Best lakes around Cantley are situated in a region characterized by its natural beauty and proximity to Gatineau Park. This area of Quebec offers a diverse landscape of forests and waterways, providing numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. The municipality serves as a gateway to several notable lakes, each offering distinct features for visitors. Its location makes it an accessible natural escape for residents and tourists seeking natural attractions.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
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The beautiful sandy beach acts as the perfect starting point or resting spot for a day on your feet. You can explore an extensive network of flat, paved, and dirt pathways that wind around the lake.
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Lac Leamy Beach is the perfect summer getaway, with a beach, shaded picnic areas, restrooms, and a swimming area. Refill your water bottle at a public water fountain, or take a break underneath the expansive shade structures, and to cool off even more, take a dip in the water. The park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.
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Black Lake is one of the countless bodies of water in Gatineau Park. While not the largest, it is nonetheless charming. A must-see on Mount King and its trail.
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Mulvihill Lake is a peaceful body of water with picnic tables for relaxing on its shore. Two car parks provide easy access by car.
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Very nice trail. Bring a snack and you can spend some time on the beach.
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If you don't have a car, use the free Gatineau Park Shuttle bus service that starts in Ottawa and takes you to the Gatineau Park Visitors Center through a couple of intermediate stops. One of the stops is here at Pink Lake. Check their website for more info: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park-shuttle
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Nice climb with a rest area and a walk along the Lake to relax. Half was stop to the Champlain Lookout.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Pink Lake Lookout for its unique ecological conditions and scenic views. Leamy Lake Beach is popular for its facilities and family-friendly atmosphere, while Black Lake offers a charming experience within Gatineau Park.
Yes, several lakes cater to families. Leamy Lake Beach is an excellent choice, offering swimming, a playpark for children, and BBQ areas. Philippe Lake, within Gatineau Park, also features three sandy beaches and boat rentals for non-motorized vessels, making it ideal for a family day out.
The region is home to unique natural phenomena. Pink Lake is a meromictic lake, meaning its water layers don't mix, leading to distinct ecological conditions. During August and September, its surface turns a deep green due to abundant algae, offering a distinctive visual experience.
The lakes around Cantley offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including easy gravel paths and more challenging road cycling tours, as well as diverse running trails. For more details on routes, explore the Cycling around Cantley and Running Trails around Cantley guides.
Yes, many lakes are integrated into scenic trail networks. Pink Lake has a well-maintained 5 km trail suitable for various fitness levels. Black Lake is part of a scenic hiking experience on Mount King. Philippe Lake also provides access to an extensive network of three-season hiking trails.
Leamy Lake Beach is a popular spot for swimming with good facilities. Philippe Lake offers three sandy beaches (Breton, Parent, and Smith) and boat rental facilities for non-motorized vessels like canoes and kayaks. Lac la Pêche also features a supervised beach with excellent water quality, ideal for swimming and canoe-camping.
The best time depends on your interests. For vibrant green waters at Pink Lake, visit during August and September. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at beaches like Leamy Lake and Philippe Lake. In winter, areas around Philippe Lake transform into hubs for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
For a tranquil experience, Mulvihill Lake is known as a peaceful body of water with picnic tables along its shore. Philippe Lake is also noted for its tranquility and captivating views, especially away from the main beach areas.
Yes, parking is generally available. Mulvihill Lake has two car parks for easy access. Pink Lake has parking available at its lookout. For lakes within Gatineau Park like Philippe Lake and Lac la Pêche, designated parking areas are provided, often requiring a park pass.
Policies vary by lake and specific areas. While some trails in Gatineau Park may allow dogs on leash, it's important to note that pets are generally not permitted at Lac la Pêche's lake, beaches, or campgrounds due to its ecological importance. Always check specific regulations for each location you plan to visit.
Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and diverse opportunities for outdoor activities. The unique ecological features of lakes like Pink Lake, the family-friendly amenities at Leamy Lake Beach, and the peaceful settings of places like Mulvihill Lake are frequently highlighted. The region's appeal is evident from the 149 upvotes and 21 photos shared by the komoot community.
Lac la Pêche, the largest lake in Gatineau Park, offers universally accessible facilities, including its supervised beach and picnic areas. This ensures a more inclusive experience for all visitors.


Still not found your perfect lake around Cantley? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.