Cassandra Demers
Content Strategist
Cycling will take you past some of the most scenic locations in the National Capital Region.
Ottawa–Gatineau has bike paths and routes for all ability levels. The Capital Pathway network, for one, boasts over 200 km of multi-use pathways, stretching from Gatineau Park, through downtown and into the Greenbelt. Plus, the NCC also offers over 50 km of parkways for active use many times a week.
To help you navigate all these options, we’ve prepared a complete guide to cycling in Ottawa–Gatineau. Use this guide to plan the perfect summer outing!
But, before you hop on your bike, here are a few things to keep in mind.
All cycling routes on NCC pathways and parkways are shared, either with other active users or with motor vehicles: Share the Path or share the road.
A map to plan your outing
Use our summer activities interactive map to plan your cycling trip. This map features close to 20 cycling routes in Ottawa–Gatineau. The routes have distances ranging from 6 km to 37 km, offering options for all ability levels.
Summer activities interactive map: Cycling
If you prefer, choose one of the eight suggestions below: there are four in and around Ottawa, and four in and around Gatineau.
Top cycling routes in and around Ottawa
NCC Weekend Bikedays, on Ottawa’s parkways
From May to October, the NCC periodically reserves some of its parkways in Ottawa for active use as part of the NCC Weekend Bikedays program. This program is a great opportunity to experience the beauty of the National Capital Region in a fun, safe, and environmentally friendly way.
Suggested route: Rockcliffe Park and the Rockeries loop
This route follows the Ottawa River along the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway from Rideau Falls and Green Island Park. Take the Ottawa River Pathway and visit our newest capital gem in fresh air destinations, the NCC River House. Enjoy swimming, canoeing and kayaking or simply bask in the atmosphere. Grab a snack at the Bytown Catering kiosk or bring your own lunch.
Looking for the best view of the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills? Rockcliffe lookout is the place!
- Distance: 9.1 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Universal accessibility: Yes
- Note: Sections of the route use on-road bike lanes.
Rockcliffe Park and the Rockeries loop map, parking and amenities
Suggested route: Capital foodie run
This loop is a favourite of urban cyclists, passing along waterways with views of both modern and heritage architecture. There are many stops to rest or sample some of Ottawa’s tastiest food offerings, including the NCC Bistros, the ByWard Market and many cultural districts.
- Distance: 20.9 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Universal accessibility: Yes
- Note: Sections of the route use on-road bike lanes.
Suggested route: The Rideau waterways
One of Ottawa’s most scenic water routes, this fully paved cycling loop is on fairly flat terrain with some slopes, and accommodates cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Start your ride at Rideau Falls Park and Green Island and follow the Rideau River Eastern Pathway past Vincent Massey Park all the way to Hog’s Back Park and Hog’s Back Falls. Cross the bridge at Hog’s Back Road, and take the Rideau Canal Eastern Pathway along the Rideau Canal back to downtown. Detour through Major’s Hill Park, and follow the Mile of History along Sussex Drive, which takes you by some of Ottawa’s oldest heritage buildings.
- Distance: 24 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Universal accessibility: Yes
- Note: Sections of the route use on-road bike lanes.
Top cycling routes in and around Gatineau
Cycling on the Gatineau Park parkways
From late spring to early fall, private vehicle access to the Gatineau Park Parkways is limited. These roads provide direct access to some of the Park’s most popular attractions, such as Pink Lake, King Mountain and Champlain Lookout.
Suggested route: Historic Pointe Gatineau route
Start at Leamy Lake Park parking lot, and head toward the bridge that crosses the Gatineau River. Follow the shoreline northward along the Ottawa River. Loop back using La Baie Park’s pathways.
Alternatively, start your ride at any of the La Baie Park entrances, and head toward the Ottawa River.
- Distance: 6.5 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Universal accessibility: Yes
- Note: A short section of the route uses municipal roads.
Suggested route: The Capital panorama
A downtown tour of the parks and shorelines, this route includes views of both the Gatineau River and the Ottawa River.
Start your ride in Jacques-Cartier Park North, and take the Voyageurs Pathway to Leamy Lake Park and beach — a great place to cool off and have a swim. Head back downtown via the Brewery Creek and De l’Île pathways.
- Distance: 10 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Universal accessibility: Yes
Suggested route: The Voyageurs–Portageurs route
This route follows the Ottawa River from Portageurs Park to Parc des Cèdres, in Gatineau (Aylmer sector). It is mainly flat, and will lead you past marshes and picnic areas to beautiful sandy beaches and a marina. It offers magnificent views of the river.
Along the way, near the Champlain Bridge, you can see patches of stromatolites when the river water level is low enough.
- Distance: 28.5 km
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Universal accessibility: Yes
- Note: A short section of the route uses municipal roads.
The Voyageurs–Portageurs route map, parking and amenities
With so many options to choose from, you’ll never have to take the same route twice. That said, if you want other suggestions, there are more. The National Capital Region truly is a cyclist’s paradise.
The following trails are not managed by the NCC, but check them out if you’re looking for more cycling possibilities.
- Trans Canada Trail: The Capital Pathway connects with the Trans Canada Trail, which today consists of 27,000 km of multi-use trails.
- Route verte: The Capital Pathway is part of the 5,300-km Route verte network — North America’s longest network of bicycle trails.
If you’re interested in creating your own route, then Bike Ottawa may have what you’re looking for. Use their interactive maps to plan your route based on amenities, levels of traffic stress and road qualities.