
Best Cycling Trails in Ottawa
A guide to the best cycling trails and pathways in Ottawa, from the Rideau Canal corridor to car-free parkways in Gatineau Park. Includes distances, difficulty, and rental info.
13 results found

A waterfront park on the Ottawa River in Nepean, featuring a splash pad with pirate ship play structure, bandshell for summer concerts, scenic ponds with fountains, and a direct connection to the Ottawa River cycling pathway. Free admission and parking.

A sandy Ottawa River beach with supervised swimming, connected to the 60-hectare Mud Lake Conservation Area — one of Canada's premier birding sites with 248+ species recorded. Free admission and parking.

A 427-hectare National Historic Site in the heart of Ottawa, home to ornamental gardens, a free tropical greenhouse, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Active agricultural research farm since 1886 with year-round free access to grounds.

A 361-square-kilometre conservation park just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Home to over 165 km of hiking trails, beaches, lakes, and the Mackenzie King Estate. Free to enter; parking fees apply at some lots in summer.

A series of 18-metre waterfalls on the Rideau River, created during the construction of the Rideau Canal in the 1830s. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal system, with locks, walking trails, and picnic areas. Spectacular frozen ice formations in winter.

A scenic park along the Ottawa River known for its balanced rock sculptures by artist John Felice Ceprano, panoramic river views, and year-round outdoor activities including the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter. Perfect for walks, cycling, and boating in summer.

A panoramic lookout over the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills in the historic village of Rockcliffe Park, designated a National Historic Site in 2023. The adjacent Rockcliffe Rockeries bloom with daffodils and flowering trees in May. Connected to the Ottawa River Pathway.

The most ecologically diverse sector of Ottawa's NCC Greenbelt, with over 40 km of trails through wetlands, forests, beaver ponds, and an abandoned quarry. Features the popular Jack Pine Trail with boardwalks and the off-leash Bruce Pit dog area. Free admission and parking.

A 28.9-hectare riverside park along the Rideau River, popular for picnics, barbecues, and family outings. Features sheltered picnic areas with electrical hook-ups, a playground, wading pool, and direct connection to the Capital Pathway cycling network.

An urban campground in Ottawa's Greenbelt, 20 minutes from downtown. Offers RV sites, tent sites, and cedar cabin glamping with showers, Wi-Fi, and trail access. Pets welcome. Open May to October.