The Swisha Loop is a beautiful run that covers 800+ km of trails across Southwestern Quebec, and is a common destination for short getaways or shakedown runs for overland travellers. This is also a great remote route for people travelling overland across Canada who want to see a little piece of each province along the way.
Most overland enthusiasts in Western Quebec and Eastern Ontario know about the Swisha Loop. Most of us have talked about it, heard stories, and have it “on our list”. Finally, thanks to the wonders of Facebook, I was able to see the smaller Western side of it and I really wanted to go. The Swisha Loop is a beautiful venture through Western and Northern Quebec that is “stock Friendly” and in some spots very remote.
One night, on one of Facebook’s Ontario groups, I saw an invitation to explore some of the Swisha Loop. It was a group that had driven part of it and were heading back for more. Most of the group were in stock trucks or SUV’s and just wanted to get away for a bit. My wife and I were in!
One night, on one of Facebook’s Ontario groups, I saw an invitation to explore some of the Swisha Loop. It was a group that had driven part of it and were heading back for more. Most of the group were in stock trucks or SUV’s and just wanted to get away for a bit. My wife and I were in!
All of the planning was done online; I didn’t even meet anyone in the group until the rendezvous point. Most of the group was not equipped with the kind of rigs we drool over online, but some were. We had two stock half ton pick-ups, a stock Jeep Wrangler JKU, my Baby Jeep and two serious overland rigs; a Land Cruiser and an FJ cruiser both with all the off-road and camping gear you could want.
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After tallying up our recovery gear and camp equipment, we decided that a two-day trip would get us back to our families and jobs without any trouble. Our group chose Family Radio Service (FRS) radios as our trail communication, because they are readily available and inexpensive. The organizer, Alex, did a great job of mapping out a suitable route for us as a .gpx file and even made a logo for the trip that became a decal for a little extra hp (horse power).
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Since we were all coming from various locations in Ontario, we decided to meet up in Gatineau on the Saturday morning. We introduced ourselves, checked out each other’s vehicles and gear, then synced our two-way radios to hit the road. As is always the case, it took us nearly an hour and a half on the highway to get to some gravel.
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The first stretch of trail was country roads, mostly dirt roads and some gravel--a scenic route with beautiful views of Gatineau’s rolling landscape and countryside. A quick jump on to paved roads brought us to Paugun Hydroelectric dam, a perfect spot to stretch our legs and get some great photos.
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A mix of trails, back roads and some paved road sections brought us to Fort Coulonge for a pit stop, fuel, drinks and snacks. This was the end of paved roads, which meant it was time to enjoy some long trails. The pace was relaxing and did not over tax the stock vehicles in our group. We were rewarded with spectacular views of Quebec’s back country and its charming warm character.
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While the trails were well suited for mildly-equipped SUV’s and trucks, there were some places to stop and play. We spent a while enjoying one particular open sand pit along the trail.
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After a few hours of exploring logging and hunting roads we stopped at a camp just off the trail. It was beautiful and a very convenient place to set up and enjoy a fire against the sound of creek water. The trail had many places that would be comfortable and convenient to stop and camp for the night.
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After a quick breakfast (we brought Mountain House freeze dried food for the first time and like it so far) we packed up our gear and got the group rolling again. Day two was going to be all trails.
This second stretch was certainly much more remote and scenic. The trails were again very mellow, and winding. Given how remote and seemingly unused much of this leg was it came as no surprise that we ran into a few obstacles due to washouts and lack of maintenance. Exposed culverts were a continuous theme on this stretch, but none of our group had any particular issues with crossing them.
This second stretch was certainly much more remote and scenic. The trails were again very mellow, and winding. Given how remote and seemingly unused much of this leg was it came as no surprise that we ran into a few obstacles due to washouts and lack of maintenance. Exposed culverts were a continuous theme on this stretch, but none of our group had any particular issues with crossing them.
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By late morning we were in logging territory where the logging crews had done a lot of clearing along the trail. We drove for about an hour through heavy cutting and downed trees along both sides of the trail. There was also a lot of heavy equipment parked for the weekend. In one spot this made it difficult to find the particular route we needed.
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Once we found the route again it was time to get to work on a bit of trail maintenance. After the land cruiser flexed its muscle (and it is flex!) the rest of us had to bring out the shovels and make a large washout passable for us and anyone else coming through later.
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Farther down the line we ran into more culverts, fallen trees, tight trails and even a beaver damn. All were part of the allure of the Swisha Loop; its remoteness and lack of regular traffic make it a different kind of adventure than a technical trail, and a rewarding conquest full of uniqueness and charm.
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Once the path opened up again we had our last taste of trails through cottage country and hunting camps. The pace got quicker and the dirt was flying. The trails turned slowly to roads and the scenery opened up and stayed just as breath taking as ever.
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As the country dirt roads became paved back roads and then main arteries, we made our way back to Ontario via Cotnam Island into Pembrook. It was time to shake hands, say our good byes and air up our tires. We all headed on our way with plans to meet again next year and conquer the rest of the beautiful Swisha Loop.
 | About the authors... |
Photo credit goes to Tracey Kelly, though we suspect Ryan may have been behind the camera for some of these shots. Photo credit, and thanks, also goes to Mike Cerutii for the drone shots.
For information about the Swisha Loop and for GPS files for this route, see the Gravel Travel website and search on Swisha Loop. As for all overland travel, good preparation includes research and adequate supplies, good communication about where you will be travelling (so that someone can find you or contact you) and traveling in groups. Routes can change yearly based on maintenance and use, such as when logging activities occur in an area, or daily with the weather conditions, which can cause flooding or washouts. We found one example of this, the results of a washout in 2013 on the Swisha Loop, on the www.tacomaworld.com website. Check the forums to get an idea of what you might find and talk to people who have already done the route to ensure safe travels.
Get out here, tread lightly and enjoy!
For information about the Swisha Loop and for GPS files for this route, see the Gravel Travel website and search on Swisha Loop. As for all overland travel, good preparation includes research and adequate supplies, good communication about where you will be travelling (so that someone can find you or contact you) and traveling in groups. Routes can change yearly based on maintenance and use, such as when logging activities occur in an area, or daily with the weather conditions, which can cause flooding or washouts. We found one example of this, the results of a washout in 2013 on the Swisha Loop, on the www.tacomaworld.com website. Check the forums to get an idea of what you might find and talk to people who have already done the route to ensure safe travels.
Get out here, tread lightly and enjoy!
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