Located at the western edge of Canada’s Capital Greenbelt, Shirleys Bay is an internationally significant conservation area on the Ottawa River. The natural wetland features along the shore, as well as the inland wetlands, provide many benefits, including improved water quality and thriving wildlife habitats.
Shirleys Bay is great for outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, boating, cycling, birding and picnicking. During the winter, the bay area offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.
Important
- In nature, please follow the principles of outdoor ethics.
- Year-round, dogs and other pets on leash on the Watts Creek Pathway, Greenbelt Pathway West and Ottawa River Pathway. For conservation reasons, dogs are not permitted on the Shoreline Trail.
Visiting Shirleys Bay
Facilities
Accessibility
The natural trails in Shirleys Bay do not meet universal accessibility standards. However, the Watts Creek Pathway, Greenbelt Pathway West and Ottawa River Pathway are universally accessible.
Points of interest
Nature trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
With seven kilometres of trails, Shirleys Bay offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Access to all trails is free.
- The Shoreline Trail starts at parking lot P1, and connects to Trail 10 and the Greenbelt Pathway West. These trails partially overlap one another.
- Trail 10 starts at parking lot P2, and links to the Shoreline Trail.
- Trail 12 starts at parking lot P3.
The Shoreline Trail, which borders the Ottawa River, offers spectacular views of the Gatineau Hills and is a popular destination for observing shorebirds. It is also one of the best spots to see the vibrant colours of the sunset. For conservation reasons, dogs are not permitted on the Shoreline Trail.
Just like a master builder, the iconic Canadian beaver builds complex dams that define engineering masterpieces. You may catch these enthusiastic beavers at work, creating new wetlands near Trail 10.
Boat launch
Be dazzled by the scenery, quiet vistas and historic points along the Ottawa River. Shirleys Bay is a popular location for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and sailing.
The public boat launch is suitable only for small, shallow-draft boats because of the shallow, rocky shoreline. Access to the boat launch is free.
About Shirleys Bay
Wetlands and birding
Shirleys Bay is one of the Ottawa Valley’s most diverse and undeveloped wild areas. Its habitats support a variety of plants and animals, some of which are rare and regionally significant. Shirleys Bay forms part of an important bird migration route along the Ottawa River, a migration gateway for Canada’s arctic and boreal birds. More than 270 bird species have been seen in the area over the years, including the bald eagle.
Other nearby activities
Scenic bike rides
Enjoy cycling on the Capital Pathway. Along the way, you’ll pass farmlands, marshlands, creeks and forests. There are three multi-use pathways in the Shirleys Bay sector: Watts Creek Pathway, the Greenbelt Pathway West and the Ottawa River Pathway.
Greenbelt farms nearby
Visit a Greenbelt farm while in the area.
- BeetBox Farm: Just a short walk from the sandy shore of Shirleys Bay, you can visit BeetBox Farm. They offer fresh, seasonal vegetables, grown right here.
- Pinewood Orchards: A little farther down the road is Pinewood Orchards, best visited in September and October, when you can pick your own apples.