Best Cycling Trails in Ottawa

Ottawa has over 600 kilometres of multi-use pathways — one of the most extensive urban cycling networks in North America. The NCC Capital Pathway system connects downtown landmarks, waterfront routes, and Gatineau Park's mountain roads into a network that works for casual family rides and serious road cyclists alike.

This guide covers the best cycling routes in the Ottawa area, from flat canal-side paths to the car-free parkways of Gatineau Park.

Rideau Canal Pathway

Distance: 7.8 km one way (Parliament Hill locks to Hog's Back Falls) Difficulty: Easy — flat, paved, well-maintained Best for: Families, casual riders, sightseeing

The Rideau Canal pathway is Ottawa's most popular cycling route. Paved paths run along both sides of the UNESCO World Heritage canal, connecting downtown Ottawa to Dow's Lake, Lansdowne, Carleton University, and Hog's Back Falls.

Route Highlights

Starting from the Parliament Hill locks heading south:

• Parliament Hill Locks — Watch boats navigate the hand-operated locks where the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River
• National Arts Centre — The path passes alongside the NAC and Confederation Park
• Lansdowne — Lansdowne and TD Place are right on the canal. Stop for the Ottawa Farmers' Market on Sundays
• Dow's Lake — Dow's Lake Pavilion has restaurants, washrooms, and boat rentals. Commissioners Park and the Dominion Arboretum are both accessible from here
• Hog's Back Falls — The canal path ends at a dramatic set of waterfalls where the Rideau River drops into the canal

Tip: The path is busiest on sunny weekends between Dow's Lake and downtown. Ride early morning or on weekdays for a quieter experience.

Ottawa River Pathway

Distance: ~15 km one way (downtown to Britannia Beach) Difficulty: Easy to moderate — mostly flat, some mixed surface sections Best for: Longer rides, river views, beaches

The Ottawa River pathway follows the south bank of the Ottawa River west from downtown. It's less crowded than the canal path and offers wide river views, marshes, and beaches.

Route Highlights

• Start at the War Museum — The path begins near the Canadian War Museum on LeBreton Flats
• Remic Rapids — A section of rapids in the river with views of stone balancing art installations on the shore
• Westboro Beach — A popular sandy beach with a seasonal café
• Britannia Beach — A quieter beach with a large park, about 15 km from downtown
• Andrew Haydon Park — Continuing past Britannia, this park has picnic areas and views of the river

The path continues beyond Britannia toward Kanata, but the most scenic stretch is the first 15 km.

NCC Weekend Bikedays

From May to October, the NCC closes select parkways to motor vehicles on weekends, creating kilometres of car-free riding on smooth asphalt roads. This is one of Ottawa's best cycling experiences.

Queen Elizabeth Driveway

Distance: 2.4 km car-free section (Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street) Surface: Smooth asphalt road — car-free on weekends and holiday Mondays (May–October)

The Queen Elizabeth Driveway runs along the west side of the Rideau Canal between Dow's Lake and downtown. From May to October, a 2.4 km section between Fifth Avenue and Somerset Street is closed to cars on weekends, creating a wide, smooth cycling road with canal views. Combined with the canal pathway, it creates a loop that's perfect for families.

Kichi Zibi Mikan (formerly Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway)

Distance: ~9 km (downtown to Britannia) Surface: Smooth asphalt road — westbound lanes car-free on weekend and holiday mornings (8 AM–noon, May–October)

Follows the Ottawa River west from downtown. A longer, faster alternative to the Ottawa River multi-use pathway, with the same river views but on a proper road surface.

Gatineau Park

Distance: 32.5 km of scenic parkways; 90 km of mountain bike trails Difficulty: Moderate to challenging — significant hills Best for: Road cycling, mountain biking, experienced riders

Gatineau Park is the premier cycling destination in the Ottawa region. From mid-May to late October, the NCC restricts vehicle access on the park's scenic parkways most days of the week — parkways are entirely car-free on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and open to vehicles only after noon on weekends and holidays. This creates over 32 km of car-free hill riding through forests and past lakes.

Parkway Routes

• Gatineau Parkway — The main route, climbing from the park entrance to Champlain Lookout. Expect serious hills but rewarding views
• Fortune Lake Parkway — Loops through the interior of the park past lakes and forests
• Champlain Parkway — Connects to the Champlain Lookout — one of the highest points in the park

Mountain Biking

90 km of trails are open to mountain bikers (shared with hikers), ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced single-track. Trail maps are available at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre.

Note: A free NCC shuttle operates from mid-May to late October (six days a week, no service Wednesdays) between downtown and the Visitor Centre in Chelsea. Useful for getting to the park without riding through urban traffic.

Central Experimental Farm Loop

Distance: ~6 km loop (longer with canal connection) Difficulty: Easy — flat, mostly paved Best for: Families, relaxed riding, nature

A quiet loop through the Central Experimental Farm, passing the Dominion Arboretum, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, and connecting to the Rideau Canal pathway. The farm's roads are low-traffic and tree-lined — a peaceful alternative to busier routes.

This loop connects easily to the canal pathway and Dow's Lake, making it a good extension to the Rideau Canal ride.

Bike Rentals

Several rental shops operate in central Ottawa during cycling season (typically May to October):

• RentABike — On the Rideau Canal at 2 Rideau Street, beside the Senate of Canada. Over 200 bikes available, including children's bikes and accessories
• Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals — Downtown on Sparks Street and at Dow's Lake Pavilion. Adult bikes, e-bikes, children's bikes, and trailers
• Cyco's Sports — Near the Rideau Canal downtown. Year-round rentals, sales, and service

Most rentals include helmets and locks. Expect to pay around $30–$50 for a half-day rental.

Practical Tips

• Season: Pathways are generally clear of snow by mid-to-late April. The main cycling season runs May to October. Gatineau Park parkway closures for cycling start mid-May
• Weekend Bikedays: Check the NCC website for the current year's schedule of parkway closures
• Helmets: Required by law for cyclists under 18 in Ontario. Strongly recommended for all riders
• Surface types: The canal and river pathways are paved and suitable for any bike. Gatineau Park parkways are smooth asphalt. Mountain bike trails in Gatineau Park require appropriate bikes
• Water and food: Bring water on longer rides. Dow's Lake Pavilion, Westboro Beach, and Britannia Beach have seasonal food options. Downtown has plenty of stops along the canal
• Canal path etiquette: The canal pathway is shared with pedestrians, runners, and inline skaters. Keep right, pass on the left, and ring your bell