Parc national de Plaisance
Our team's favourites
This national park – the only one in the Outaouais – features rich biodiversity with over 265 species of birds, many amphibians and, of course, turtles! Venture into our wetlands and resplendent forests and connect with nature in these exceptional habitats.
Parc national de Plaisance
Zizanie-des-marais Trail: Walk on water!
The Zizanie-des-Marais trail is the absolute top must-see of parc national de Plaisance. One kilometre of pathway – including over 400 metres of floating pathway – takes you right to the heart of our marshes teeming with life! You will most certainly spot beaver or muskrat dens along the way if not a great blue heron or red-winged blackbird! The flowering aquatic plants found here in the summer are also a gorgeous spectacle not to be missed.
Starting point: Zizanie-des-Marais parking lot.
Le Marais-aux-Rubaniers
This hidden treasure of a path includes a section on stilts crossing a swampy forest. And, located in the heart of a formerly inaccessible area that floods in the spring, a raised walkway takes you to the splendid Rubaniers marsh. Discover this marvellous place perfect for birdwatching – and even spotting muskrats!
Starting point: Zizanie-des-Marais parking lot.
Visit the nest-shaped Perras tower
Whether you’re walking or cycling here, this place will amaze you! The observation tower in the form of a nest pays tribute to the great diversity of winged fauna that lives and reproduces in various areas of the park, such as the Perras marsh. As a bonus, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the marsh and the Ottawa River. Bring your binoculars!
Starting point: Maison Galipeau, Thurso Sector
Bike from one peninsula to the next
The park has more than 30 km of bike trails! In the Thurso sector, you can enjoy a leisurely ride along the banks of the magnificent Ottawa River. In the Presqu’îles sector, you can bike through several habitats as you take the La Serpentine and Les Étangs trails. And if you’re up for a longer ride, you can take La Carrière trail, which links the two sectors.
New this year! Bike rentals are now available at La Carapace Visitors Centre.
River outing to the Chutes du Moulin waterfall
With a vertical drop of over 35 metres, this waterfall is well worth a visit! We suggest you take a canoe or a kayak on the Petite-Nation River to the foot of the falls. Once there, follow the short path to the breathtaking view from the observation deck. Timeframe: 3 hours (11-km round trip)
New: You can enter the Moulin falls site free of charge by showing your parc national de Plaisance access permit.
Protected area.
Enriching nature experiences.
Québec’s national parks, guardians of countless treasures, offer a chance to connect with nature. Safeguard these protected areas so they can be cherished and enjoyed for generations to come.