Ontario By Bike Ride – August 2019 (Ottawa)
This ride is now over
The detailed ride itinerary for this ride is available below for download. Enjoy great trail riding with a self-guided ride experience.
Ottawa City & Country
When: Anytime. It’s a self-guided itinerary
Photo credit: Ottawa Tourism
Total Distance: 92km
The Ride: Explore Ontario’s capital city and surrounding countryside, a top cycling destination in the province. With rural settings just a short distance from the downtown core, ride quiet country back roads and enjoy the peaceful scenery along with the many attractions near the village of Carp. Add a ride along the pathways and trail system in the urban centre following both canals and rivers and get to experience the best of biking in Ottawa over a two day weekend getaway.
This is a fully self-guided tour. Enjoy a group ride option or ride at your own pace using our detailed maps and information provided.
Experience Level and Ride Guide: Moderate. Participants on this ride need to have some experience riding on roads with vehicle traffic as the routes use a mix of roads and trails. Day 1 route is on quiet country roads, with no bike lanes or paved shoulders. Day 2 features off-road trails that are all on paved surfaces. Limited elevation changes and flat terrain make this ride suitable for all types of bikes.
View digital route of tour – Day 1 – Carp – RideWithGPS.com; Day 2 – Ottawa & Gatineau – RideWithGPS.com (Updated)
Day 1: Carp Loop – 45km
Start from the village of Carp, a mecca for local cyclists, and pedal into the surrounding countryside along a pleasant, looped ride on some of the quietest roads west of the city. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Carp Ridge and stop at the welcoming Herb Garden. Loop back towards Carp, saving time to visit the famed Saturday market, and to cool down with an underground tour of the Diefenbunker Cold War Museum. Hop back in your vehicle for a short drive to the city centre and round off the day exploring downtown Ottawa. Later that evening, enjoy some of the great restaurants and bars that Ottawa has to offer.
Day 2: Ottawa Loop – 47km
Explore the city of Ottawa riding on the Capital Pathway Network following the Rideau and Ottawa Rivers as well as the famed Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sunday is Bike Day in Ottawa, and cyclists will be out in force. From the Parliament buildings to Hog’s Back Falls, Dows Lake and the Experimental Farm, Byward Market, museums, the National Gallery and Gatineau Quebec, stretch out the day and make the most of the countless natural, cultural and heritage attractions that are along the way on this looped route taking in the top sites of city, all by bike.
Getting To / From Start:
Ottawa is located approximately 4 1/2 hours from downtown Toronto and 2 1/2 hours west from Montreal. Carp is located1/2 hour west of Ottawa.
Arriving Early / Staying Late:
Consider an overnight option at one of Ontario By Bike’s certified bicycle friendly accommodations in Ottawa here.
Photo Credits: Ottawa Tourism
For More Information Contact:
Ontario By Bike
Phone: 416-827-2772 / 1-866-701-2774
Email: info (at) ontariobybike.ca
For information on all 2019 Ontario By Bike Rides: