Hiking and Walking in the Greenbelt

Canada’s Capital Greenbelt features over 100 kilometres of natural trails, which link to the Capital Pathway network. Find all trails in the tables below, along with their length, starting point and policy regarding dogs.

Be considerate of others, respect nature and stick to the dog-friendly trails if you’re walking with your pet.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 less crowded, try Trails 50 and 51.

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.

Winter trail courtesy

At all times, be kind and respectful of others. 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.

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.

Why are there fewer dog-friendly trails in the winter?

For conservation reasons, dogs are not allowed on any of the natural Greenbelt trails in the winter. They are allowed only on the multi-use pathways and in off-leash dog areas (Bruce Pit and Conroy Pit).

Even when leashed, dogs are a source of stress for wildlife. In winter, the colder temperatures, difficulty moving through snow and scarcity of food make survival difficult for wild animals. To help protect them, the NCC limits the number of places where dogs are allowed during the cold winter months.

If you’re looking for extra possibilities, the trails in the Greenbelt also connect with the Rideau Trail and Trans Canada Trail, which are not managed by the NCC.