Visitor Information
The Greenbelt, on Ottawa’s doorstep, is a rural environment rich in natural and historic resources. It offers a mix of sights and sounds from rolling farmlands to peaceful forests and wetlands that shelter a wide variety of plant and animal life. Head out and explore the Greenbelt for yourself!
Location
The Greenbelt surrounds Ottawa and extends from Shirley’s Bay in the west to Green’s Creek in the east. The region is subdivided into six conservation areas:
See the National Capital Greenbelt All Seasons Trail Map for the location of each conservation area.
Fees
It is free to visit the Greenbelt’s six conservation areas and there are no fees for most activities in the Greenbelt.
Parking
Free, year-round parking is available throughout the Greenbelt. Parking lots are marked on the National Capital Greenbelt All Seasons Trail Map.
Washrooms
There are outhouses by many Greenbelt trails. The locations are indicated on the National Capital Greenbelt All Seasons Trail Map.
Universal Accessibility
In the Greenbelt, Trail 30, Trail 31, the Sarsaparilla Trail and the Mer Bleue Bog Trail are universally accessible. All Capital Pathways are also universally accessible. The exception is during the winter when snow is not cleared from the trails and pathways.
Guided and Self-guided Tours
Take a self-guided tour along one of the Greenbelt’s interpretive trails.
You can also guide yourself with one of these brochures:
- Mer Bleue Bog: A Special Place in the National Capital Greenbelt
- Old Quarry Trail: The Making of a Landscape
Safety and Conservation
The Greenbelt holds six conservation areas. Please respect the rules in place for conserving these outstanding natural resources. This includes the animal regulations.
There are also many farms in the Greenbelt. Stay on the paths to avoid damaging farm crops.
Photos on Flickr
