Explore the Lusk Cave!

Maps and Publications

The Lusk Cave Trail (174.88 KB)

Lusk Cave - Interpretation Panel (403.5 KB)

Lusk Cave - Underground Map (1.25 MB)

Gatineau Park Summer Map (1.2 MB)

Gatineau Park Summer Trail Map (8.28 MB)

Gatineau Park Winter Map (2.31 MB)

Gatineau Park Winter Trail Map, 2011-12 (6.2 MB)

Lusk Cave is a superb example of a marble cave. Buckle on a hard hat, pull on some waterproof footwear, grab a flashlight and explore this natural geological phenomenon.

The Lusk Cave has been thousands of years in the making. During the Ice Age, Canada went through four major glaciations. The last, the Wisconsin Glaciation, saw ice forming over almost all of Canada and as far as the state of Wisconsin in the United States. When the Wisconsin Glacier melted about 12,500 years ago, water trapped under the melting glacier was forced into cracks in the rocks. The marble of Lusk Cave eroded more quickly than surrounding rocks, causing a series of tunnels to form. Since then, the Lusk Stream has continued to shape the cave.

Lusk Cave is in the Philippe Lake area, about 5 kilometres from Parent Beach. It is an easy hike along trails dotted with interpretation panels. The 10-kilometre round trip takes about four hours to walk.

Are you worried about what you might encounter in the cave? You are unlikely to find any wildlife in the cave other than insects, frogs and a few fish in the stream. Although a beaver did take up residence one summer!

Help us protect Gatineau Park and leave no trace.

Facilities

Washrooms	There are bathrooms at Parent Beach.
Parking	Parking is available at Parent Beach on Philippe Lake. There is a vehicle access fee.
Picnic Areas	There is a picnic area at Parent Beach.

For more information see Gatineau Park’s visitor information.