Buckingham: Riverside Paths and Local History

In Buckingham, paths along the Lièvre River and local history are among the special discoveries. A former log slide was partially converted into a walking and cycling path; there is also a permanent exhibition about the development of the sector since 1824. The described out-and-back routes differ in length and landmarks. This lets you decide whether you would rather focus on a route with historical significance, a path along the river, or local history at the interpretation centre during your stay.

Paths with Different Landmarks

La passerelle 2 is an out-and-back route of about 1.7 km. It starts at Tigre Géant, 385 Avenue de Buckingham, and leads to Parc des Anciens combattants near the Brady Bridge on the west bank. Along the way, you pass the water tower and cross a footbridge built on the former log slide. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes. The route therefore combines specific landmarks with a section where the log slide’s former use is visible.

The Sentier de la voie ferrée is also an out-and-back route of about 1.7 km, with a walking time of approximately 30 minutes. It runs from Rue James, opposite the Buckingham sports centre, to the water treatment plant on Rue Charles 100. Parking is available nearby. Unlike La passerelle 2, it has different start and end points: the route runs between Rue James and the plant, while the other route starts at Tigre Géant and ends at the park near the Brady Bridge.

The Sentier du belvedère sur La Lièvre runs along Avenue de Buckingham beside the Lièvre River. Its out-and-back route is about 3.5 km long, with a walking time of approximately 45 minutes. It therefore differs in length from the other two paths, which are each about 1.7 km long. When comparing the routes for your day’s plans, you can consider their different lengths and the stated walking times for each.

The Former Log Slide and Local History

A one-kilometre section of the former log slide was converted into a walking and cycling path. Visitors can walk along the structure and cross the river, experiencing local history firsthand. You will also encounter this former structure on La passerelle 2: the route crosses a footbridge built on the log slide. Its historical significance is evident both in the converted route and in a specific structure along the path.

The Société d’histoire de Buckingham operates an interpretation centre with a permanent exhibition on the development of the Buckingham sector since 1824. The centre offers a different way to explore local history than the path over the former log slide: here, the sector’s development is the focus of an exhibition. If you would particularly like to learn about Buckingham’s history, you can plan this visit as a separate focus alongside the paths described.

The Sentier du Lièvre Ouest provides access to the Brady Bridge and a safer crossing of the Lièvre River using environmentally friendly transportation. This adds another river-crossing option to the routes described. Together with the varying lengths of the out-and-back paths, this can help you weigh your interests during your stay in Buckingham: the river, historic structures, or the town’s development.

If you are looking for a vacation rental in Buckingham, these differences can also help you choose where to stay: consider whether you would like to include the paths or local history more prominently in your trip. You can also explore Templeton as another destination.

For the broader travel overview: Gatineau.