different perspectives on how to capture what you are looking at through camera lenses. The Arboretum is a magnificent collection of trees and shrubs which covers about 35 hectares (86 acres) of rolling land. More than 2,000 varieties have been adapted to the region, some dating back to the first plantings in 1889. The gardens include a rose garden, perennial collection, rock garden, annual garden, the Macoun sunken garden, hedge collections, as well as unique collections of lilacs, peonies, explorer roses and irises. If time permits we may also visit the Green House, Experimental Farm or Wildlife garden.
Distance from camp 60 Min / 52KM / 32 Miles No charge
Enjoy a 13KM / 8 Mile 2 1/2 hour tour with tour guide of the must-see sights in Ottawa and, along the way, we’ll discover hidden gems as well. Our tour leaders are not scripted and know the city inside out because it’s their home. Everybody can enjoy this tour, no matter what fitness level. We will take advantage of the NOKIA Sunday Bikedays as part of our tour.
Distance from Camp: 1 Hour / 50Km / 31 Miles. $70 USD with bike rental, $35 with your own bike (Please note: If you bring your own bike, you will need to transport your own bike to Ottawa and pay your own parking, as there will be no room on the school bus for your bike. The difference in overall costs between bringing your own bike and the rental may be minimal).
Map of Route RentABike Vendor Info
Our self pace bike ride will start by Ottawa Lockstation #1 on the Rideau Canal. We will take advantage of the NOKIA Sunday Bikedays closing of the city streets and tour around the canal. If time allows we will continue our tour in and around the surrounding areas. Rentals are available on a per hour basis with a three hour minimum.
Distance from Camp: 1 Hour / 50Km / 31 Miles Approx. $30 USD
We will paddle from the Rideau Canoe Club past a couple locks along the way down the Rideau River. We will then paddle approx. 5KM and then back up river to where we started. We pass many cottages. We stop at Mooney's Bay Park Beach to enjoy lunch and maybe a swim (no life gaurd on duty).
Distance from camp 60 Min / 55KM /35 Miles $28 USD
Take a walk along the Rideau Canal in Canada's capital city and check out one of its locks in downtown Ottawa. Then the group will then stop for lunch. At your choice, bring a bagged lunch or treat yourself to a Canadian bagel (with lox). After our lunch, walk around the ByWard Market where you can enjoy the sites, shops in the market, and treat yourself to maple treats or BeaverTails. This tour will be in two parts:
First we will take a 3.4 KM / 2+Mi from Rideau Canoe Club to Dowes Lake Pavilion. We will first check out Hogs Back Falls and Hartwells Lockstation and then pass by Fletcher Wildlife Garden and Dominion Arboretum. You can catch a BeaverTail while waiting for the bus pickup.
Once at Dowes Lake Pavilion you will have a choice of two options:
Continue walking approx. 6-7KM / 4+Mi through the heart of Ottawa and possibly end up with time left in ByWard Market pending the time taken to the market. David Golberg will guide you through town while pointing out sights of interest and history of the area. You will meet the bus at 2:45pm in the middle of ByWard Market to bring you back to camp.
Load back on the bus which will then drop you off in the middle of ByWard Market. You will then have until 2:45 to roam free and discover this area. A flyer created by our very own Raymond Ockrant will give you plenty of information to help you along. Please note: You MUST be at the designated pickup time and place for the bus back to camp by 2:45. Anyone who misses the bus will need to find their own way back. This can be upwards of over $100 at your own expense. Mosaic will not pay for anyone missing the bus.
Info on the Ridaeu Canal Info on Byward Market
Spend the day at the Central Experimental Farm, Gardens and Museum. We will walk around the grounds for about 2 to 3 hours exploring the five public areas to visit at the Central Experimental Farm. There is no cost to walk the grounds. There is a fee for museum which can be paid on site if you wish to visit it. Most areas are handicap accessible. This photo of Central Experimental Farm is courtesy of TripAdvisor Distance from camp 60 Min / 52KM / 32 Miles Optional Cost $10 Adults / $8 Seniors over 60 CAD paid on site
Arboretum This magnificent collection of trees and shrubs covers about 35 hectares (86 acres) of rolling land. More than 2,000 varieties have been adapted to the region, some dating back to the first plantings in 1889. The lookout on the south-east side offers a panoramic view of the Rideau Canal and Carleton University, while the north-east overlooks Dow’s Lake and the surrounding city.
Ornamental Gardens The Ornamental Gardens display historic and new varieties of flowers and shrubs for the amateur gardener and general public. The gardens include a rose garden, perennial collection, rock garden, annual garden, the Macoun sunken garden, hedge collections, as well as unique collections of lilacs, peonies, explorer roses and irises.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Tropical Greenhouse The elegant octagonal structure was originally built at Major's Hill Park in downtown Ottawa and moved to the Farm in 1938 to be used for horticultural research. Now a heritage building, it became a tropical garden open to the public in the 1970s.
Fletcher Wildlife Garden The Fletcher Wildlife Garden includes a variety of natural habitats. Volunteers are working to restore and enhance these to provide a wide range of potential homes for regional wildlife.
Info on the Farm and Gardens Facebook of the Gardens