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Greenbelt

The Greenbelt comprises 20,000 hectares of green space, including farms, forests and wetlands.
It has since become the largest publicly owned greenbelt in the world.
Most of the Greenbelt (14,950 hectares) is owned by the NCC.
The Greenbelt protects natural areas like forests, wetlands, streams and sand dunes that sustain biodiversity
The natural areas in the Greenbelt support human and ecological health in the National Capital Region

Science In the Greenbelt

Alexander Stone Environmental Program Officer, Greenbelt Natural Resources
Researchers from the University of Ottawa are studying ticks on the pathways in the Greenbelt.
Tracking Threatened Species Finally, I would like to share a Greenbelt study of my own.
The least bittern is a threatened species of bird which is found in the Greenbelt.
I spent many early mornings in my canoe or on foot surveying various points in the Greenbelt.

My Summer at the Greenbelt Farms

My role with the Real Estate and Facilities Management team involved spending my days at the many Greenbelt
Learning from the farmers During my first visit to a Greenbelt farm, I wore wool dress pants and a sweater
took the time to talk with us about the great work they are doing to support local agriculture in the Greenbelt
We hope you take the opportunity to discover for yourself what the Greenbelt farms have in store for
Mike’s Garden Harvest: A community-focused sustainable farm in Ottawa Farm Fresh: Taste the Greenbelt

Farm Fresh: Taste the Greenbelt

The efforts of hard-working farmers right here in the Greenbelt are helping feed our communities.
The National Capital Greenbelt is home to farms that produce a tantalizing bounty of local produce.
Eat fresh, local and seasonal with the Greenbelt farmers
The farm offers several flexible options, bringing the taste of the Greenbelt right to your doorstep.
Visit a Greenbelt farm

Winter Visitors to the National Capital Greenbelt

Alexander Stone Environmental Program Officer, Greenbelt Natural Resources
The natural heritage of the Greenbelt hosts many of these winter visitors. 
We all love to see owls in the Greenbelt. They are beautiful and fascinating.
Keep a look out for these winter visitors when passing through the Greenbelt!
with the Greenbelt’s local resident Chickadees! 

Closures on trail 45 at P19 in the Greenbelt

notice Derecho cleanup work will occur on trail 45 at P19 in the Greenbelt

Greenbelt Ceinturede Verdure ferme farm

Greenbelt Ceinturede Verdure ferme farm

Top 5 Hidden Trails to Hike in the Greenbelt

Alexander Stone Environmental Program Officer, Greenbelt
The Greenbelt is a great place to hike, featuring landmark trails like the Jack Pine Trail and Mer Bleue
This summer, discover these five hidden hiking trails in the Greenbelt.
Une publication partagée par Andrea Ebener (@lilebener) The Mer Bleue sector of the Greenbelt

Seven hiking trails in the Greenbelt that are closer than you think

The National Capital Greenbelt trails may be just what you were looking for.
Boardwalks and natural trails through forests, wetlands and sand dunes — the Greenbelt has it all.
hiking boots, grab your water bottle and get ready to explore some of the best hiking trails in the Greenbelt
Although it is very short (a little over 0.5 km round-trip), it connects with the Greenbelt Pathway West
This area boasts the most trails in the whole Greenbelt — so, not a bad place to start if you like exploring

You Won’t Want to Miss These Greenbelt Farms This Fall

Updated on August 31, 2022 It’s fall harvest once again in the National Capital Greenbelt
Greenbelt farmers have organized many activities to make your fall outings even more cozy.
Farms in the Greenbelt
To discover more farms and unique experiences in the Greenbelt, check out the Greenbelt Farms — they’
to the Land Changing the Palette of the Landscape Agri-tourism: Twelve farms to visit in Ottawa’s Greenbelt

Agri-tourism: Twelve farms to visit in Ottawa’s Greenbelt

Greenbelt farms offer a wide variety of flavours and experiences.
can also add to your experience by including an outdoor activity in a sector of the National Capital Greenbelt
The Greenbelt is also where you’ll find one of the most beautiful jewels of the region, the Mer Bleue
Take advantage of your trip to the southern Greenbelt to visit the Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest area
To find other farms to visit in the region, check the NCC’s Greenbelt Farm Fresh map.

