What a glorious day it was yesterday, and, once again, I remembered why I am so fortunate to live so close (practically IN) Gatineau Park.
Me and Lola at Mahingan Lookout |
It was a great hike, and I feel refreshed this morning - calm, relaxed, and almost euphoric. I blame it on the wonderful outdoors and exercise.
Anyway, the Wolf Trail is not really all that hard. It's only a short route at 8.5 kilometres, but because it's quite steep and rocky in parts, it can be a slog. But it's a gorgeous route - rooty and rocky and forested, peppered with a few stunning lookouts along the way. The largest lookout is Tawadina, and it offers a gorgeous view over the Eardley Escarpment.
It is a loop, which is really nice so you get different scenery, different terrain throughout. You head in on trail #63 for about 500 metres when you get to a choice: left to Tawadina, Right to Mahingan. I always go to the right - this is because I prefer to work really hard in the beginning of my workouts/ hikes, and the right-hand option is where you climb the steepest and rockiest parts of the trail. But once you hit the Mahingan lookout, it's pretty much downhill or rolling hills after that, and then, after Tawadina (it's a loop, remember?) it's a very pleasant, gentle downhill walk. Aahhhh.
Ok, so I said I'd be talking about hiking with dogs. Mainly, I just hike with my one girl, Lola. I've had her out only about three times so far in the park because this summer has been really, really hot (in the 30s often) and I didn't want to tax her system. But she does love hitting the trails as much as I do. And, Wolf Trail is a great route to take with dogs because there are a lot of spots with running water (like moving streams, etc) so the pooches can get in and cool down a bit. It's also not an overly long trail, taking only about 2.5 hours to complete, which is very manageable for most dogs.
Maybe you have questions, like, "Are dogs allowed in the park?" Yep. They are, but there are some rules:
- Dogs are allowed on ALL but three trails during the hiking season (April 15th to November 30th). The trails they cannot go on are: King Mountain, Pink Lake, and Luskville Falls.
- Dogs must be on-leash
- In winter (November 30th to April 15th) dogs are not permitted on most trails
For more information, straight from the NCC (National Capital Commission): http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park/things-to-do/dog-walking-gatineau-park
So those are the rules. What else do you need to know about hiking with your furbaby?
Lola, exhausted post-hike |
- Bring extra water and a drinking vessel (a bowl!) for your pup. You get thirsty, right? So does she!
- Bring snacks for him or her. You might stop for a snack break, well, it's only fair.
- Do not bring your pup for a hike in high heat! She's wearing a fur coat, and pushing her to workout in the heat is asking for trouble. Dogs DO DIE from heatstroke! If you see your pup panting excessively and seeming lethargic, get her to shade, give her water, and let her rest. Get back to your car and to the vet ASAP!
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