Ottawa is a hiker's dream. Gatineau Park alone provides world-class trail access within 20 minutes of downtown, and the city's extensive greenbelt and river pathways mean you can find excellent walking and hiking without ever leaving the city limits. Here's where to hike near Ottawa.
Gatineau Park (Best Overall)
Gatineau Park in Quebec, just across the Ottawa River, is the undisputed top hiking destination in the Ottawa region. The park has over 165km of hiking trails across a range of difficulties:
- Champlain Lookout Loop — one of the most popular hikes, with stunning views over the Ottawa Valley. Moderate, about 5km.
- Pink Lake Trail — a 2.7km loop around a beautiful meromictic lake (its layers never mix). Great for families and beginners.
- King Mountain Trail — a more challenging hike in the western part of the park with great ridge views.
- Luskville Falls Trail — a steep but rewarding hike to waterfall viewpoints along the Ottawa River escarpment.
Ottawa Greenbelt Trails
The NCC-managed Ottawa Greenbelt has over 150km of trails winding through forests, wetlands, and farm fields that ring the city:
- Jack Pine Trail off Moodie Drive is a lovely natural forest loop
- Stony Swamp Conservation Area near Bells Corners has excellent birding and peaceful forest walks
- South March Highlands in Kanata is one of the best natural areas within the city for trail running and hiking
River Valley Trails
- Ottawa River Pathway along the Ontario shore offers flat, scenic walking and cycling
- Rideau River Eastern Pathway in Old Ottawa South connects parks along the Rideau
For more outdoor ideas, browse things to do in Ottawa, see Ottawa events this weekend, or read our family things to do in Ottawa guide for trails that work well with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular hiking trail near Ottawa? The Champlain Lookout Loop and Pink Lake Trail in Gatineau Park are the most visited trails in the Ottawa region, combining accessibility with beautiful scenery.
Are Gatineau Park trails free? Hiking trails in Gatineau Park are free. Some parking lots charge a fee on weekends and holidays. Beach access at Lac Philippe and Meech Lake has seasonal day-use fees.
When is the best time to hike near Ottawa? May through October is the prime hiking season. Fall (late September to mid-October) offers spectacular foliage, especially on the Gatineau Hills' ridgelines. Winter hiking and snowshoeing are also popular.
Are there easy hiking trails near Ottawa for beginners? Yes — Pink Lake Trail in Gatineau Park and most NCC Greenbelt trails are well-maintained and suitable for beginners. The Ottawa River Pathway and Rideau Canal pathways are also excellent flat walks.
