The best walks and hikes around East Hawkesbury
4.1
(21)
249
hikers
7
hikes
Hiking around East Hawkesbury offers a blend of rural landscapes, agricultural scenery, and natural features along the Ottawa River. The region is characterized by its accessible trails, many of which are built on former railway beds, providing mostly flat terrain. Natural attractions include Voyageur Provincial Park, which features wetlands and forested sections, and the broader agricultural lands that define much of the township.
Best hiking trails around East Hawkesbury
- The most popular hiking route is Mountain Sugar Shack – Sugarbush loop from Site de conservation volontaire, a 5.8 miles (9.3 km) moderate trail that takes 2 hours 32 minutes to complete, featuring a notable elevation gain of 138 meters.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Hiking loop from Casse-Croûte du Mont Rigaud, a moderate 3.8 miles (6.1 km) path. This route includes the highest elevation gain in the area, reaching over 230 meters.
- Local hikers also love the Hiking loop from Rigaud, a 4.0 miles (6.5 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 1 hour 49 minutes.
- Hiking around East Hawkesbury is defined by its agricultural scenery, sections of the Ottawa River, and the flat, multi-use Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to moderate climbs.
- The routes in East Hawkesbury are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.8 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 170 hikers have used komoot to explore East Hawkesbury's varied terrain.
Last updated: November 9, 2026
4.0
(1)
28
hikers
5.43km
01:33
130m
130m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
3.5
(2)
35
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
4.2
(5)
40
hikers
6.52km
01:50
130m
130m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.0
(4)
32
hikers
4.67km
01:21
130m
120m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
20
hikers
6.06km
01:53
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Popular around East Hawkesbury
Tips from the Community
Sentiers de l’Escapade is a year-round network of roughly 27 kilometres of marked trails that winds through the forests of Mont Rigaud, offering routes for hiking, trail running, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The trail system passes through mature hardwood forest, wetlands, maple groves, and picturesque viewpoints, with interpretive panels that explain the mountain’s wildlife, plant life, geology, and history. With a mix of shorter family-friendly walks and longer climbs to panoramic lookouts overlooking the surrounding valley, it's one of the main outdoor recreation areas in the Rigaud region.
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Parc Chartier-De Lotbinière is a large community park at the foot of Mont Rigaud that includes sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and direct access to the Sentiers de L’Escapade trail network. The park sits adjacent to wooded areas and open green space, making it a popular starting point for hikes into the surrounding forest and a popular spot for family recreation, with a splash pad and open lawns to enjoy in warmer months.
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The Key to the Woods Trail is a forested route on Mount Rigaud that follows gentle-to-moderate terrain through mature hardwood forest and serves as a connector trail to the broader Sentiers de L’Escapade network. The trail passes through areas of sugar maple, hickory, and white birch forest, crosses wetlands, and passes underneath the elevated zipline course at Arbraska, with interpretive signs along the way that explain the area’s ecology and geology. Although relatively accessible, the route includes some steady climbing and is a fantastic, picturesque route to explore the biodiversity and wooded landscapes of Mont Rigaud.
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While passing through this area, you may find buckets hanging off trees. This area is where the Mountain Sugar Shack harvests maple syrup from the maples, then boils it down to its final product. Typically, modern productions use more advanced tools, but this area practices the original method of making maple syrup. Want to taste the final product? Head over to Mountain Sugar Shack to buy some or enjoy a meal with some authentic Maple Syrup.
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Mountain Sugar Shack is a Québec heritage site serving and selling old-world maple syrup from a 120-acre forest of mature maple trees using authentic syrup-making methods. Mountain Sugar Shack is open all year with optional tours. It's a great place to stop and enjoy a classic feast of Québec dishes like pea soup, wood-fired baked beans, omelettes, sausages, maple-smoked ham, tourtière, crispy pork rinds, mashed potatoes, and more, all served with their maple syrup.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in East Hawkesbury?
East Hawkesbury offers a selection of 7 hiking routes, ranging from easy strolls to moderate climbs. The majority of these, 6 trails, are considered easy, making the area accessible for various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes in East Hawkesbury?
The terrain in East Hawkesbury is diverse, featuring rural landscapes, agricultural scenery, and natural features along the Ottawa River. Many trails, like sections of the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail, are built on former railway beds, offering notably flat and accessible paths through farmland, forested sections, and wetlands.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, East Hawkesbury is well-suited for beginners and families, with 6 out of 7 available routes classified as easy. These trails often feature gentle gradients and scenic views, such as the Hiking loop from Pointe-Fortune, which has minimal elevation gain.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while hiking in East Hawkesbury?
Hikers can explore diverse natural features. Voyageur Provincial Park, located within East Hawkesbury, offers trails through various terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The region also features the scenic Ottawa River, agricultural landscapes, and forested sections. Notable highlights include the Canal de Carillon and the Sugarbush.
Are there any circular hiking routes in East Hawkesbury?
Yes, several routes in East Hawkesbury are designed as loops, providing convenient circular walks. Examples include the Hiking loop from Rigaud and the Hiking loop from Casse-Croûte du Mont Rigaud, allowing you to start and end at the same point.
Is East Hawkesbury a good place for wildlife viewing during a hike?
Yes, particularly in areas like Voyageur Provincial Park. The park's marshes and coves, formed by the Ottawa River, are teeming with birds and wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for waterfowl viewing and observing various aquatic and terrestrial species.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in East Hawkesbury?
The hiking routes in East Hawkesbury are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.8 stars from over 10 reviews. Hikers often praise the blend of accessible, mostly flat trails, the peaceful rural and agricultural scenery, and the natural beauty found along the Ottawa River and within Voyageur Provincial Park.
Are there any trails with significant elevation gain for a more challenging hike?
While many trails are flat, some routes offer more significant elevation gain. The Hiking loop from Casse-Croûte du Mont Rigaud, for instance, features the highest elevation gain in the area, reaching over 230 meters, providing a moderate challenge.
Is winter hiking possible in East Hawkesbury?
Yes, the region's trails transform in winter. The Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail, for example, becomes suitable for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, offering a different way to experience the landscape.
Are there specific parking facilities for hiking trails in East Hawkesbury?
Yes, for trails like the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail, pavilions with free parking are available along its route, enhancing accessibility for hikers. Voyageur Provincial Park also provides parking for visitors accessing its trails and day-use areas.
Are dogs allowed on hiking trails in East Hawkesbury?
Generally, many outdoor areas and trails in East Hawkesbury are dog-friendly, especially those in rural settings. However, it's always recommended to check specific park regulations, such as those for Voyageur Provincial Park, regarding leash requirements and restricted areas to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in East Hawkesbury?
The spring, summer, and fall seasons are ideal for hiking in East Hawkesbury. During these months, the trails are perfect for walking and running, and you can fully appreciate the changing scenery, from lush greenery to vibrant autumn colors. Winter also offers opportunities for snow-based activities.
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