
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.