
Canada’s Capital Greenbelt features over 150 kilometres of natural trails, which link to the Capital Pathway network, the Rideau Trail and The Great Trail of Canada. Once completed, the Greenbelt Pathway will be a continuous 56-kilometre recreational corridor extending from one side of the Greenbelt to the other.
All Seasons Trail Map
Winter on the Greenbelt's natural trails
Winter Trail Courtesy
At all times, be kind and respectful of others. In winter, dogs are not allowed on any Greenbelt trails.
When walking or snowshoeing, please stay well to the side of the ski tracks to avoid damaging them. The ski tracks are groomed by hard-working volunteers so that people can enjoy cross-country skiing. Learn more.
Winter on the multi-use pathways
Share the path — in winter too!
Sharing the path in winter is just as important so that everyone can have fun. Whether you prefer skiing, walking or snowshoeing, it’s always nicer when people are friendly and considerate of one another.
Be respectful. Know the rules. Be responsible. And, above all, let’s help keep everyone safe this winter.
West zone trails
Shirleys Bay
In the Shirleys Bay area, there are seven kilometres of hiking trails, as well as 19.3 kilometres of pathways for walking, biking (fat biking in winter), skiing and snowshoeing. The trails cross through fallow fields and young forests, and offer striking views of the Ottawa River. This is truly a birder’s paradise.
Trail | Length (km) | Starting point | Dogs |
Shoreline Trail | 0.1 | P1 | No dogs year-round |
10 | 4.2 | P1 or P2 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
12 | 2.7 | P3 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
Stony Swamp
With more than 40 kilometres of trails, Stony Swamp is a great spot for a hike. Its trails pass through woodlands, an old quarry with unusual geology, beaver ponds and dams, and an old lime kiln. Kids and adults alike will love the many animals they see along the way. Have fun identifying them — and don’t forget: never feed wildlife. The following trails have boardwalks.
Trail | Length (km) | Starting point | Dogs |
20 | 3.2 | P3 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
21 | 4.5 |
P4 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
Old Quarry Trail (21) | 3.1 | P5 | No dogs year-round |
23 | 5.7 | P5 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
24 | 5.1 | P6 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
Sarsaparilla Trail (22) | 0.9 | P7 | No dogs year-round |
Beaver Trail (28) | 1.2 | P8 | No dogs year-round |
Chipmunk Trail (28) | 0.7 | P8 | No dogs year-round |
Lime Kiln Trail (25) | 2.1 | P10 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
25 | 3.9 | P10 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
Jack Pine Trail (26) | 3.1 | P9 | No dogs year-round |
26 | 3.8 | P9 or P11 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
27 | 5.3 | P13 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
29 | 3.4 | P12 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest
The Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest sector has 6.4 kilometres of trails that pass through farms, and a mix of red maple and mature coniferous forests. This conservation area in the Greenbelt contains a unique natural feature: Ottawa’s only inland sand dune complex.
Trail | Length (km) | Starting point | Dogs |
31 | 3.6 | P14 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
32 | 2.8 |
P15 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
Multi-use pathways
East zone trails
Pine Grove
The Pine Grove area has 18.4 kilometres of hiking trails. This large forested area has a mix of native woods and plantations. Pine Grove Forest is an important wildlife habitat, and includes a self-guided forestry interpretation trail and a tree-identification arboretum.
Trail | Length (km) | Starting point | Dogs |
42 | 2.9 | P16 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
43 | 4.4 | P18 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
Pine Grove Forestry Trail | 1.46 |
P18 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
44 | 3.1 | P18 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
45 | 6.4 | P19 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
Mer Bleue
At Mer Bleue, there are 21.7 kilometres of hiking trails.
The busiest spot is the Mer Bleue Bog Trail, popular with families because of its universally accessible boardwalk and storytelling route. It’s an ideal spot to take young children for a walk — even with a stroller. Discover the bog’s many interesting facets with a self-guided tour.
For a great hike that’s far less crowded, try Trail 53, a 6.7-km forest trail that goes up to a sandy escarpment overlooking the bog. This trail is a loop with two starting points.
Trail | Length (km) | Starting point | Dogs |
51 | 7.5 | P20 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
50 | 6.3 | P20 or P23 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
Dewberry Trail (50) | 1 |
P23 | No dogs year-round |
53 | 6.7 | P21 or P22 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
Mer Bleue Bog Trail | 1.2 | P22 | No dogs year-round |
Green's Creek
At Green’s Creek, there are 5.5 kilometres of trails that cut through land with clay and postglacial deposits from the ancient Champlain Sea. Natural lookouts offer striking views of Green’s Creek Valley. The Greenbelt Pathway East offers 4.6 kilometres of paths for walking, and connects to the Ottawa River Pathway.
Trail | Length (km) | Starting point | Dogs |
61 | 1.1 | P26 | No dogs year-round |
63 | 1.8 |
P26 | On-leash dog walking (Apr. 15-Nov. 30) |
Multi-use pathways
Documents
- Greenbelt All Seasons Trail Map (10.21 MB)