The Old Quarry Trail is located in the Stony Swamp sector, the largest wooded area in the National Capital Greenbelt. It is a central point for many trails in the area, making each visit a new adventure.
Important
- In nature, please follow the principles of outdoor ethics.
- For conservation reasons, dogs are not permitted on the Old Quarry Trail.
Exploring Old Quarry Trail
The Old Quarry Trail is divided into two loops — medium (1.9 km) and long (2.7 km) — with interpretation panels along the way depicting the geological history of the region.
In the wetland area, to the east (at the centre of the medium loop), you can see painted turtles and snapping turtles. In the spring, tree frogs can be heard.
Many photographers visit this area to take shots of the white-tailed deer that are often seen along the trail. Moreover, the backdrop of remarkable trees in this area makes for beautiful photo compositions.
Facilities
- Parking: Free, year-round parking at P5.
- Washrooms: One outhouse.
- Picnic area: Unsheltered picnic area.
- Universal accessibility: Does not meet universal accessibility standards.
Geological history
Much of the outcroppings of rocks found in this area are what is commonly known as Nepean sandstone. Its composition includes nearly pure quartz, creating a well-cemented, dense stone which is ideal for use in the construction of buildings.
You can see this special stone in many of our capital’s heritage buildings, such as the 1916 Parliament Buildings, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Dominion Observatory and, of course, the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Download the Old Quarry Trail brochure before you go.
