Hiking near Ottawa: 73 trails

A half-day outing takes a little planning.

Think about the way back, the breaks and the parking.

Check access

Opening hours, parking and access conditions can change with the season.

Check the weather at the destination

Changing weather can make some trails harder.

Choose your route

Match the length and the level to your group and the time you have.

Through the seasons

Spring

Spring hiking around Ottawa typically begins in late April when snow melts and trails become accessible, though muddy conditions are common through May.

The Rideau Trail and Gatineau Park offer excellent options as wildflowers bloom and migratory birds return. Pack waterproof boots and layers as temperatures can range from 5°C to 20°C with frequent rain showers.

Summer

Summer provides ideal hiking conditions in Ottawa with warm temperatures averaging 20-26°C and long daylight hours extending until 9 PM.

Popular trails include those in Gatineau Park and along the Ottawa River, offering shaded forest paths and scenic waterfront views. Bring plenty of water, insect repellent for blackflies and mosquitoes, and start early morning hikes to avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms.

Fall

Fall hiking near Ottawa is spectacular from late September through October as maple and oak forests display vibrant red and gold colors.

The cooler temperatures (10-18°C) and reduced insect activity make this an ideal season for longer hikes in Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt trails. Pack warm layers as temperatures can drop quickly, especially in shaded areas and during early morning starts.

Winter

Winter transforms Ottawa's hiking scene into snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities, with reliable snow cover from December through March and temperatures often below -10°C.

Gatineau Park maintains groomed winter trails, while some Greenbelt paths remain accessible for winter hiking with proper traction devices. Essential gear includes insulated boots, multiple layers, and hand/foot warmers for temperatures that can drop below -20°C.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I go hiking near Ottawa?

The page lists 73 trails. The closest is Terry Fox (≈ 1 min drive from downtown), the farthest Voyageur Provincial Park (≈ 1 hr 59 min). Drive times are estimated as the crow flies.

How long does it take to drive to the trails near Ottawa?

43 trails are within ≈ 30 min of driving, 51 within ≈ 1 hr, and all of them within ≈ 2 hr. These are estimates from downtown.

What are the most popular trails near Ottawa?

Among the trails on this page, the most viewed on Let's Go Play Outside are Centre touristique du Lac-Simon, Parc du Lac-Beauchamp and Site historique des Chutes de Plaisance.

How long are the trails near Ottawa?

50 listings give a length, from 1.5 km (Brewer Park) to 72.8 km (Parc de la Gatineau). The other 23 do not say.

Are there easy hikes near Ottawa?

Yes: among the trails on this page that give a level, 41 easy, 12 moderate and 3 hard. The closest easy ones: Rideau Falls, Rockcliffe Park and Brewer Park.

Can I hike with my dog near Ottawa?

15 listings say dogs are allowed and 5 say they are not. For the other 53, the rule is not confirmed: check the trail page before you go.

Where can I hike for free near Ottawa?

2 listings say access is free, including Parc régional du Poisson Blanc and Tour à feux de St-Rémi-d'Amherst among the closest. For the others, free access is not confirmed: check the trail page.

Hiking near Ottawa

Hiking ideas near Ottawa

Trails near Ottawa

A half-day outing takes a little planning.

No car?

Through the seasons

Frequently asked questions

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