The Most Vulnerable Ecosystem in Quebec - Luskville Falls Trail

This is Luskville Falls Trail, here in Gatineau, Quebec. It's 4.2 km long and rises 300 meters to the top of the Eardley Escarpment, starting from the plane of the St Lawrence lowlands up to the ancient Rock of the Canadian Shield.
The escarpment marks the southern limit of Gatineau Park and because it faces south, it also has a warmer and dryer microclimate than elsewhere else in the park. With that, comes the richest and most vulnerable ecosystem in the park which is home to the highest number of plant species at risk in all of Quebec.
Not only that, but in the winter, there is less accumulation of snow on the escarpment, and the snow melts more quickly in spring, allowing animals to move about more easily. For example, the majority of Gatineau Park's whitetail deer spend winter on the escarpment.
On this particular hike, as you ascend the escarpment you'll notice changes in the composition of the forest around you and gain increasingly spectacular views of the Ottawa Valley below.
Several sections of this trail are steep but fairly manageable for those who are able-bodied. The hike takes two to three hours. In our case, we went halfway to the top because we had a small but ridiculously cute human with us ;P
The escarpment is a fragile environment inhabited by many species at risk. It is the responsibility of each visitor to minimize his or her environmental impact... So be sure to remain on the trail at all times.
Apparently, no dogs are allowed but we didn't see the sign until we came back down 🤷‍♂️

[@paulinedurham7731]

Amazing narrative of a wonderful Quebec, Canada hiking trail! Love this! 🥰❤️

[@BenDurham]

Glad you enjoyed it, mom! ♥

[@MatthewHoHiWorld]

Is there anyway to get there without driving?

[@BenDurham]

A long bike ride but unfortunately not really that accessible without a vehicle.