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
Every weekend from late spring to early fall, close to 20 km of parkways in the heart of downtown Ottawa are open exclusively for active use. These car-free roads are a great way 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. The park also features a beautiful terrace at the Tavern on the Falls.
Looking for the best lookout onto the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills? Rockcliffe Park is the place. With its heritage pavilion, you can also enjoy a covered picnic lunch (the pavilion is available for wedding ceremonies by reservation, so may not be available when you visit). Another choice for a peaceful lunch is the Rockeries. As it is tucked away alongside the cycling pathway, many miss it.
- 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, Sussex Courtyards and ByWard Market.
- 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 by the Tavern on the Falls. Follow the Rideau River Eastern Pathway past Vincent Massey Park and 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, the parkways in Gatineau Park are reserved for active use most of the time. They are shared with motor vehicles on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 pm to sunset.
The parkways offer magnificent views of the Ottawa Valley. They lead to popular attractions like Pink Lake, the Mackenzie King Estate and the lookouts.
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 at the Maison du vélo in Jacques-Cartier Park North. 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.
- The Great Trail of Canada: The Capital Pathway connects with The Great Trail of Canada, which today consists of 27,000 kilometres of multi-use trails.
- Route verte: The Capital Pathway is part of the 5,300-kilometre 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.