If you haven't walked Kichi Zibi Mikan yet, you're missing one of Ottawa's best-kept secrets, even though it's hiding in plain sight, just 1.5 kilometres from Parliament Hill.
What Is Kichi Zibi Mikan?
Kichi Zibi Mikan is a multi-use pathway that runs along the Ottawa River, starting behind the Canadian War Museum and stretching all the way to Dominion Station in Westboro. The name comes from the Algonquin language and means "big river road", a fitting name for a trail that hugs one of Canada's most storied waterways.
The views along the path are genuinely stunning. On a clear day, you can spot the Peace Tower rising above the treeline, with the Ottawa River stretching wide in the foreground. It's the kind of scenery that makes you feel incredibly lucky to live in this city.
What to Do There
The trail is versatile year-round. In spring and summer, it's perfect for walking, running, cycling, and rollerblading. The NCC Bistro opens up during warmer months, making it easy to stop for a bite with a view. In the fall, the foliage is spectacular.
In winter, the trail transforms into a groomed corridor for cross-country skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and more, making it a four-season destination.
Highlights Along the Way
A few spots stand out: the William Commanda Bridge (formerly the Portage Bridge pedestrian crossing) is a great vantage point over the river; the rock sculptures at Remic Rapids by artist John Ceprano are a quirky and delightful find; and Westboro Beach at the western end is a popular summer hangout.
Getting There
The trail is easily accessible from the War Museum parking lot or the Pimisi LRT station, making it a great option whether you're arriving by car or transit.
Spring is the perfect time to explore Kichi Zibi Mikan for the first time, or the hundredth. With longer evenings and warming temperatures ahead, there's no better moment to get outside.
Source: @ottawaisnotboring on Instagram
