Ottawa leaf-peepers looking for a change from the usual Gatineau Park loop have a fresh idea for the weekend: a lookout tower in the Laurentians that is, by one local account, worth the drive.
The tip comes from the Instagram account @ottawaisnotboring, which posted a reel on October 9 about Sentier des Cimes Laurentides, a 40-metre tower with views over the Laurentian hills. The poster describes the fall colours there as "simply surreal."
Where it is and how far
According to the post, the tower sits in Mont-Blanc, Quebec, about two hours from Ottawa and roughly 20 minutes from Mont-Tremblant. That makes it a manageable day trip for anyone willing to spend a Saturday or Sunday behind the wheel, especially with the foliage at its peak in the region.
What the climb is like
The account says the tower is easy to climb because there are no steps. Instead, a ramp winds upward in circles, which should suit families with kids and anyone who would rather not tackle a staircase.
At the top, the poster says, there is a net suspended over the drop, "only for daredevils." They also report seeing small children bouncing on the net with their parents and having a great time.
Tickets, extras and food
The post lists a few practical details worth knowing before you go:
- Tickets: $45, taxes included, according to the post.
- Advance booking: the poster strongly recommends buying tickets online ahead of time and arriving for your assigned time slot.
- Toboggan: a large toboggan is available to try for $2.
- Food: a small restaurant on site, plus a patio with live music.
Prices and hours can change, so it is worth checking the attraction's own booking page before you head out. The details here come from the post and have not been independently confirmed by ottown.
Planning your trip
If you are heading up, leave Ottawa early to give yourself a buffer for traffic and to make your time slot. October colours do not last long in the Laurentians, so a good-weather weekend is the best bet. Pack layers, since it is usually cooler and windier at the top of a tower than it is on the ground.
Have you been? The original poster is asking followers the same question, so the comments on the reel are a good place to compare notes.
Source: Instagram post by @ottawaisnotboring.
