Ottawa by Bike

Routes, events, and the people who ride here

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Featured ride

Easy Loop around the Canal
Easy Loop around the Canal 🏆 Ride of the Year: 2020
15 km family friendlyeasychillbike pathsnacks

Looking for a beginner-friendly cycling route in Ottawa? Look no further than my favourite ride - the one that got me hooked on cycling! This route is perfect for riders of all fitness levels.…

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Gravel Cup: 2023 Spring Runoff

Routes to explore

East End ➡️ Petrie Island 20 km
East End ➡️ Petrie Island the gravel patch is the secret sauce
Gatineau Park: Meech Lake + Champlain Lookout 65 km
Gatineau Park: Meech Lake + Champlain Lookout like 2x pink, treat yourself to a dip in the lake 🏊
Almonte Roubaix mixes 100 km
Almonte Roubaix mixes Various gravel routes around Almonte
View all 26 routes →

Upcoming events

  • 🚲
    OWCC Kick-Off Social April 12, 2026 · Ottawa Women's Cycling Club
  • Clarence Rockland Classic April 19, 2026
  • Step Thru Bike Parts Swap Meet April 19, 2026 · Step Thru Community Cycling
  • OBC Spring Social + Info April 23, 2026 · Ottawa Bicycle Club
  • LDW Spring Rally April 24 – May 17, 2026 · Log Driver's Waltz
Full calendar →

Did you know...

  • ... there are 21 cafes along the routes?
  • ... Quyon Ferry loop is 131.6 km — the longest route on the site?
  • ... there are 12 beaches and swimming spots along the routes?
  • ... there are 5 ice cream stops mapped along the routes?
  • ... there are 45 cycling communities in Ottawa?
  • ... 13 routes pass within reach of a swim spot?
  • ... Britannia 🌳 by Ottawa River Pathway passes by 2 places to stop — the most of any route?
  • ... there are 5 lookouts mapped along the routes?
  • ... Easy Loop around the Canal is only 13 km — the shortest route on the site?
  • ... the Quyon Ferry Loop crosses provinces by ferry?
  • ... you can bikepack to Plaisance with the Bienvenue Cyclistes program?
  • ... the descent from Pink Lake can reach 60 km/h?
  • ... the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour is one of Canada's oldest cycling events?
  • ... you can ride from Ottawa to Carleton Place and Smith Falls on rail trails?
  • ... the Champlain Lookout view is best at sunset?

