Author: Alexander Stone, Environmental Program Officer, Greenbelt Natural Resources
It’s time to lace up those hiking boots, adjust your backpack and apply insect repellent! Hiking season is here!
The Greenbelt is a great place to hike and features landmark trails like the Jack Pine Trail and Mer Bleue Bog. This summer, discover these hidden hiking trails in the Greenbelt. Each trail brings a unique perspective to the natural and historical heritage of Canada’s capital. Don’t forget to follow outdoor ethics on your next outing!
Trail 1: Old Quarry Trail (P5)
Old Quarry Trail shows the geological history of the National Capital Region. Many photographers flock to this area to take photos of the white-tailed deer that are frequently found along this trail. If you are lucky, you may even see painted turtles or snapping turtles and hear the chorus of tree frogs in the wetland area of the trail.
On your next outing, be sure to keep an eye out for the jack pine, one of the National Capital Region’s 170 remarkable trees. Find the unique jack pine tree specimen with the help of our remarkable trees interactive map.
If you prefer rocks, you are in luck. Old Quarry Trail features outcroppings of rocks known as the Nepean sandstone. This special stone is made up of pure quartz and dense stone. You can see this rock in action in many historic buildings around Ottawa like the Royal Canadian Mint, Dominion Observatory and the Canadian Museum of Nature.
- Distance: This trail is divided into two loops: 1.9 km or 2.7 km
- Sector: Stony Swamp Sector
- Starting point: P5 (Get directions)
- Dog regulation: For conservation reasons, dogs are not permitted on this trail
Trail 2: Jack Pine Trail (P9)
In the southwestern end of the Greenbelt, you can explore Jack Pine Trail. (Recognize the name?) This trail is a central point to a larger network of trails, which allows for a variety of hikes in the Stony Swamp sector of the Greenbelt. Did you know that this area boasts the most trails in the whole Greenbelt? Certainly not a bad place to head to for a hike.
Jack Pine Trail divides into three loops: a short (0.7 km), a medium (1.7 km) and a long (2.3 km) one. It features a wide diversity of habitats, which in turn supports many different bird and plant species.
On your next outing, be sure to check out the American hornbeam, one of our 170 remarkable trees.
Fun fact: This tree’s surprisingly strong stalks were once used by log drivers to attach wood piles to their rafts. Find this special tree with the help of our remarkable trees interactive map.
- Distance: This trail is divided into three loops: 0.7 km, 1.7 km or 2.3 km
- Sector: Stony Swamp sector
- Starting point: P9 (Get directions)
- Dog regulation: For conservation reasons, dogs are not permitted on this trail
Trail 3: Shirleys Bay (P1 or P2)
This beautiful trailhead on the shores of the Ottawa River offers fantastic sunsets. Locally nesting ospreys soar overhead, often with a fish in their mouth. Sheltered picnic tables offer shade when you need to take a break from the heat.
From the trailhead, the Shoreline Trail leads to Trail 10, which is a 4- to 5-km loop featuring shallow limestone meadows and a silver maple forest closer to the river. If you like birdwatching, this might be the perfect destination for you. This trail is located on an important bird migration route and offers spectacular views of the Ottawa River.
To access the trail directly, start your trek from P2, off Carling Avenue.
- Distance: 5-km loop
- Sector: Western Greenbelt
- Starting point: P1 or P2 (Get directions)
- Dog regulation: For conservation reasons, dogs are not permitted on this trail. However, they are permitted on Trail 10 from April 15 to November 30.
Trail 4: Greenbelt Pathway West (P1 or P2)
The Greenbelt Pathway West is a good option if you are into longer walks. This pathway stretches over 21 km and connects the Shirleys Bay sector of the Greenbelt to the Stony Swamp sector.
What makes this trail so great is that it is flat and made of asphalt and stone dust. This allows not only walkers, but also joggers, cyclists, in-line skaters and people with mobility issues to enjoy the trail!
- Distance: 21.2 km
- Sector: Western Greenbelt
- Starting point: P1 or P2 (Get directions)
- Dog regulation: On-leash dog walking permitted year-round
Trail 5: Pinhey Forest (P14)
Hidden behind the Nepean Sportsplex, there is a gateway to Pinhey Forest in Merivale Gardens. Trail 31 meanders through a mixed forest with white pine, maple and oak trees. The trail lengths vary from about 2 km for the shortest loop to about 5 km for more adventurous hikers. If you have time, visit the Pinhey Sand Dunes via Trail 32.
The nearby Nepean Sportsplex offers easy access to most facilities, including water fountains and washroom facilities, which you may want to take advantage of before your hike.
- Distance: 6.4 km
- Sector: Pinhey Forest sector of the Greenbelt
- Starting point: P14 (Get directions)
- Dog regulation: On-leash dog walking permitted from April 15 to November 30
Trail 6: Pine Grove (P18 or P19)
Nestled between agricultural fields, Pine Grove Trail goes through many different habitats, including hemlock and old pine plantations. Exploring the cedar groves that line the trail is a treat. This trail attracts trail runners looking for a more natural place to run, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The shortest trail loop is 2.2 km long, but the hike can be extended to 8 km. The trail can be quite narrow in places, but often widens as you move through the different habitats.
Other highlight are trails 43 and 44, which feature interpretive panels describing the trees. After learning about different tree species, you will be ready to spot red pine trees that attract many feathered friends, including nuthatches, pine warblers and pine siskins.
- Distance: Several hiking loops from 2.2 km to 8 km
- Sector: South end of Ottawa
- Starting point: P18 or P19 (Get directions)
- Dog regulation: On-leash dog walking permitted from mid-April to November
Trail 7: Mer Bleue (P20)
You may know the Mer Bleue sector of the Greenbelt for its famous Mer Bleue Bog Trail. The Mer Bleue Bog Trail is a popular trek for families due to its universally accessible boardwalk and informative panels. But there is so much more to this intriguing area.
For a great hike that is less crowded, try trails 50 and 51. Both of these trails are located on the other side of Anderson Road (P20) and are less travelled trails to discover. You can walk for as long as you would like on Trails 50 and 51. Both trails offer 6.3 km and 7.5 km (respectively) of nature bliss.
Before heading out on your hike, begin with a picnic at the trailhead of Trail 51. Once you have filled your belly, it’s time to enjoy the beauty of Mer Bleue. Both trails 50 and 51 pass through many different landscapes, including woodlands and boardwalks.
- Distance: 6.3 to 7.5 km loop
- Sector: Southeastern sector of the Greenbelt
- Starting point: P20 (Get directions)
- Dog regulation: On-leash dog walking permitted on trails 50 and 51 from mid-April to November; not permitted on Dewberry Trail