Fall Rhapsody

From the heart of the Capital to the peaceful Greenbelt and beyond, there are many unique and fascinating
The Greenbelt
The Greenbelt’s close proximity to residential areas across Ottawa makes it the perfect destination to
If you’re setting out alone in Gatineau Park or the Greenbelt, bring a cellphone, a whistle and a flashlight
Landscape Three tips for taking in the fall colours in Gatineau Park You Won’t Want to Miss These Greenbelt

Mike’s Garden Harvest: A community-focused sustainable farm in Ottawa

Canada’s Capital Greenbelt
Secure your CSA basket with Mike’s Garden Harvest Explore other CSA options in the Greenbelt
The Greenbelt farming sector includes 5,400 hectares of good-quality farmland, and our region has a favourable
The NCC manages over 80 farms in the Greenbelt, leasing them to farmers.
Find out more about the Greenbelt farmers and their produce.

Mer Bleue through the years

It is the largest natural ecosystem in the Greenbelt, and boasts the largest peat bog in the region.
In 1950, planner Jacques Gréber proposed the creation of a greenbelt for the Capital Region.
In 1958, the NCC began buying the land that makes up the Greenbelt.
By 1966, most of the Greenbelt lands, including Mer Bleue, had been acquired.
It has since become the largest publicly owned greenbelt in the world.

Closure of a section of trail 24 and P6 parking lot in the Greenbelt

The stories behind the places we love

The Whytes What we know today as Canada’s Capital Greenbelt was created
Their recollections made a powerful impact on our staff, and showed that the Greenbelt is more than farms
This process helped us better understand the layered meanings in Greenbelt landscapes.
Oral histories, as well as documentary research, also led to the creation of the Greenbelt Heritage Farm
Trail, a series of interpretive panels at 10 sites within the Greenbelt.

Numbers at NCC sites

Greenbelt
For the best experience, visit the Greenbelt
Please note that Greenbelt parking lots have been at capacity this season.

Storm Recovery

This storm significantly affected the Greenbelt, especially the Pine Grove, and Southern Farm and Pinhey
trails, roads and other public assets securing and cleaning up damage on private property near the Greenbelt
This work is ongoing in the Greenbelt, and we are working hard to assess, secure and reopen the sites

My Summer Experience: Bringing a Turtle That Was Almost Roadkill Back to Life

Patrick LeBrun Student Biologist in the Greenbelt Last Updated: Thursday, August
And, all the while, I’ve been enjoying the beauty that the Greenbelt has to offer.
keep track of the location and number of animals being struck by vehicles on roadways throughout the Greenbelt
Spring Awakening: Biologists on a Mission to Protect Wildlife Winter Visitors to the National Capital Greenbelt

Report on Activities - September 2019

offer beautiful views of the Fall colours, such as Mer Bleue, Green’s Creek, and Stoney Swamp in the Greenbelt
Volunteers Greenbelt Wetland Restoration Thanks to a project carried out by the NCC in partnership
Conservation Authority and Public Works and Government Services Canada, a declining wetland in the Greenbelt
Region was hit by a series of tornadoes, including an F2 tornado that caused extensive damage in the Greenbelt
During the fall and winter the NCC will continue to remove dead ash trees, mostly in the Greenbelt, and

Ottawa–Gatineau: Walking in a winter wonderland

A little further from the city, the Greenbelt
Greenbelt The Greenbelt forms a horseshoe shape around the southern part of Ottawa from east to west
Use the Greenbelt trail directory to plan your visit.
Greenbelt Visitor Information Gatineau Park Gatineau Park has four winter walking and hiking trails

National Capital Commission

The Plan For Canada's Capital Gatineau Park Master Plan Greenbelt
Canada's Capital Gatineau Park Master Plan Greenbelt
to Visit Places to Visit Gatineau Park Greenbelt
Interprovincial Bridges Gatineau Park Greenbelt

The Making of Gees Bees Honey Company

Farms in the Greenbelt are a symbol of Canada’s rural traditions, and they provide an example of how
Interested in renting a farm in the Greenbelt?
in Connecting Community to the Land Agri-tourism: Twelve farms to visit in Ottawa’s Greenbelt
Mike’s Garden Harvest: A community-focused sustainable farm in Ottawa Farm Fresh: Taste the Greenbelt

Report on Activities - September 2018

Film Office has put forward a proposal to convert a vacant building and a parcel of land at the former Greenbelt
To gauge public reaction to the proposed amendments to the Greenbelt Master Plan, the NCC held an open
Documents Greenbelt Coyote Poster (3.357 MB)

