Cycling on the Capital’s Pathways

Photo of child and grandfather riding their bikes.
Cyclists of all ages can enjoy the Pathways!
Maps and Publications

One of the best ways to explore Ottawa–Gatineau is by bike. There are over 300 kilometres of bike paths in Canada’s Capital Region. A beautiful tour awaits you on the Capital Pathway system, which was designed to take advantage of the green and natural areas in Canada’s Capital Region.

The paths are shared with in-line skaters, runners and walkers, so be sure to follow the courtesy and safety rules.

Scenic Bike Paths

Are you planning an outing by bike? The following paths, in alphabetical order, will take you to past some of the best scenery in Ottawa and Gatineau.

Experimental Farm Pathway

Visit the Canada Agriculture Museum along the way.

Greenbelt Pathway West

Explore Shirleys Bay and stop for a picnic by the shore of the Ottawa River.

Leamy Lake Pathway

Discover Leamy Lake Park with its extensive history and the beautiful Leamy Lake Beach.

Ottawa River Pathway

This 31-kilometre pathway follows the Ottawa River and passes a number of Ottawa’s attractions. Stop along the way at the Canadian War Museum, Parliament Hill, and the Ottawa Locks at the northern end of Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada.

Rideau Canal Western Pathway

Delight your senses on this pathway by Commissioners Park and extraordinary flower displays.

Rideau River Eastern Pathway

Bike to Vincent Massey Park where you can stop for a picnic and barbecue!

Voyageurs Pathway

Cycle along the northern side of the Ottawa River and take in spectacular views of Parliament and the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

Facilities

Washrooms There are washrooms in some parks.
Parking Free and paid parking is available.

See the Cycling Capital map for details.

Bike Rentals

You can rent a bike through:

  • Capital Bixi — This shared bike program offers 250 bikes located at 25 self-service stations in downtown Ottawa and Gatineau. The bikes are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week from April to November and represent an innovative way to get around in the heart of the Capital.
  • Rent-A-Bike
  • Maison du vélo — The Maison de vélo offers free services, including bike rentals, adapted bicycles and bike repairs. It is open 7 days per week from mid-May to mid-October.

Maps

  • Google Maps: Plan your next bike trip around Ottawa and Gatineau with Google Maps! The new Google Maps biking feature brings the Capital’s complete cycling network to your computer or smart phone. Simply enter your start and end points in Google Maps, click the bike picture and voila! Your route will include bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly streets (and avoid hills!) whenever possible.
  • Cycling Capital map
  • Ottawa–Gatineau Cycling map

For more information see Parks, Paths and Parkways — Visitor Information.