Ottawa

Cycling in Ottawa in view of Parliament Buildings

Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism

The city of Ottawa has a vibrant cycling culture and now boasts over 800 km of on-road cycling lanes, multi-use and country pathways, as well as thousands of bike parking spaces making sightseeing stops around the city easy. While visiting Ottawa, cyclists shouldn’t miss:

  • Explore the Capital Pathway network, offering scenic routes connecting to world-class museums, art galleries, and other attractions.
    • The Capital Pathway network includes: Ottawa River Pathway, as well as the Rideau Canal Western and Eastern Pathways, which hug the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Ottawa is surrounded by beautiful rural areas and fantastic cycling destinations, criss-crossed by quiet roads and showcased through a series of rural cycling routes.
  • Rent a bike or book a guided cycling tour from a number of great outlets close to Ottawa’s downtown hotels.
  • With a variety of cycling events throughout the year, from May to October, cyclists can enjoy Weekend Bikedays, where the National Capital Commission reserves some of its roadways in Ottawa and Gatineau Park for cyclists, in-line skaters, runners, walkers, people using wheelchairs or pushing strollers. Check out the online Weekend Bikedays map for the locations.

Truly a bicycle-friendly destination, in 2013, Ottawa was the first city in the province of Ontario to receive the gold-level “Bicycle Friendly Community Award” presented by Share the Road Cycling Coalition. There is no better time to visit the nation’s capital by bike!

Major Off-Road Trails

SundayBikeways

Canada’s Capital Region is home to the Capital Pathway Network, one of the largest in North America. More than 200 kilometres of multi-use paths link superb natural areas, parks, gardens, museums and attractions. Enjoy fresh air, exercise and scenic landscapes on paths that extend from Gatineau Park, through Ottawa and into the Greenbelt. The network links the Capital to the whole of Canada via the 15,000km Trans Canada Trail. The pathways in the Outaouais are also part of the 4,000km Route Verte network.The NCC also has a 24-hour emergency assistance line: 613-239-5353.

  • Explore the Official Cycling Map for Ottawa-Gatineau to find all of the off-road paths in the region. The map is produced by the National Capital Commission, the City of Ottawa and the City of Gatineau.
  • Sightseeing Cycling Route – This 6.5km signature route from Ottawa Tourism takes visitors around the capital area to see many of the most iconic landmarks and attractions on the safest route and paths possible, suitable for beginners to experts, and fun for families.

Some of the top trails to explore in the Ottawa and Gatineau region include:

  • Ottawa River Pathway – This 31 km pathway follows the Ottawa River and passes a number of Ottawa’s attractions. Stop along the way at the Canadian War Museum, Parliament Hill and the Ottawa Locks at the northern end of the Rideau Canal, which is not only a National Historic Site of Canada, but also an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Rideau Canal Western and Eastern Pathways – Hugging both the western and eastern shores of the Rideau Canal, there are over 16 km of off-road paved multi-use pathways.
  • Rideau River Eastern Pathway – This 12 km multi-use pathway takes cyclists from the Ottawa River, where it meets the Rideau River at the falls, all the way to Hog’s Back Park’s Falls and further on still.
  • Experimental Farm Pathway – This 8.5 km paved, multi-use path offers cyclists a leisurely ride through both wooded and open areas, leading to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, south of downtown Ottawa. Cyclists have access to public parking and washrooms along the way.
  • Greenbelt Pathways – Cyclists can explore the Greenbelt through the Watts Creek Pathway (9.3 km)and Greenbelt Pathways East (4.6 km)and West (10.4 km). The Greenbelt Pathway West is mostly flat trail with both asphalt and stone dust surfaces connecting to Watts Creek Pathway. The Greenbelt Pathway East is a stone dust trail that connects to the Ottawa River Pathway. Located west of Ottawa is Shirley’s Bay, where cyclists can stop for a picnic by the shore on the Ottawa River.
  • O-Train Pathway – A 1.2 km multi-use path runs parallel to the O-Train rail service and offers cyclists a connection between the Trans Canada Trail in the north (Ottawa River) and Little Italy, located in the south western area of the city.
  • East End to Petrie Island – Cyclists riding east along the Ottawa River Pathway (NCC) will eventually reach Roslyn Avenue, where the paved trail ends and turns into a quiet residential street. Bike route signs indicate cyclists travel straight and veer right at Hiawatha Park Road to connect to an additional 8 km multi-use trail (trail head on east side of road) with picturesque views of the Ottawa River. At Trim Road, head north to ride on to Petrie Island, a significant regional wetland with a beach and recreation area.
  • Andrew Haydon Park and Moodie Drive Multi-Use Trail – Heading west out of the city along the Trans Canada Trail / Ottawa River Pathway, cyclists can hug the south shore of the Ottawa River and take a scenic ride 4.2 km through Andrew Haydon Park and south parallel with Moodie Drive to reconnect with the Trans Canada Trail.
  • Prescott Russell Pathway – The Prescott-Russell Pathway is a 20 km stone dust, multi-use trail extending eastward from the greenbelt near Blair Rd through the Village of Navan where it connects to the longer 72 km Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail at Canaan Road.
  • Osgoode Pathway / Doug Thompson Pathway – The Osgoode Pathway / Doug Thompson Pathway is a 21 km multi-use pathway running on an abandoned rail corridor from Leitrim Road to Buckles Street through the Village of Osgoode.
  • Leamy Lake Pathway – Located in the Gatineau area of Quebec, this 3.5 km pathway allows cyclists to discover Leamy Lake Park, the largest urban park in the Capital Region. This site offers a public beach, picnic tables with barbecue pits and seasonal washrooms.
  • Voyageurs Pathway – This 30 km paved, multi-use pathway curves along Quebec’s northern side of the Ottawa River and offers spectacular views of Parliament and the Canadian Museum of History.

