RATING: -Moderate

TOUR TYPE: -Loop

TOTAL DISTANCE: -Island loop: 61 km -Half-Island loop: 41 km

START / FINISH: -Park at Information Centre (Log Cabin) near Morrison Bridge

HIGHLIGHTS: -Views of Ottawa River -Village of Chapeau -Scenic farmland

SURFACE: -Pavement: 35 km -Gravel/PPJ Cycloparc: 26 km

TIME ALLOWANCE: -Beginner: 5 hr -Intermediate: 3.5 hr -Advanced: 3 hr

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Allumette Island

Information | Directions | Map

Information
This trail loops around the perimeter of Allumette Island. The Island is about 20 km long by 10 km wide with a population of around 1500. There are excellent views of the Ottawa River, farmland, forests and the Laurentian Hills. The village of Chapeau - with the fine Alphonsus of Liguori church and eating places - is a good place to stop. For a shorter trip take the half island loop by way of the Pembroke Rd crossing the centre of the Island. More in depth information may be obtained from the Cycloparc PPJ web site.

Directions

• On Hwy 17, just south of Pembroke, drive along Hwy 148 going east. Continue 4 km on Hwy 148 onto Isle-aux-Allumettes. Park at the Information Centre (Log Cabin) parking lot on your right about 100 m after the last bridge to the Island.
• Bike about 1 km up Hwy 148 towards Fort Coulonge. TAKE CARE: BUSY ROAD. Turn left onto Pembroke Rd and continue for 4.4 km.
• Continue on Pembroke Rd to Chapeau for the half island loop. For the island loop turn left onto Desjardinville Rd. Follow this road to Chapeau.
• When you reach the Ch. de la Culbute on the north end of the Island there are magnificent views of the Laurentian Hills and the Ottawa River.
• You will reach the village of Chapeau at 30 km from the start; look out for the St-Alphonsus of Liguori church. A good place for lunch is at the local bakery or the park at the Temiskawa boat launch on Ch. de la Rivière leaving the village.
• Continue on, crossing Pembroke Rd, following the mostly unpaved River Rd. for 11 km. You will have good views of the Ottawa River.
• At 11 km from Chapeau turn right onto Hwy 148 and bike up hill 3 km. TAKE CARE: BUSY ROAD.
• Turn left at Ch. du Range Est where you will see a trail sign for the CCJ Cycloparc. Follow the cycle path which runs parallel to the Ch. du Range Est.
• Towards the end of the loop, when the trail meets Hwy 148, turn left and continue 100 m to the parking lot.