Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Ottawa, Canada

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Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Ottawa, Canada

1. Gatineau Park Trails

A vast park in the Laurentian Mountains with over 200 km of hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of the Ottawa Valley.
  • Diverse Terrain: Caters to all levels of hikers, with easy, medium, and difficult trails.
  • Nature Observation: Provides opportunities for wildlife sightings, including moose, beavers, and various bird species.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible from downtown Ottawa by car or public transportation.

2. Greenbelt Trails

A series of trails in the heart of Ottawa, offering a unique urban hiking experience amidst lush forests and wildlife.
  • Urban Hike: Provides an opportunity to explore nature within city limits.
  • Recreation Opportunities: Includes access to sports fields, picnic areas, and dog parks.
  • Historical Sites: Passes by historic sites such as the Rideau Canal and Fletcher Wildlife Garden.

3. Queen Elizabeth Driveway

A scenic road in Ottawa's west end that transforms into a cycling and pedestrian path during the summer months.
  • Long Distance Trails: Offers a continuous hike or bike for over 10 km along the Rideau River.
  • Historical Significance: Passes by important historical sites such as Dows Lake and the Canadian War Museum.
  • Recreational Activities: Includes access to beaches, boat rentals, and restaurants along the way.

4. Ottawa River Pathway

A multi-use pathway that follows the Ottawa River, offering stunning views of downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
  • Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking vistas of the city skyline and river.
  • Length: Spans over 60 km, connecting various parks and attractions along the Ottawa River.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible from multiple points in both Ottawa and Gatineau.

5. Bruce Pit Trail

A trail located in the west end of Ottawa offering a unique geological experience with an old limestone quarry.
  • Geological Interest: Showcases limestone formations and a large sinkhole created by mining.
  • Short Distance: A shorter trail, perfect for a quick hike or picnic.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible by car and offers parking on site.

6. Tremblant Creek Trail

A challenging trail located in the Gatineau Hills, offering panoramic views of Ottawa Valley.
  • Scenic Views: Provides stunning vistas of the Ottawa Valley and city skyline.
  • Challenging Terrain: Includes steep climbs and challenging rocky sections for experienced hikers.
  • Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities to spot various wildlife species, such as bears, wolves, and moose.

7. Morris Island Trail

A rugged trail located on a small island in the Ottawa River, offering solitude and tranquility.
  • Solitude: Provides a peaceful, less-crowded hiking experience.
  • Rugged Terrain: Includes challenging rocky sections and steep climbs for experienced hikers.
  • Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities to spot various bird species, beavers, and other wildlife.

8. Carleton University Campus Trail

A trail located on the Carleton University campus that connects to the Greenbelt Trails.
  • Urban Hike: Provides an opportunity to explore nature within city limits.
  • Diverse Terrain: Caters to all levels of hikers, with easy, medium, and difficult trails.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible by car or public transportation.

9. Rideau Canal Pathway

A trail that follows the historic Rideau Canal, offering a unique blend of history and nature.
  • Historical Significance: Passes by important historical sites such as locks and historic buildings.
  • Length: Spans over 200 km, offering a variety of landscapes to explore.
  • Recreational Activities: Includes access to restaurants, museums, and boat rentals along the way.

10. Bob's Trail

A trail located in the west end of Ottawa that offers a challenging hike with scenic views.
  • Scenic Views: Provides stunning vistas of downtown Ottawa and the Ottawa River.
  • Challenging Terrain: Includes steep climbs and challenging rocky sections for experienced hikers.
  • Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities to spot various wildlife species, such as bears, wolves, and moose.

11. Terry Fox Pathway

A trail that follows the old railway line between Ottawa and Gatineau, offering a flat and easy hike.
  • Flat Terrain: Ideal for those who prefer flat terrain and shorter hikes.
  • Historical Significance: Follows the path taken by Terry Fox during his Marathon of Hope.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible from multiple points in both Ottawa and Gatineau.

12. Ottawa River Recreational Pathway

A trail that follows the Ottawa River from Ottawa to Hull, offering a variety of landscapes and views.
  • Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking vistas of the city skyline and river.
  • Length: Spans over 30 km, connecting various parks and attractions along the Ottawa River.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible from multiple points in both Ottawa and Gatineau.

13. Kichesipirini Trail

A trail located in the Greenbelt that offers a challenging hike with scenic views.
  • Scenic Views: Provides stunning vistas of the Ottawa River and city skyline.
  • Challenging Terrain: Includes steep climbs and challenging rocky sections for experienced hikers.
  • Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities to spot various wildlife species, such as bears, wolves, and moose.

14. Gatineau Loop Trail

A challenging trail located in the Gatineau Hills that offers panoramic views of Ottawa Valley.
  • Scenic Views: Provides stunning vistas of the Ottawa Valley and city skyline.
  • Challenging Terrain: Includes steep climbs and challenging rocky sections for experienced hikers.
  • Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities to spot various wildlife species, such as bears, wolves, and moose.

15. Petrie Island Trails

A series of trails located on an island in the Ottawa River that offers a unique urban hiking experience.
  • Urban Hike: Provides an opportunity to explore nature within city limits.
  • Diverse Terrain: Caters to all levels of hikers, with easy, medium, and difficult trails.
  • Recreational Activities: Includes access to beaches, picnic areas, and boat rentals.