Ottawa’s rural cycling routes are perfect for a day out or a weekend cycling along quiet roads and picturesque trails. Enjoy stops at historic attractions, country stores, wineries, welcoming farms and markets, conservation areas and more. Routes available in a variety of different lengths, degrees of difficulty and road surfaces. View 16 Self Guided Bicycle Tours in Ottawa and surrounding rural communities through an Online Interactive Map

  • Park to Park River Ramble – 47 km on paved country roads, this route has a moderate experience level. Enjoy cycling along portions of the Ottawa River with visits to Fitzroy Provincial Park and Morris Island Conservation Area. Options for cross-provincial cycling, by taking ferry crossing to Quebec Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • Out a Way 100k – 100 km on paved country roads, this route is suggested for experienced cyclists. A true tour of northwestern Ottawa with scenic rural riding along routes popular for training and events. Some challenging hill climbs and rewarding descents make stops in Dunrobin, Fitzroy Harbour and Kinburn for refreshments worth it. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • Kanata and North Country Cruise – 32 km on paved country roads, this route is suggested for experienced cyclists. Leaving Kanata North, cyclists quickly connect to pretty farmlands, views of the Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills and wetlands. Stop in at Pinhey’s Point Historic Site. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • Big Ottawa Loop – This 31 km route mainly on paved trails gives you a taste of what Ottawa has to offer – scenery along the Ottawa River, Suburban pathways, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Dow’s Lake and Rideau Canal (including locks), passing by both Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files.
  • Carp and Country Debunker – Approximately 46 km on paved country roads with short unpaved section and has a moderate to experienced level of difficulty. Enjoy views from Carp Ridge on this looped route on quiet roads west of the city. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • North Kanata to Stittsville – 61 km on paved country roads and a moderate to experienced level of difficulty. Enjoy the scenery of Ottawa’s western greenbelt with a stop in Stittsville for a coffee and recharge before heading back to the starting point. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • Munster Meander – 50 km on paved and unpaved country roads and stone-dust trail with a moderate to experienced level of difficulty. From Munster make your way to the Old Mill in Ashton, an authentic English style pub and brewery on the banks of Jock River. Also a stop at Jabulani Vineyard and Winery is suggested before heading back. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • Ottawa River East and Farmland – 32 km ride with a maximum elevation change of only 33 m will give you views from high above the Ottawa River, alongside the Rideau River, and the Greens Creek valley leading to the Just Food Farm. This educational and delicious stop offers fresh-picked produce from its farm incubator, where market gardening is taught and mentored. Be aware of the urban traffic portion of this route, or avoid it by reversing back along the trail – turning the 32 km loop into 48 km out-and-back instead. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • Gatineau Park Out and Back – 27.5 km on paved roads and an experienced level of difficulty. Take in the natural beauty of this ride north of Ottawa that offers up a 100 meter climb and then rewards with a 100 m descent. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • I Like To See The Water When I Ride – Approximately 39 km on paved trails and roads. With a moderate level of difficulty, this route hugs the Rideau River before crossing the Ottawa River, where it follows the Gatineau River back south along the Rideau Canal to Mooney’s Bay. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • Little Italy / Rideau Canal – 14.2 km, perfect for beginner cyclists, where routing on paved trails avoids vehicular traffic, with views of the Ottawa River/Rideau Canal and a visit Little Italy shops and bistros. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • Manotick South & West – 56 km on paved country roads with a moderate level of difficulty. Take in rural village ambience, in Manotick along the Rideau River. A great spot to start and end your ride with excellent restaurants and cafés. Visit Watson’s Mill, a historic flour and gristmill, still in operation today. Book a stop in at Strathmere Country Retreat post-ride with a 6,000 sq ft spa. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • The Osgoode Ride – 59 km on paved country roads and stone dust trail, rated with an experienced level of difficulty. Start/finish in the village of Osgoode, quickly enjoying the rural lanscapes of Ottawa’s south end. Stop in Metcalfe for refreshments along the route. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • Rail Trail & Winery Ride – 23.5 km on unpaved country roads and stone dust trail, rated with a beginner level of difficulty. Suitable for a hybrid or mountain bike, ride the well-maintained Ottawa Prescott Russell rail trail just south of village of Navan with views across scenic farmland. Connect to a series of quiet unpaved country back roads back towards Navan and be sure to visit the 2 wineries along the route to sample vintages with grapes grown on nearby fields. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files
  • Cumber Tour de Land (Long/Short Route Options) – Short Option 20.5 km and Long Option 69 km, on unpaved country roads and stone dust trail, rated with a beginner level of difficulty. Suitable for a hybrid or mountain bike, ride the well-maintained Ottawa Prescott Russell rail trail just south of village of Navan with views across scenic farmland. Connect to a series of quiet unpaved country back roads back towards Navan and be sure to visit the 2 wineries along the route to sample vintages with grapes grown on nearby fields. Access RidewithGPS mapping and GPS Files – Short Route or Long Route
  • Greely Loop – 10.7 km pedestrian and cycling route nestled in the heart of the village of Greely. This picturesque route weaves through tranquil residential subdivisions, lush scenic parks, and serene wooded areas, offering a peaceful escape into nature. See City of Ottawa page for inserted map of route.

