Putain d'Ornithorynque carves out a compelling single-pitch test on the granite faces of Lanaudiere’s I. Névroses sector. This climb begins with a demanding move up a rounded dihedral, immediately setting the tone with a crux that challenges your precision and commitment. Finding rhythm on this initial section, climbers reach a welcome ledge to catch their breath while the rock seems to shift its personality—clean, textured, and willing to reveal cracks and corners that demand attentive footwork and hand placements.

The route then sweeps into a left-facing dihedral that demands steady movement, blending technical crack climbing with body tension. Here, the interplay of fingers searching the fissures and feet pressing against the granite adds a tactile dialogue between climber and stone. Approaching the distinctive roof, the climb culminates in a delicate traverse to the left, where balance meets boldness, before tackling a brief but demanding finger crack that guards the anchor bolts above.

Set in the quiet expanse of Quebec’s Lanaudiere, the route offers an escape from crowds with crisp air and pine-scented breezes. The exposed granite cliffs absorb the morning sun, making early starts rewarding before the midday heat settles in. Rock quality is generally solid, with bolts protecting key moves but a rack that’s essential for trad placements up to 2 inches—a reminder that this line calls for both protection skills and mental focus.

Climbers should prepare for a moderate approach over forested terrain, with about 30-minute access hiking that blends patches of moss and loose rock. Descending involves a two-stage rappel system; first a 150-foot drop to a ledge before continuing down via the adjacent Belette Instantanée route, needing careful attention to ropes and anchors to ensure a smooth exit.

Whether you're stepping up from intermediate grades or seeking a crisp technical route in eastern Canada, Putain d'Ornithorynque offers both challenge and reward: a demanding start, varied crack systems, and a strikingly exposed finish that invites climbers to embrace the rock’s personality. Drawing on solid protection placements and a clear sequence, the climb presents an excellent opportunity to sharpen trad skills in a relatively quiet alpine zone.

Plan your day with hydration close at hand, sturdy shoes that excel on smears and cracks, and a mindset geared for patience and precision. The granite’s texture can shift with weather—dry conditions are essential—and the route’s character becomes especially engaging in early autumn or late spring, when the air carries a crisp edge that sharpens focus but doesn’t numb the fingers.

Putain d'Ornithorynque captivates with its bold line and technical demands, making it a rewarding addition to any trad climber’s itinerary in Quebec. This pitch not only challenges movement but invites you into an unhurried dance with the rock, where every hold counts and every move builds toward a satisfying, exposed finale.