Summer activities in the National Capital Region

Hiking and walking

Walking is great for your physical and mental health — plus, it’s free and it offers a wide range of safe experiences. From trails in Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt, to the paved multi-use pathways in Ottawa–Gatineau, to the parkways open exclusively for active use — the options are endless!

Be considerate of others: keep right, pass left and make sure that there’s room for others to pass.

Interactive map: Suggested hiking and walking routes

Blog: Lesser-known hiking and walking trails in and around Ottawa–Gatineau

Dog walking

From April 15 to November 30, leashed dogs are welcome on most NCC trails. This includes the Capital Pathway, urban parks and most Gatineau Park and Greenbelt trails. That’s over 500 km of dog-friendly trails to explore!

Keep your dog on a short leash and clean up after them. To let your dog run off-leash, go to an off-leash dog park.

Cycling

Cycling will take you past some of the most scenic locations in Ottawa–Gatineau. There are bike paths and routes for all ability levels. Please be respectful of others: ride at safe speeds, be predictable and share the path.

Besides the 200 km of multi-use pathways in the Capital Pathway network, there are nearly 50 km of parkways open exclusively for active use this summer. Obey signs and speed limits, ride in single file on the right-hand side of the road and share the road.

Blog: NCC’s guide to cycling in Ottawa–Gatineau

Mountain biking

As soon as the trails are dry, Gatineau Park features 90 km of trails for mountain biking. To tackle this hilly terrain on a bike, you need to be in good shape and have some mountain biking skills.

The Park’s mountain biking trails are shared with hikers — always yield the right-of-way to them. Help us protect our natural areas by using only the trails that are open for mountain biking.

Picknicking

Nothing says summer like a picnic! Most of the NCC’s urban parks in Ottawa–Gatineau boast great areas to grab a bite. There are also sheltered and unsheltered picnic areas in the Greenbelt and Gatineau Park. Choose a table, or spread out a blanket on the rolling lawn.

Or, head to a seasonal outdoor canteen or patio — like an NCC Bistro the Tavern on the Falls or Taverns at the Gallery. They all offer locally sourced food and stunning views.

Swimming

Beat the summer heat at one of the seven NCC-maintained beaches in the region! Most beaches offer accessible picnic tables, change rooms, washroom facilities and convenient pay parking.

For your safety, swim only when lifeguards are on duty, and stay in the swimming areas marked by buoys.

Get an early start on weekends, or visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds. 

Our interactive map also includes beaches from our partners at the Ville de Gatineau and City of Ottawa, providing more options to spread out in the sunshine!

Canoeing, kayaking and other water sports

From lakes to creeks to rivers, Ottawa–Gatineau has many waterways to discover. Choose your watercraft — canoe, kayak, rowboat or stand-up paddleboard — and spend some peaceful time on the water. Always wear a life jacket when boating.

Our interactive map shows boat launches and equipment rental locations operated by the NCC and private operators. Access to most boat launches is free. Equipment rental fees apply.

With a Quebec fishing licence, you can fish in Gatineau Park, except at Pink, Harrington and Édouard lakes. Likewise, with an Ontario fishing licence, you can drop your line in either the Rideau River or the Ottawa River.