Carbide Wilson Ruins

Hey guys!

I’ve gotten quite a few requests from people asking for detailed directions to the Carbide Wilson Ruins so I figured I’d do so here! 

This is a fairly well known and short, but beautiful hike with a spectacular destination at the end. The round trip distance is about 3km from the trailhead at the O’brien parking lot. With it being the middle of the summer there’s no better time of year to go, especially if you plan on swimming at the falls (which you should!) 

From downtown Ottawa, cross the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge north bound and get onto the Autoroute 5 North and stay on it until you reach exit 12 for Old Chelsea. Once there, take a left onto Chemin Old Chelsea and stay on that road, as it will continue onto Chemin du Lac Meech. Continuing on this road, keep going until you reach the right turn for P-11 O’Brien Beach.

Keep in mind that during the summer months there is a parking fee, $11 for full day, $5 for half which I believe is in effect after 3pm.

From the north west corner of P-11 you’ll find the trailhead. The path follows a bit of an incline that extends a short duration, until it levels out, with this plateau’d portion winding its way through the woods for quite a while.  

You’ll eventually reach a sign warning about a steep hill up ahead, which is great on the way down to the ruins, but not so much on the way back (unless you’re hill training of course). 

Things get even more fun at the bottom of the hill. You’ll soon reach a small bridge separating Meech Lake on the left from Little Meech Lake on the right. This is a sweet spot to just sit and take in the view, or to even swim around if you feel so inclined.

Anyway, the main trail does continue on for quite a bit, hugging the banks of Little Meech for a few metres before winding its way back into the forest. This next section is a bit uphill, so you do have to watch your step, but it does eventually level out. 

Eventually you’ll reach a junction that is impossible to miss, indicating that a right turn will lead you to the Wilson ruins, just 500 metres away (EDIT: As of July 2017, it appears as if this marker was removed, however, turn is difficult to miss). This next section takes you deeper into the woods, and consists of undulating terrain, however, nothing too difficult. As you draw closer and closer to the ruins you’ll begin to hear the rushing sounds of the falls. 

Make sure to watch your step as you make your way downhill to the ruins, as there are plenty of large rocks and roots that can trip you. And you’ve made it! There’s a ton to see and explore around here so be sure to take your time. At this time of year the water temperature is glorious as well and I highly recommend a dip in the falls. The water is very shallow, you just have to watch out for the rocks as they are very slippery and can be a tad sharp as well.

This is a fantastic visual that should help! Credits: http://katharinefletcher.com/Books/HWsample.html

Hope this helps anyone reading!

Steven