With the worst of winter receding, Ottawa's trail network is coming back to life. The mud season is real, but for anyone who's been cooped up since November, the trade-off is entirely worth it. Here's where to head for your first spring hikes of 2026.
Gatineau Park: The Crown Jewel
NCC-managed Gatineau Park, just across the river in Quebec, is the region's most spectacular hiking destination. The 360-kilometre trail network includes everything from easy lakeside strolls to serious ridge climbs.
Champlain Lookout Trail: The classic. A moderate 10-km loop to one of the best views in the region. Early spring means you'll likely have it much to yourself. Mud warning: the lower sections can be rough in March.
Pink Lake Loop: One of the park's most popular shorter hikes, the Pink Lake boardwalk is usually accessible by late March. The meromictic lake (one of only two in Ontario) is genuinely worth seeing.
P10 Trailhead (King Mountain): For a harder workout, King Mountain's summit delivers big views for a relatively short effort. The rocky sections dry out faster than the forested lower trails.
Rideau Trail and Eastern Options
The Rideau Trail runs 387 km from Ottawa to Kingston and offers everything from suburban path-walking to genuine wilderness hiking. The sections through Fitzroy Provincial Park and along the Rideau River in Carleton Place are particularly accessible and rewarding in early spring.
Close to the City
Mer Bleue Conservation Area: Ottawa's own peat bog ecosystem is worth a visit year-round, but spring brings the first bird migration, particularly good for birders. The boardwalk is accessible in all but the worst conditions.
Bring proper boots. Tell someone where you're going. And welcome back to outdoor Ottawa.
Source: Ottawa Road Trips / NCC trail network
