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9 Outdoor Activities that Showcase Ottawa’s Natural Beauty
As a homebody for as long as I can remember, moving to Ottawa has made me appreciate the world outside my four walls. The city features some of the best outdoor activities in Canada that aren’t just fun and excitement but also showcase Ottawa’s natural beauty and culture.
So, if you’re tired of going to the same old shopping malls, cafes, museums, etc., you’ve come to the right place! I’ve listed some of my favourite outdoor activities in Ottawa throughout the year, whether during summer, winter, or everything in between.
I’ve also included some tips you may find handy, so make sure to read until the end!
Bike along the Capital Pathway
Media credit: ncc_ccn
Address: Capital Pathway Trailhead, Ottawa
Cost: Free
The Capital Pathway is one of the best cycling spots in Ottawa because it connects to multiple gardens, parks, and museums. This way, you can hit two (or more) birds with one stone and visit as many attractions along the way while hitting your fitness goal for the day!
It’s always fun to cycle through this path, especially if you don’t know what to expect—you’ll discover multiple points of interest along the way! Furthermore, there are several scenic spots across this 200-km pathway where you can take pictures during your adventure.
While you’re biking, you may also encounter other joggers as well as locals who are simply out to walk their dogs, so make sure to share the road!
Pro tip:
Check out the closures page on CCN-NCC’s official website to see which sections of the trail are currently under maintenance.
Ice skate at Rideau Canal
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Address: 34 Beckwith Street South
Cost: Free
Come wintertime, the Rideau Canal freezes over and offers one of the best FREE ice skating rinks in the country. It’s the largest skating rink that forms naturally, spanning 4.8 miles long, which means that you’ll have more than ample room to practice!
It’s a surreal experience to see the lights of downtown Ottowa while you peacefully glide through the frozen canal using your trusty skates. The surrounding streets will also be covered in a thick blanket of snow, which will get you into the holiday spirit even more.
If you don’t have skates, you can rent a pair for CAD33 for two hours at the Rideau Canal. Moreover, they offer other skating essentials, like ice trikes, helmets, kicksleds, and sleighs.
Pro tip:
If you’re driving, the closest public parking space is the City Hall’s car park, which never runs out of spots. It’s also only 5 minutes away from the canal!
Camp overnight at Gatineau Park
Media credit: parcgatineaupark
Address: 33 Chem. Scott
Contact details: +1 819-827-2020
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Website
Whether you’re looking to experience the great outdoors or not, you must include Gatineau Park in your itinerary. It’s the largest green space in the region, and it offers plentiful opportunities for adventure-seekers, one of which is camping.
For starters, you can set up camp and sleep overnight amidst serene greeneries, lakes, and towering trees. There are over 30 campsites in the park, and you can choose to stay in cabins or traditional tents.
Pro tip:
Follow their official Instagram page to know when camping reservations will start. These slots get filled up quickly, so be sure to be the first in line!
Paddle your way through the Ottawa River
Media credit: nicktroutmankayak
Address: Ottawa River
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Kayaking is one of the best outdoor summer activities in Ottawa because of the variety of lakes and rivers the city has. However, the creme de la creme is arguably the Ottawa River because of its sheer size and beautiful surrounding views.
It’s also a great spot for beginners, as it features flatwater sections like in Rideau Canal. At the same time, however, there are much rougher spots to canoe in the Ottawa River, and that’s where competitive paddling THRIVES!
Some things that you have to consider before kayaking include the water level and the freezing temperature. You have to wait for the levels to drop, and even if you’re a good swimmer, the cold water will disorient anyone.
Pro tip:
Join the official Ottawa Paddlers group on Facebook to get the best tips, routes, and even itineraries before you visit the river.
Jog at the Old Quarry Trail
Media credit: eotreks
Address: Eagleson Rd, Kanata
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
The Old Quarry Trail is a great spot if you’re looking to get your steps in for the day because it offers several picturesque spots. For instance, there’s this wooden pathway that’s surrounded by a field of cattails.
It’s also open year-round, providing you with different types of views depending on the season you choose to jog. I love visiting this place during December because it’s covered by snow, and there are also opportunities for skiing.
You can also do some foraging while you’re here, as there are several flora species here that are waiting to be discovered during one of your jogs.
Pro tip:
We recommend cleated running shoes (especially in winter!) if you’re jogging here as the trail has different terrains.