Report On Activities - June 2018

Greenbelt Visitor and Economic Impact Study About 350,000 people visited during the winter season,
everyone — 99% – was satisfied with his or her visit. 86% said they would be very likely to recommend a Greenbelt
outing to family and friends. 91% feel it is important that the Greenbelt be protected for current

The buzz on bees

the University of Ottawa, is monitoring bees and other pollinator species at two locations: the Greenbelt
located in the Green’s Creek sector, near parking lot P27 on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway the Greenbelt
West Pollinator Garden, located in the Shirleys Bay sector, south of Carling Avenue near the Greenbelt

Our top ideas for winter activities in Ottawa–Gatineau

Explore Shirleys Bay in the Greenbelt, on cross-country skis.
Toboggan down a snowy slope in the Greenbelt.
Take a self-guided tour, and learn more about the Greenbelt’s Stony Swamp, Pine Grove and Mer Bleue Bog

Geomatics a Key Factor in NCC Decisions

Greenbelt Natural Link The purpose of the Greenbelt natural link is to secure a corridor for the safe
movement of wildlife within the Greenbelt.

Ticks: How to enjoy the outdoors safely

Ticks are often found in wooded or grassy areas, near brushes and shrubs, making areas like the Greenbelt
Researchers from the University of Ottawa are studying ticks in the Greenbelt.
With these simple precautions, you can stay safe while exploring Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt and other

Board of Directors Meeting

In late 2018, the NCC’s Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Greenbelt Master Plan to allow
TriBro Studios to build a new film production facility on an 8.4-hectare site at the Greenbelt Research
This project will be located on a portion of the farm designated in the Greenbelt Master Plan as “Federal
The Greenbelt Master Plan amendment established compensation measures to offset the environmental impacts
of the proposed new facility and to meet the NCC’s “no net loss” policy for the Greenbelt.

Horseback Riding

Riding Schools There are five horseback riding schools in the Greenbelt: Brookson Farms Royale Equestrian

Seeking Public Feedback on NCC’s Forest Strategy

It will consider trees and forests in urban areas, as well as in natural settings such as the Greenbelt
Gatineau Park contributes over 30,000 hectares of tree canopy, and the Greenbelt contributes about 7,000

Delivering on the NCC’s Sustainable Development Strategy

emphasizing the importance of trees and forests in urban areas, as well as in conservation areas such as the Greenbelt
The canopy cover varies by portfolio, from 56 percent in the Greenbelt to 95 percent in Gatineau Park

Changing the Palette of the Landscape

In the National Capital Greenbelt, there are over 70 species of trees and shrubs, including 50 distinct
There are many well-maintained trails for you to experience Fall Rhapsody in the Greenbelt this fall.

Connecting Community to the Land

Our farmer friend was working at the NCC at the time and told us about farming opportunities in the Greenbelt
Farms in the Greenbelt are a symbol of Canada’s rural traditions, and they provide an example of how
Winter Visitors to the National Capital Greenbelt NCC Takes Aim at Climate Change Impacts

Bridge repairs require closure of Arboretum Loop on Trail 43 in Pine Grove

The Arboretum Loop along Trail 43, north of P18 in the Pine Grove area of the Greenbelt

A section of Trail 44 in Pine Grove is closed for boardwalk repairs

notice A segment of Trail 44 in the Pine Grove area of the Greenbelt

Section of Old Quarry Trail closed until further notice

A section of Old Quarry Trail in the Stony Swamp sector of the Greenbelt

Closure of a section of Trail 51 in the Mer Bleue sector

notice A section of trail 51 (in the Mer Bleue sector of the Greenbelt

Closure of a section of Jack Pine Trail in the Stony Swamp sector

A section of the Jack Pine Trail (in the Stony Swamp sector of the Greenbelt

Closure of a section of Trail 31 in the Pinhey Forest sector

notice A section of trail 31 (in the Pinhey Forest sector of the Greenbelt

Views you need to see before the fall rhapsody ends

Stony Swamp You’ll find Stony Swamp in the Greenbelt. It includes 40 km of trails.
Landscape Three tips for taking in the fall colours in Gatineau Park You Won’t Want to Miss These Greenbelt

Sandy Hill EcoFair

Our environmental officers will be on-site to tell you all about the turtles in the National Capital Greenbelt

National Capital Region’s New Tree Canopy Study: Mapping the Tree Canopy, Understanding Green Infrastructure

Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt contribute over 35,000 hectares of tree canopy.
has 31 percent of its land covered by tree canopy; this includes the inner urban area bounded by the Greenbelt
, as well as the suburban areas beyond the Greenbelt.

Gatineau Park’s in-between season

The Greenbelt trails also offer great opportunities to connect with nature.
Gatineau Park: list of hiking trails (spring to fall) Gatineau Park: list of hiking trails (winter) Greenbelt

The NCC announces season six of its popular Urbanism Lab lecture series

November 5, 2019 Scientific research in Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt Did you know that, every year
, scientists will present their research and discuss some of their findings from Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt

2022 Annual Public Meeting Summary Report

In the past few years, the NCC has opened several Greenbelt parking lots, and Vincent Massey and
Theme: Greenbelt/Environmental Protection Question 4 • What is being done to protect greenspace,
Master Plan outlines protective measures for the Greenbelt and its natural spaces.
• How does the NCC intend to protect the environment in areas like the Greenbelt, Green’s Creek and
• The current NCC Greenbelt Master Plan outlines protective measures for the Greenbelt and its natural

Contact our Media Team

Sofia Benjelloun Strategic Communications Advisor 343-549-7203 sofia.benjelloun@ncc-ccn.ca The Greenbelt

Natural Capital: The Economic Value of NCC Green Spaces

Winter Visitors to the National Capital Greenbelt NCC Takes Aim at Climate Change Impacts

Impact of rising water levels on NCC lands

lands • Champlain parking lot Eastern lands • Ottawa River Pathway completely closed (Lower path) Greenbelt

Bringing the Pinhey Sand Dunes back to life

working with the NCC for close to a decade to restore this rare, threatened ecosystem in Canada’s Capital Greenbelt
We are very lucky to have this rare gem in the Greenbelt.

Three tips for taking in the fall colours in Gatineau Park

Discover hidden gems outside of Gatineau Park From the downtown heart of the Capital to the peaceful Greenbelt
Landscape Three tips for taking in the fall colours in Gatineau Park You Won’t Want to Miss These Greenbelt

Farm Rentals

food production, and we are looking for tenants who are fully experienced and ready to start their own Greenbelt

NCC launches consultation on renewal of Sir George-Étienne Cartier riverfront park plan

from Rideau Hall at Princess Avenue at its western extremity to the terminus of the parkway in the Greenbelt

NCC’s efforts to open the Rideau Canal Skateway come to an end

From cross-country skiing on urban trails to snowshoeing in the Greenbelt, the National Capital Region

Appointment Opportunity: Advisory Committee on the Official Residences of Canada

Canada’s Capital Region; managing, conserving and protecting NCC assets (including Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt

Our best gift ideas

A list of sales outlets can be found on the following pages: Gatineau Park Trail Map Greenbelt Visitor

Celebrating the Capital’s Living Legacy : A Compilation of the Remarkable Trees of Canada’s Capital is now available!

foot or by bike, these NCC-managed trees can be found in Gatineau Park, as well as in the Greenbelt

Conservation Officers to the Rescue

ensure that these are safe for all to enjoy Conservation officers work closely with Gatineau Park and Greenbelt

Progress Update: Providing Environmental Leadership in the National Capital Region

Sustainable Food In 2020, 67 hectares of Greenbelt farmlands were converted to food production.

Enhancing Canada’s Capital Pathway Network: More Resilient, Connected and Durable

adding 90 km of new pathways to create links within the existing network, largely connecting the Greenbelt

The NCC took the first step in a 50-year transformation of the Capital

Capital region’s shorelines into world-class recreational and cultural destinations Advancing the Greenbelt

About Us

Read more Principal Steward The NCC manages Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt, the Rideau Canal Skateway

Report on Activities – October 2022

We estimate that about 70 percent of the upper canopy layer (about 2,700 hectares) in the Greenbelt is

Progress Update: Providing Environmental Leadership in the National Capital Region

Under the sustainable food goal A total of 138 hectares of Greenbelt farmlands were converted to food

Report on Activities - June 2019

hosted an official opening for the L5 Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Test Facilities at the NCC’s Greenbelt

The Black Bear in the National Capital Region

Spring Awakening: Biologists on a Mission to Protect Wildlife Winter Visitors to the National Capital Greenbelt

Stories of Our Past

Prime Minister Diefenbaker announced that authority would be granted to the Commission to establish a Greenbelt
That year, approximately 31,500 acres of privately owned lands were acquired to establish the Greenbelt

Spring Awakening: Biologists on a Mission to Protect Wildlife

The recreational use of drones—in all seasons—is therefore prohibited in the Greenbelt, in Gatineau Park

It’s important to “leave what you find” in the Capital

Whether you visit the Greenbelt, Gatineau Park or an urban park, follow the principles of outdoor ethics

The National Capital Commission: Planners and Stewards of Canada’s Capital Region

ambitious mission through the planning and stewardship of our diverse assets — from Gatineau Park to the Greenbelt

Spring wildflowers in the Capital

Each year, from the woods of Gatineau Park to the forests of the Greenbelt, our lands become a sort of

Planning for the Future: Heritage Planning

Capital, including the Parliamentary Precinct, the official residences, urban lands, Canada’s Capital Greenbelt

New poll shows increase in public engagement and awareness of NCC activities

Canal Skateway (55% compared with 52% in 2014), followed by Gatineau Park (47% versus 45% in 2014), the Greenbelt

A New Indigenous Experiences Attraction in Ottawa - MĀDAHÒKÌ FARM

along with the National Capital Commission, are proud to announce a new tourism experience in the Greenbelt

Mackenzie Avenue newest spoke in Ottawa’s cycling network

·         The TMP also seeks to have cycling account for eight percent of all trips inside the Greenbelt

Five tips to enjoy Gatineau Park and respect wildlife

Spring Awakening: Biologists on a Mission to Protect Wildlife Winter Visitors to the National Capital Greenbelt

Urban biologist: For the love of nature

Urban lands are smaller and often more fragile areas than large expanses like Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt

One year as NCC CEO

have estimated: between interprovincial bridges, the parkways and pathways, spans in Gatineau Park, Greenbelt

6 spots for a summer picnic

If you have a little more time on your hands, check out the Greenbelt and Gatineau Park picnic areas.

Report On Activities - January 2018

accommodate rapid growth in the City of Ottawa’s west end, the City is widening sections of road through the Greenbelt

Report on Activities - January 2020

The removal of dead ash trees in the Greenbelt should be complete in fiscal 2020-2021.

Life Below Zero

Spring Awakening: Biologists on a Mission to Protect Wildlife Winter Visitors to the National Capital Greenbelt

NCC will work with government to address significant infrastructure deficiency in response to Auditor General's special examination

panels and commemorative plaques 13 urban parks 6 official residences Gatineau Park Canada’s Capital Greenbelt

Which NCC student job is right for you?

Protecting bats My Summer at the Greenbelt Farms A day in the life of a student biologist

Black Bear Safety in Ottawa-Gatineau

That’s especially true in areas like Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt.

Protecting bats

Spring Awakening: Biologists on a Mission to Protect Wildlife Winter Visitors to the National Capital Greenbelt

A biologist's take on #Bluesnest

Spring Awakening: Biologists on a Mission to Protect Wildlife Winter Visitors to the National Capital Greenbelt

Report On Activities - November 2017

many roads, trails and pathways being heavily damaged, including properties in Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt

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

The Lime Kiln Trail is located in the west end of the National Capital Greenbelt

Home Properties

please let us know which area you are interested in, as our properties span the length of the entire Greenbelt

Building A Publishing Culture Through Content Strategy

Susan goes to our website to find hiking trails in the Greenbelt and launches our interactive map to

NCC’s guide to cycling in Ottawa–Gatineau

boasts over 200 km of multi-use pathways, stretching from Gatineau Park, through downtown and into the Greenbelt

Gardens and the Healthy Cities

We do have a fair amount of access to nature and agriculture through the NCC Greenbelt and community

A 2023 00042

heritage sites, including the Official Residences and commemorative sites NCC assets: Gatineau Park, Greenbelt
national significance: - Official residences (6) and ancillary buildings (49) - Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt
through partnerships and by acquiring key strategic properties within Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt
Bleue wetland • The NCC has long been supportive of improving transportation linkages in the eastern Greenbelt
focus on public transit corridor while still ensuring adequate protections of vital ecosystems in the Greenbelt