How to get to the cliffs
First, a few general points. Public transportation is very limited. It is essential to obtain your own transportation. Most of the cliffs are within bicycling distance of Ottawa. However, most people will choose motorized vehicles. Such people should be aware that speed limits within the town of Aylmer are strictly enforced (especially on Sundays, it seems!). Similarly, the No Parking areas near the access points are enforced. [One commercial operator, several years ago, was instructing a group of beginners in Home Cliff Corner when he glanced across to the road to see his van (transportation for the whole group) being towed away by the police.]
All the cliffs described here lie within Gatineau Park. Only one access point involves approaching across private land. The approach to Home Cliff and nearby cliffs involves walking over farmland owned by The Farm of the Mountain. The owners, Dr. and Mrs. Laframboise, do not object to climbers crossing their land via the obvious cart track. Climbers should do their utmost to maintain this good relationship by staying on the cart track, keeping the approach free of litter, and avoiding walking through the farmyard.
A total of cliffs are mentioned in this guide, which are approached from eight principal access points. These principal points are located at the base of the escarpment.
There are three alternative access points which generally involve a considerable amount of hiking to get to the cliffs.
Mt. King can be reached via the parking lot at Black Lake, on the Gatineau Parkway. The cliffs between Luskville Falls and the Western Chalet can be reached by hiking from Champlain Lookout, initially along Ridge Road, then along a network of trails to the south of Ridge Road. This same group of cliffs can also be reached by hiking from Meech Lake - there are several options here. The nicest one is to park at Blanchet Beach at the N.W. end of Meech Lake, then follow the Wolf Trail (which starts about 500m further down the road, just past a large stream), up and along McKinistry's Ridge to meet Ridge Road. An added attraction of this route is the possibility of some bouldering on the east side of McKinsitry's Ridge.
Principal access routes
A. For Mt. King, the Red Rocks
Drive north westwards along Mountain Road, past the Kingsway Golf Course (a useful landmark for asking directions, should you get lost). A road map of the National Capital Region is recommended. km past the golf course, the road curves round to the left, passing a log bungalow on the right. Past the bend, Selly Road branches off to the left.
Directly opposite Kelly Road, a gravel track leads off up the hillside. A gate prevents cars from driving up. There is space in front of the gate for parking two or three cars. Should this parking space be full, there are several other parking spots further back towards the log bungalow.
B. For Champlain Crags and the Western Chalet Cliff
Follow Mountain Road north westwards along the base of the escarpment. Eventually, the road rakes a sharp 90° turn to the left and runs away from the escarpment. Exactly at the turn, there is an entrance to a parking lot on the right. The parking lot was provided by the NCC for the hang gliding community.
C. For The Chin, Bald Face, Big Overhang, Cardinal Rock. The pulpit
Take Highway 148 out of Aylmer. 14 km from the traffic lights where you turn right in Aylmer, there is a straight stretch of road running towards the escarpment. The highway bends sharply left at the end of this stretch. Don't follow it. Instead, go straight on, along a gravel road (Chemin Cregheur). Cross a paved road (Mountain Road). The gravel road takes a sharp left turn in another l.7 km. Park near the bend.
D. For Home Cliff, Balcony Step, The Gallery, Farm Rock and Hidden Face
Approach as for access point C. Instead of parking at the bend in the road, continue along for another 0.8 }:m and park on the west side of a rocky knoll around which the road detours. Most people park on the south side of the road, immediately past a laneway to a white farmhouse
E. For Twin Ribs, Frog Crack Buttress, Castle Wall. The Throne and The Circa
Follow Highway 148 from Aylmer to Luskville. The village of Luskville is very spread out. Highway 148 becomes a divided highway just past Heyworth and stays divided until west of Luskville. Part way along this stretch of road is a side road running off to the right, signposted to Gatineau Park and Luskville Falls picnic ground. Follow this road, past the entrance to the picnic ground, to
F. For Luskville Falls, the Western Cwm, the Heffalump, Black Bear Slab, and the John and Ron Cliffs
As for access route E, but drive into the picnic ground.
G. For the Western Slabs
Drive out along Highway 148, past Luskville. _ km after the highway returns to being undivided, Pilon Road branches off to the right. Follow it to its end.
H. For Erlkoenig
Out along Highway 148 to the village of Eardley. At Eardley, take the road off to the right, signposted to Masham. Church Hill picnic ground is km down the road.
