
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Ottawa, Canada
1. Gatineau Park
Enjoy breathtaking views and over 200 km of hiking trails in this expansive park straddling both Ottawa and Gatineau.
- Diverse Terrain: Features a variety of landscapes, from rugged cliffs to peaceful lakes.
- Picnic Spots: Offers numerous picnic areas perfect for relaxing after a long hike.
- Wildlife Encounters: Provides opportunities to spot wildlife such as moose, deer, and beavers.
2. Greenbelt Trails
Discover Ottawa's urban wilderness with over 100 km of multi-use trails within the city.
- Accessibility: Connected to numerous neighborhoods and bike paths, making it easily accessible.
- Eco-friendly Education: Educational signage helps visitors learn about local ecosystems and wildlife.
- Urban Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to see urban coyotes, beavers, and various bird species.
3. Bruce Pit Conservation Area
An old limestone quarry turned nature reserve with several hiking trails and a lake.
- Quarry History: Features remnants of the former limestone operation and offers historical insights.
- Lake Activities: Offers swimming, canoeing, and fishing during summer months.
- Wildflower Viewing: Features a variety of wildflowers in the spring and early summer.
4. Mer Bleue Bog
Explore one of Canada's largest peat bogs with boardwalk trails and educational exhibits.
- Boardwalk Trails: Allows easy exploration of the bog without disturbing the delicate ecosystem.
- Wetland Conservation: Focuses on the conservation and education of wetland ecosystems.
- Bird Watching: Offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, including rare species like the black tern.
5. Mooney's Bay Park
Experience scenic views of the Rideau River and enjoy hiking trails through wooded areas.
- River Views: Offers stunning views of the Rideau River and its surrounding landscapes.
- Historic Site: Features the historic Mooney's Bay Dam, built in the late 1800s.
- Water Sports: Provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming during summer months.
6. Jack Pine Trail
Experience a challenging hike through the Carp Hills, featuring steep terrain and beautiful views.
- Steep Terrain: Features steep climbs and descents, offering a challenging hiking experience.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers several viewpoints with panoramic views of the valley below.
- Nature Photography: Ideal for capturing scenic photos, particularly during fall foliage season.
7. White Lake Conservation Area
Enjoy hiking trails, a pristine lake, and opportunities for wildlife viewing in this conservation area.
- Pristine Lake: Features a clear, tranquil lake perfect for canoeing or kayaking.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot wildlife such as white-tailed deer and beaver.
- Historical Ruins: Includes the remnants of a former mill, adding a touch of history to your hike.
8. Tremblant Creek Conservation Area
Hike through a beautiful forested area along Tremblant Creek, with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Waterfall Viewing: Features several waterfalls cascading down the slopes.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers chances to see birds, mammals, and amphibians in their natural habitat.
- Forested Trails: Provides a peaceful, forested hiking experience.
9. Ottawa River Pathway
Follow the scenic Ottawa River along this multi-use pathway, perfect for cycling or walking.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Ottawa River and its surroundings.
- Urban Connection: Connects numerous neighborhoods, making it easily accessible from many locations.
- Recreational Activities: Offers opportunities for cycling, jogging, and rollerblading during summer months.
10. Carp Ridge
Experience a challenging hike up the Carp Ridge for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Challenging Hike: Features steep climbs, making it a challenging hiking experience.
- Panoramic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Ottawa Valley and the Gatineau Hills.
- Nature Photography: Ideal for capturing scenic photos, particularly during fall foliage season.
11. Pine Grove Forest
Hike through a beautiful forested area with opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
- Forested Trails: Provides a peaceful, forested hiking experience.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers chances to see wildlife such as white-tailed deer and various bird species.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Ideal for birdwatching, particularly during spring and fall migrations.
12. Petrie Island Park
Enjoy a scenic hike or bike ride along the Ottawa River, with opportunities for picnicking and water sports.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Ottawa River and its surroundings.
- Urban Connection: Connected to numerous neighborhoods, making it easily accessible from many locations.
- Recreational Activities: Offers opportunities for cycling, jogging, and swimming during summer months.
13. Kanata Lakes Trail System
Explore a network of trails through the heart of Ottawa's west end, with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Urban Wildlife Viewing: Offers chances to see urban coyotes, rabbits, and various bird species.
- Trail Variety: Features a variety of trails suitable for hiking, biking, or jogging.
- Community Engagement: Maintained by community volunteers, fostering a sense of local pride.
14. Richmond Farm Forest
Hike through a beautiful forested area with opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
- Forested Trails: Provides a peaceful, forested hiking experience.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers chances to see wildlife such as white-tailed deer and various bird species.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Ideal for birdwatching, particularly during spring and fall migrations.
15. Falls of the Ottawa River
Discover several waterfalls along the Ottawa River, with opportunities for hiking and picnicking.
- Waterfall Viewing: Features several waterfalls cascading down the slopes.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Ottawa River and its surroundings.
- Picnic Spots: Provides numerous picnic areas perfect for relaxing after a long hike.