  • Trans Canada Trail (TCT) – This cross-Canada trail runs through Ottawa. The TCT is a four-season, multi-use trail system with various surface types and users. The trail sections within Ottawa include several trails within the Capital Pathway network (see above), as well as the Ottawa-Carleton Trailway and Prescott Russell Recreational Trail.
    • The Ottawa-Carleton Trailway extends westward from Bells Corners near Fitzgerald Road through Kanata and Stittsville to Ashton Station Road and beyond to the Town of Carleton Place. Over 23 km in length with a gravel surface. It offers recreational cyclists a scenic, off-road connection between rural Ottawa and the town of Carleton Place, in Lanark County.
    • Prescott Russell Recreational Trail – The trail is 72 km and passes through gently rolling countryside, past farms and through historic villages including Vankleek Hill, Plantagenet, Bourget, St. Eugène and Hammond. Mostly soft stone dust, with sections near some towns paved. An additional 22 km trail link titled Prescott Recreational Pathway (see above) now connects Ottawa to this off-road trail. E-bike rentals available at two locations along the trail in the towns of Bourget and Vankleek Hill.
  • Kingston to Ottawa – Rideau Lakes Cycling Tour – See the road routes used for this annual organized event hosted by the Ottawa Cycling Club, with various routes to choose from. The routes take you through picturesque towns and villages along the Rideau Lakes waterway to the shores of Lake Ontario, cycling between Ottawa and Kingston, passing through many scenic areas in South Eastern Ontario. With the routes hosted online on Ride with GPS, cyclists can also follow the routes on their own time.
  • Cycle MORE (Mississippi & Ottawa Rivers Experience) – A new 200 km cycling route developed by cyclists that leads adventure seekers on trails alongside the waterways of the Ottawa and Mississippi Rivers. Cyclists can begin anywhere on the loop that ties the National Capital Region’s famous bike paths to picturesque Lanark and Renfrew counties rail trails, backroads, and historic riverside towns including Carleton Place and Almonte.
  • Trails Connecting Ottawa to Kingston – Ride on a variety of unpaved trails and rail trails from Ottawa to Kingston following: Ottawa to Carlton Trailway to Carlton Place; Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail to Smiths Falls; Cataraqui Trail to Harrowsmith; K&P Trail to Kingston. Approximately 170km.

