The PPJ 1
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The PPJ 1 is a secure trail segregated from motorised traffic and shared with pedestrians. In the Waltham / Isle-aux-Allumettes sector, the cycling path is on the paved shoulder of the road;
Distance: 92 km (one way)
Runs over former rail bed. Relatively flat (grades do not exceed 4%);
Surface: rock dust;
Rest areas:14 distributed along the length of the PPJ;
Open to cyclists and pedestrians: between May 1 and October 15.
The PPJ 1 Path - From east to west...
Bristol (Wyman Road) to Campbell's Bay
The Bristol-Campbell's Bay ride will take you through an agricultural zone which will give way to magnificient wooded valleys and traditional breeding farms. These often undulating landscapes provide panoramic views of rural scenes.
Bristol-Shawville Section - 17 kms - Country Ride
Rich agricultural area with a surprising bio-diversity. Here, wilderness and agriculture coexist harmoniously for the naturalist's pleasure. At the end of this first leg of the journey is the town of Shawville, with its red brick homes and olden-days charm.
Shawville-Campbell's Bay Section - 18 kms - Wetlands and Valleys
Agricultural and forest land with splendid views of landscapes which glow with brilliant colours in autumn. Crosses wetlands (bogs and peatlands) and beautiful valleys.
From Campbell's Bay to Waltham
Arriving at Campbell's Bay, the landscape changes and the last 30 kilometres of the PPJ 1 trail are characterized by a wetland-dominated forest near the Ottawa River. On this leg of the journey, you will come across breathtaking views of the river. Between Fort-Coulonge and Waltham, you will travel along an expansion of the river called Lake Coulonge.
Campbell's Bay to Fort-Coulonge Section - 18 kms - Plains and forests
Leaving Campbell's Bay, the PPJ 1 runs along Campbell Lake and crosses a bog to reach the fertile plains of Vinton. The trail then crosses the Serpentière Creek, winding through a forest well stocked with game. On the last part of the journey is a forested area which runs parallel to the Ottawa River. At the end of this leg is the village of Fort-Coulonge and its many historic and natural sites, and historic buildings. Interpretation panels
Fort-Coulonge to Waltham Section - 18 kms - Ottawa River
The first part of this leg runs along the beautiful Coulonge River with its clear water and sandy beaches. Beyond the "black bridge" near the Davidson sawmill, the cycling path enters a plain with a panoramic view of the mountains to then travel along Lake Coulonge, a widening of the Ottawa River. Forest paths and natural lookouts over the river and Finlay Islands are highlights along this part of the PPJ 1, ending in Waltham at the former PPJ Railroad station.
L'Isle-aux-Allumettes
Unlike the other sections of the PPJ 1 path, this part wasn't built on the old railroad track bed, but alongside a country road on the shores of the Ottawa River.
The island is approximately 20 kms long by 10 kms wide and has a population of 1,500 people. The centre of the island consists of agricultural land, farms and forests. Chapeau is the island's main village providing several services, such as the CLSC medical clinic, and the beautiful church of St-Alphonsus de Liguori.
To explore l'Isle-aux-Allumettes, follow the PPJ 9 route on the map.