Mont Morissette (Blue Sea) – A Stunning Viewpoint of Quebec’s Land of the Lakes
Nearly 115km’s north of Canada’s capital, Ottawa, you will find the Parc régional du Mont Morissette. an integral part of the township of Blue Sea. Nestled among the endless lakes, the regions charming small town represent a land of cottagers and a rural Quebec of times past.
Entering the Town of Blue Sea
This tiny two lane town is located at the southern end of lake Blue Sea. You will likely drive through it on the way to Mont Morissette itself. There is a pleasant park built on the lake and a small municipal beach.
Mont Morissette
Located to the west of lake Blue Sea, is a wooded area that forms the region park of Mont Morissette. Consisting of 589 hectares, it is an outdoor paradise with 13 km of marked trails, classified for hiking in summer and also some for snowshoeing in winter making it an all season attraction.
You can do a full loop for a total of 5.8 kilometers and an elevation gain of 240 meters (the total vertical elevation of 400 meters), or you can take a more direct way up for a quick 1.5km hike (3km both ways, 3.4 if you add in a small loop at the top).
Once you reach the summit you will find a fire tower and a slightly shorter, yet still impressive 18-metre observation tower.
Once at the top of the tower, you will be able to see for miles on end in every direction, with the condition that the day is a clear one. From this point you can spot over a dozen lakes, including the previously mentioned Blue Sea Lake, the largest in the surrounding area.
Below are a few different vantage points of the area:
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mont Morissette is a fantastic place to spend a fall day, away from the bustle of the Nation’s capital. You will not regret escaping, especially when you get the fantastic view of the nearby lakes.