Excellent mountain biking terrain is accessible in a number of areas located both close to the city and within a few hours’ drive from downtown Ottawa. Unmarked and unofficial trails also exist in various regions and are often published by online special interest groups. Ottawa Mountain Bike Association

  • Kanata Lakes Mtn Biking PC Alana ThomasSouth March Highlands – Located south west of the city and on City of Ottawa land, this fantastic 23 km trail system gets progressively more difficult the further cyclists ride from the trail head, beyond a few easier loops near the entry. Old school tight and technical riding with rock slabs, janky rock gardens, skinny bridges, and steep rock rolls. Mostly flat. No fee for entry but OMBA Membership helps maintain trails. Winter use allowed but not groomed.
  • Larose Forest – Located east of Ottawa in Casselman in Prescott-Russell, this trail system has 35 km of dirt-surfaced, fast and flowy beginner to intermediate trails with little elevation change. OMBA membership is required to ride these trails. Groomed trails for winter fat biking and other uses.
  • Park Trails – Many of the city parks have paved and unpaved multi-use trails that, while not overly challenging, they may be suitable for mountain biking. Be sure to check www.maps.ottawa.ca – select “Cycling” to view “Paths” located in parks.

Ottawa BMX Park

  • Carlington Bike Park – Located at 1599 Morisset Ave, Ottawa in southwest Ottawa, this is a pump track and skills area is on the site of the former Carlington ski hill. It is geared towards more beginner riders and suitable for skills development for children. The bike park uses the natural ground features as well as added wooden, rock and log structures to create an area that is safe and engaging for both adults and children.

Ontario By Bike Self Guided Itinerary – In 2019, Ontario By Bike hosted a small group tours on a two-day cycling trip on exploring Ottawa and countryside. Enjoy a 45 km looped route in the nearby rural countryside around the village of Carp on day one. Stay overnight and on day two ride a 47 km loop to make the most of the countless natural, cultural and heritage attractions that are along the way on this route taking in the top sites of city, all by bike visit augustride2019

Ontario By Bike’s – Ottawa Ride Guide – Explore the city on the 23 km Downtown Explorer self guided route. With so much to see and do, getting around the capital city by bike is the perfect way to get to know the city more intimately, see the top attractions, and have a great day out, all on two wheels visit ottawarideguide

Sightseeing Cycling Route – This 6.5 km signature route takes visitors around the capital area to see many of the most iconic landmarks and attractions on the safest route and paths possible, suitable for beginners to experts, and fun for families.

Capital Cycling Route – This signature route takes visitors around the capital area to see many of the most iconic landmarks and attractions on the safest route and paths possible, suitable for beginners to experts, and fun for families.

Ottawa By Bike – Check out this impressive collection of over 20 cycling routes around the Ottawa and Gatineau areas from passionate local cyclist José Albornoz. The website includes an interactive map of the region showing all of his suggested cycling routes as well as places to stop.

  • Cycling Map: Ottawa-Gatineau –  Brought to you in partnership by the National Capital Commission, the City of Ottawa and the City of Gatineau, the Ottawa-Gatineau Cycling Map offers cyclists a comprehensive online map of the region’s multi-use paths, bike lanes and off-road paths. This is a bilingual map.
  • Self-Guided Bike Tours – This map provides a colourful overview of the 16 urban and rural self-guided routes in Ottawa. Download and print or find a copy at Ottawa bike stores, hotels and visitor information centres. All route descriptions, individual PDF and digital maps can be found above on this page, or at the City of Ottawa’s website.
  • Capital Pathway Network – The National Capital Commission manages a part of the total cycling network (200 km) – multi-use and scenic pathways. This online resource offers cyclists access to maps and other important travel details, such as distances, access to various attractions, parking and more. The online mapping tool makes it easy for cyclists on the go to locate the services they need along the way.
  • GeoOttawa – This online mapping program has been developed by the City of Ottawa and offers cyclists an up-to-date and easy to navigate online tool to planning cycling experiences in the region. By selecting various layers, users can find the best cycling infrastructure to ride while on their cycling trip.
  • Ottawa By Bike – Check out this impressive collection of over 20 cycling routes around the Ottawa and Gatineau areas from passionate local cyclist José Albornoz. The website includes an interactive map of the region showing all of his suggested cycling routes as well as places to stop.

Please note there are many additional map guides for the region that cyclists may find interesting or useful. New maps and guides are produced yearly, and the information listed here may change.

For information on accommodations, attractions and more, visit Ottawa Tourism

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Winter Cycling & Fat Biking in Ontario

January 19, 2025|

While many Canadian cyclists may be fair weather riders, there is a large and growing contingent of cyclists that actively bike 12 months a year. Whether it is for transportation or recreation, getting outside and being physically active, in a safe manner, is more important than ever. Here are some top tips for winter cycling plus info on fat biking in the snow, rentals and trail destinations.

Destination & Regional Partner: