Ottawa's NCC pathway system is one of the great urban cycling networks in Canada — over 800km of maintained multi-use paths connecting the city's parks, riversides, and neighbourhoods. Add in a growing network of on-street protected lanes, and Ottawa rewards cyclists in a way that most Canadian cities don't.
The Essential Rides
Ottawa River Pathway (West)
Starting from the core near the National War Memorial, the Ottawa River Pathway runs west along the river through a series of parks, past the Canadian War Museum, beneath the Peace Tower from the river side, and all the way to Westboro and beyond. This is the city's showcase route — the Parliament Buildings across Confederation Square, the river, the Gatineau Hills in the distance.
Distance: As long as you want — the pathway continues to Britannia Beach (about 12km from downtown) and beyond.
Rideau Canal Pathway (South)
Running along both sides of the Canal from downtown south through the Glebe and beyond, the Canal pathway is beautiful in all seasons. The limestone locks near the Ottawa River end are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue south and the path eventually connects to the Rideau Valley.
Best for: Evening rides, picnics along the bank, autumn leaves.
Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway
The parkway on the south bank of the Ottawa River connects Ottawa to Westboro via a route almost entirely on dedicated paths. It's one of the best urban cycling experiences in the country — wide paths, no cars, river views, and the dramatic sight of the Gatineau Hills rising across the water.
Gatineau Park Cycling
Gatineau Park has dedicated cycling trails and the Gatineau Parkway is closed to cars on Sunday mornings through fall — making it one of the best road cycling experiences near a Canadian city. The climb to Champlain Lookout tests legs; the descent rewards them.
Getting a Bike
VéloGo (Bike Share): Ottawa's bike share program has stations throughout the downtown core and inner neighbourhoods. Day passes are affordable and the bikes are reliable for shorter trips. Available seasonally.
Rental shops: Several outfitters near the NCC pathways offer half-day and full-day rentals, including e-bikes for less athletic types who still want to cover distance.
Cycling Culture Notes
- The NCC pathway system is shared with pedestrians — yield to walkers, particularly on weekend mornings
- Helmets are not legally required for adults in Ontario, but recommended
- The pathways are maintained through spring, summer, and fall; winter cycling is possible on some routes but infrastructure varies
- The Ottawa Cycling Map (available free from the City) is worth downloading before a longer ride
