Located in the southwest end of Ottawa, Stony Swamp features a network of beaver ponds, wetlands and forests, and is the most ecologically diverse protected area in the Ottawa Valley.
The Stony Swamp sector has more trails than any other area of the Greenbelt — over 40 kilometres. You can also ride your bike at Stony Swamp, on a section of the Greenbelt Pathway West, which connects to Trans Canada Trail and the Rideau Trail.
Important
- In nature, please follow the principles of outdoor ethics.
- From April 15 to November 30, leashed dogs and other pets are permitted on some of the trails in Stony Swamp. For conservation reasons, they are never allowed on Old Quarry Trail, Sarsaparilla Trail, Beaver Trail and Jack Pine Trail. They are permitted year-round on the Greenbelt Pathway East and at Bruce Pit.
Visiting Stony Swamp
Facilities
Accessibility
The trails in the Stony Swamp sector do not meet universal accessibility standards.
Points of interest
Nature trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
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.
On the Stony Swamp trails indicated below, you’ll find wetland boardwalks and interpretation panels about the geology and natural history of the area.
- Take a walk on the Lime Kiln Trail, and see the ruins of a historic kiln.
- The Old Quarry Trail is a 3.1-kilometre trail where you can learn about the area’s unusual geology.
- The Jack Pine Trail features beaver ponds and beaver dams, and is an especially popular destination for kids and families.
Bruce Pit off-leash dog park
Bruce Pit is a popular off-leash dog park. Dogs are permitted off leash only in the designated area. They must be on a leash everywhere else, including the parking lot (P12), and are not allowed at the toboggan hill.
Bruce Pit Toboggan Hill
Pack up the family, and head out to the Bruce Pit Toboggan Hill (P12). The hill offers great daytime sliding, but is not lit at night.
Photography: What did you see?
The Beaver and Chipmunk trails (28) are loved by children. If you download iNaturalist before you go, you can record your wildlife encounters and learn more about what you saw together.
About Stony Swamp
Habitats, plants and wildlife
The swamp’s bedrock dates back to Precambrian times, the earliest geological era. Stony Swamp is classified as a provincially significant wetland and an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).
The area has more than 700 species of plants, which is the highest number counted in any part of the National Capital Region. Stony Swamp is home to 63 species of regionally rare plants, 11 of which exist nowhere else in the Greenbelt. It also has a lichen population designated as a species at risk.
A variety of reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds make their home in this area. Stony Swamp has 251 regionally rare bird species. This includes 17 species at risk, one of which is the northern goshawk.
Discover the remarkable trees in this area.
Other nearby activities
Scenic bike rides
Enjoy cycling on the Greenbelt Pathway West. Along the way, there are farms, creeks, wetlands and forests.
Greenbelt farms nearby
Make the most of your outing! After your hike, visit a Greenbelt farm — and take home fresh, local produce. Eating well tastes so good!
Wild Bird Care Centre
In this sector, you will also find the Wild Bird Care Centre, which cares for and treats wild birds that are sick or injured.