Posted on: August 29th, 2025 by Chris Scott
One of the best things about living in Ottawa is how quickly you can escape into nature. In less than an hour, you can swap the city for cliffside lookouts, peaceful forest trails, and even some pretty incredible ruins. Two of my go-to hikes are the Eagle’s Nest Lookout in Calabogie and the Carbide Willson Ruins in Gatineau Park. They’re totally different experiences; one gives you a jaw-dropping view over the Madawaska Highlands, and the other takes you through the woods to waterfalls and historic stone walls. Both are worth adding to your list if you love exploring the outdoors.
A couple of weekends ago, my wife and I packed up the boys and headed to the Carbide Willson Ruins in Gatineau Park. It’s a short hike—just over a kilometre each way—which makes it a great choice for families. The trail winds through the forest before opening up to the ruins of an old stone mill tucked beside a small waterfall.
What I really like about this hike is how much you get for so little effort. You don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy it! The trail is wide, shaded, and manageable for all ages. Plus, since it starts right near O’Brien Beach at Meech Lake, you can easily pair the hike with a picnic or even a swim on a warm day.
Another hike we often enjoy is Eagle’s Nest Lookout in Calabogie. This one’s a bit more of a climb than Carbide Willson, but still very doable even with kids in tow. What’s great about Eagle’s Nest is that you have options. There’s a shorter trail that is about 20 minutes from the parking area. This trail takes you straight up to the lookout. Or, if you’re looking for more of a workout, you can tackle the Manitou Mountain Trail, a 9 km route that winds through the forest and passes by a couple of other lookouts before leading you to the main one.
No matter which route you choose, the payoff is the same: a jaw-dropping panorama over the Madawaska Highlands. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop, take a deep breath, and just take it all in. One thing I always tell people about Eagle’s Nest is to plan ahead for parking and timing—it’s a popular spot, especially on nice weekends. If you can head out early in the day, you’ll beat the crowds and really get to enjoy the lookout at its best.
Both of these hikes show just how lucky we are to have so much variety so close to Ottawa. The Carbide Willson Ruins is perfect when you want something short, family-friendly, and a little different with its waterfalls and history. Eagle’s Nest, on the other hand, gives you that classic “wow” moment at the top of a cliffside lookout, whether you take the quick route or make a day of it on the longer trail.
If you’re looking for a way to spend a weekend outdoors, you really can’t go wrong with either one. Pack some snacks, head out early, and enjoy what makes our area such a great place to live!
Posted on: September 27th, 2024 by Chris Scott
Navigating real estate during a divorce is one of the most challenging aspects of the process. The decisions you make regarding your home can have long-lasting financial and emotional impacts, which is why it’s crucial to approach this situation with care and a well-informed strategy. In Ottawa’s real estate market, these decisions become even more significant given the unique dynamics of the area. Our team understands the intricacies involved and is here to guide you through each step with the sensitivity and expertise needed during this time.
To help you move forward with confidence, here are five essential tips for couples divorcing with real estate in mind:
- Get a Professional Valuation: Understanding the current value of your home in the Ottawa real estate market is crucial. This will inform your decisions, whether you’re considering selling the property, buying out your spouse, or dividing the proceeds.
- Consider Tax Implications: The division of property can have tax consequences that are often overlooked. Consulting with a tax professional can help you avoid surprises down the road.
- Decide on the Future of the Home: Whether to sell the home or keep it is a significant decision. It’s essential to consider not only the financial aspects but also the emotional and practical implications.
- Keep Communication Open: As challenging as it may be, maintaining open lines of communication with your spouse about real estate decisions can lead to better outcomes for both parties.
- Work with a Specialized Real Estate Team: Given the complexities of divorce-related real estate transactions, working with a team that has experience in Ottawa real estate and understands the delicate nature of these situations is invaluable. Our team is well-versed in managing these transactions with the utmost discretion and attention to detail.
When you work with us, you’re choosing a team that is not only skilled in real estate but also deeply committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. We’re here to provide the support and guidance you need to move forward with confidence, knowing that your real estate matters are in capable hands.
Posted on: January 23rd, 2023 by Chris Scott
REAL ESTATE ADMINISTRATOR
The ideal Administrator for The Chris Scott Team will be someone who already has Real Estate industry experience or an administrative position background. This person would be interested in the operations and administrative aspects of the business, rather than sales. If the idea of implementing systems, building out a structure, and creating organization energizes you, then this may be the perfect fit! Our team is committed to creating a raving fan service experience for every client.
This individual will also manage the entire contract-to-close process efficiently and effectively to ensure all files close on time, creating a seamless experience for clients and all parties involved.
This person must provide exceptional customer service and be a true team player! Our mission is to provide a raving fan service experience for every client.
Responsibilities
- Manage client systems to ensure a great client experience
- Manage CRM’s
- Manage and oversee the execution of projects for the Team Lead
- Assemble pre-listing and pre-buyer packets to prepare Agents for appointments
- Manage administration and contract to close process of the team’s real estate transactions
- Be the first point of contact in handling all inquiries and concerns
- Care of front and back-office support, getting listings live on the market
- Prepare paperwork for lead agent
- Help with client events
Qualifications
- Prior Real Estate industry experience is an asset
- Real Estate license an asset
- Tech-savvy is a must
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Publisher, Canva and social media would be beneficial
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Exceptional organizational skills are a must! This is very important!
- Learning-based
- Highly detail-oriented
- Must be able to work in our Kanata office weekdays 9-5 (full-time)
Compensation
Range is $42,000-$50,000 plus bonus or higher depending on experience.
Please provide a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in this position. Please email resume and cover letter to info@chrisscott.ca
