Laura's Fave Trail

Locals make art for the squirrels and fellow passers-by.

My favourite trail is one where I get hot enough to swim afterwards. That said, this is my favourite trail in all seasons. I can choose a different route every time, keeping it new and exciting even though I’ve walked there many, many times.

Fun with friends - the best part of hiking the trails.

I often start at the Community Centre, where it’s free to park and I don’t have to worry about blocking a spot at one of the local businesses. I go up and over the little hill, enjoying the quirky art work that fellow residents have created for the squirrels. 

​Popping out on Mill Road. After catching my breath while gazing out at the waterfall, or taking selfies outside of the Mill with friends, I chug up the steep hill. 

When I get to the cemetery, I ask myself - how much energy do I have - enough to keep climbing? Or take it easy? If the former, turn left, if the latter, turn right. 

If I’ve continued going up, I have the option of easy (yellow), medium (blue) or hard (red) trails. I like the baby pines and ferns growing along yellow, where I’ve sometimes seen deer. 

Whichever path I’ve taken, I’m rewarded with the beautiful view of the village and the Gatineau River. Then there’s the tricky part - getting down. Now there’s only red or black unless I want to retrace my steps, which I don’t!

​If I’ve taken the easy route, I duck into the path near the flag and sign about Lester B Pearson’s grave site. There’s a small valley where the bird song echos against the large rocks. Although the view isn’t as marvelous as it is at the top, there are nonetheless old cedar branches to stop for a minute to breathe the fresh air. 

Either route eventually connects on the way back down. I admire the handiwork of the Sentiers Wakefield Trails volunteers. They’ve built a boardwalk to keep us out of the mud. Popping out behind the run-down school is the low point of the loop, but soon I will be at the river. I almost always see crows, blue jays or robins on that last little stretch in the woods. 

Crossing the road into Geggie Park, I appreciate the huge pines that have already been here for twice my lifespan. If it’s summer, or anytime between May and October really, I jump in the river!

If it’s winter, and it’s early enough in the day, I stop for a decaf cortado at one of the lovely coffee shops on the way back to the Community Centre parking lot. 

Laura Wesley, Director, Sentiers Wakefield Trails​

The view is the reward for the climb up (and equally tough climb down).