Do you ever get in the car and just kinda drive in search of an adventure, no matter how small? I love days like that and today was one of these days. It was a gorgeous Friday ahead of the long weekend and I wanted to take the kids in search of a lavender farm. I had googled “lavender farms close to Ottawa” and came up with Ferme Lavender Ridge near Luskville Falls in Gatineau Park. At just over 30 minutes away I felt it was worth checking out!

The kids and I pulled up to Lavender Ridge to find it was closed (even though the website said it would be open?). But, turns out, it didn’t matter. The owner Doug still greeted us warmly and invited us to tour the vineyards and gardens and said he would happily open the store for us.

On such a gorgeous day we had a lovely time walking around the farm and checking out all of the grapes. Unfortunately Farmer Doug informed us that they had a really rough year for their lavender, and they had a very disappointing crop. But it didn’t take away from how much we loved exploring the farm.

On the weekend Doug and his wife bake up a ton of fresh bread, pies, lavender cookies and other baked goods which are for sale in their cute store. They also offer wine tastings, and if the reviews on trip advisor are any indication, the baked goods and wine are of the highest quality! So basically – I am coming back on a weekend!

I had packed us a picnic lunch before heading out for the day, so I decided we would follow the signs to Luskville Falls in Gatineau Park. The trail to the falls is literally just one minute down the road from Ferme Lavender Ridge. There is a lovely picnic site just at the entrance to the hiking trail, so we eat there and contemplated whether or not we should attempt the hike.

You see, I had not planned on going hiking. My kids were wearing running shoes, but I was wearing flip flops and an off the shoulder shirt with strapless bra (lol! not the best hiking attire). But Lucas and Rowan were really keen on trying to hike some of the trail, so when I saw that the Luskville Falls were in fact only 350 m from the parking lot, I knew we could at least handle that!

It was just a short jaunt up to the Luskville Falls on a rocky path and my kids loved clambering up the rocks. I certainly got a few odd glances at my footwear from all the well prepared hikers who were taking to the trail alongside us. The waterfall is more of a water trickle at this time of year. The Luskville Falls is a full torrent of rushing water in the spring and later in the fall, but after a dry summer like this the water was just trickling down the rock face. However, we loved walking right up to the rock face and touching the water and the pool below.

My kids were eager to keep hiking up to the first viewpoint and even up to the Fire Tower at the top of the escarpment, but I really didn’t want to have to give any piggy back rides at any point so I made the call to head back down. It was still a lovely little trail hike, totally possible with young kids, and I would like to return when the autumn colours come in, and do the full hike.

On the drive home we stopped at Potager Eardley in Aylmer. It is just 10 minutes or so from Luskville Falls and a great place to stop for a snack and some fresh local produce. During the summer Potager Eardley offers pick your own strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. But even when those seasons are over, the store sells amazing fruit, veggies, pies and butter tarts.

They also have a lovely cafe with drinks, in house-made kombucha, soup, ice cream and freshly made waffles with berries! Surprise, surprise we chose ice cream…and Rowan and I have been known to enjoy a fresh waffle or two.

Potager Eardley also has a great little playground and a few animals for the kids to check out. Plus, some great outdoor seating and tables for the parents to sit, enjoy a coffee and watch the kids have fun.

Both Ferme Lavender Ridge and Potager Eardley are open through October…so consider making a stop at one of these lovely farms when you are checking out the fall colours in Gatineau Park, and maybe hiking the Luskville Falls trail!