Local communities

  • Queer Bike Club
    Queer Bike Club Queer rides, bikepacking plans, and easy ways to join in
  • For Our Kids
    For Our Kids Climate-action family rides — the force behind Kidical Mass Ottawa
  • Log Driver's Waltz
    Log Driver's Waltz Long days out on gravel, with a grand depart to aim for
  • Black Girls Biking in Ottawa/Gatineau
    Black Girls Biking in Ottawa/Gatineau Monthly rides by and for Black women in the capital region
  • Canadian Shield Bikepacking
    Canadian Shield Bikepacking Bikepacking stories, skills, and campfire plans
  • Ottawa Women's Cycling Club
    Ottawa Women's Cycling Club
  • Step Thru Community Cycling
    Step Thru Community Cycling
  • CGR
    Centretown Gravel Rides
  • MC
    MTB Chicks
  • CMR
    Critical Mass Ride
  • Gravel Cup
    Gravel Cup Gravel races and big days out across the valley
  • Nomades du Parc
    Nomades du Parc Bike rentals and trail access at the gates of Gatineau Park
  • Ottawa Bicycle Club
    Ottawa Bicycle Club Club rides and long-standing tours on Ottawa Valley roads
  • NBA
    Nepean BMX Association BMX race nights and first laps for new riders
  • LBO
    Let's Bike Ottawa Workshops and bike month events to help more people ride
  • Tour de Gatineau
    Tour de Gatineau UCI women's road racing in Gatineau
  • C
    CN Ottawa's big spring ride for kids' cancer care at CHEO
  • #OttBike Social
    #OttBike Social Slow bike rides with nice people
  • Bike Race Ottawa
    Bike Race Ottawa Preston Street racing with room for every category
  • BO
    Bike Ottawa Rides and advocacy for safer cycling in Ottawa
  • MS Canada
    MS Canada Two-day charity rides through eastern Ontario
  • OO
    Omnium Ottawa Grassroots race nights with a playful edge
  • OBC
    Ottawa Bike Café Winter riding workshops with practical city advice
  • OTL
    Ottawa Tool Library Practical bike maintenance workshops you can use right away
  • WU
    Wendigo Ultra Winter fat bike ultra on frozen rail trails
  • BM
    BIKE MINDS Stories, ideas, and bike people around a cafe table
  • COE
    Cycling Ottawa-Gatineau En vélo! Longer road rides out past the city
  • OFG
    Ottawa Fixed Gear Brunch rides and easy company for the fixed gear crowd
  • KBC
    Kanata-Nepean Bicycle Club Sometimes ambitious, always social
All communities →
  • Easy Loop around the Canal map of Easy Loop around the Canal
    Easy Loop around the Canal 🏆 Ride of the Year: 2020
    • 15 km
    • family friendly
    • easy
    • chill
    • bike path
    • snacks
    • flat
    • loop
    Looking for a beginner-friendly cycling route in Ottawa? Look no further than my favourite ride - the one that got me hooked on cycling!This route is perfect for riders of all fitness levels. It's simple, relaxed, and can be as long or short as you want. The ride loops around the locks by the Arboretum, providing a serene and scenic experience that's sure to recharge your batteries. At a relaxed pace it takes about 45 minutes.
  • Britannia 🌳 by Ottawa River Pathway map of Britannia 🌳 by Ottawa River Pathway
    Britannia 🌳 by Ottawa River Pathway 🏆 Ride of the Year: 2021
    • 20-30 km
    • scenic
    • snacks
    • bike path
    • flat
    • family friendly
    • loop
    Ready to pedal your way into an easy breezy escapade? Buckle up for a delightful ride along the Ottawa River Pathway, a journey that caters to all. This route, hailed as the "Ride of the Year" in 2021, unfolds a 30 km scenic bike path roundtrip from downtown Ottawa. But don't worry if that sounds like a marathon - you can easily tailor the distance to your liking, making it as short and sweet as you wish.Starting from downtown, the route takes you all the way to Britannia Park. If you're up for it, continue peddling until you reach Andrew Haydon Park. This ride is part of the Trans Canada Trail.
  • Vincent Massey and Beyond map of Vincent Massey and Beyond
    Vincent Massey and Beyond lovely views for a chill ride
    • 40 km
    • easy
    • chill
    • bike path
    • family friendly
    • loop
    Looking for a relaxing cycling route with stunning views? Look no further than Vincent Massey and beyond!Vincent Massey Park is the perfect spot for beginners and experienced riders alike. With ample amenities, including a parking lot, water fountain, picnic benches, washrooms, and even BBQ grills, you'll have everything you need for a fun and comfortable ride.
  • Chill Loop to Lake Leamy map of Chill Loop to Lake Leamy
    Chill Loop to Lake Leamy stay by the water and cool down by Lac-Leamy
    • 25 km
    • bike path
    • beach
    • snacks
    • chill
    • flat
    • loop
    Following the Voyageurs Pathway, you can have a fantastic cycling experience and even chill by the beach at Leamy Lake Park. It's the perfect spot to relax and soak up some sun after a refreshing ride.If you're feeling adventurous and want to explore more, there are other routes you can take. For example, you can extend your journey towards the beautiful Pink Lake. It's a scenic route that will leave you in awe of nature's wonders. Another option is the Vincent Massey and Beyond route, which offers a flatter and easier ride.
  • Experimental Farm and Carlington Woods map of Experimental Farm and Carlington Woods
    Experimental Farm and Carlington Woods decompress after work and enjoy the sunset
    • 25 km
    • bike path
    • flat
    • loop
    This route starts by the canal, skips the touristic area of Dow's Lake and instead cuts straight to the Central Experimental Farm.This hidden gem is a real treat for cycling enthusiasts looking to decompress after a long day. Keep pedalling past the Experimental Farm, after the climb you'll find yourself cruising through Carlington Woods. If you're feeling rowdy, there's a Bike Pump Track 🚵.
  • The Big Loop Around Ottawa map of The Big Loop Around Ottawa
    The Big Loop Around Ottawa all-star ride
    • 30 km
    • chill
    • bike path
    • snacks
    • loop
    Looking for an all-star ride that showcases the best of Ottawa's natural beauty? Look no further than this loopy variation of Britannia, which takes you through the Experimental Farm and Carlington Woods.If you prefer a less touristy route, you can opt for the Carlington Woods portion alone. Regardless of which version you choose, this ride is particularly enjoyable in the summer, when NCC closes the Kichi Zībī Mīkan Parkway (prev. Sir John A. Macdonald) during Weekend Bikedays. And if you're lucky, Queen Elizabeth Driveway might also be closed!
  • East End ➡️ Petrie Island map of East End ➡️ Petrie Island
    East End ➡️ Petrie Island the gravel patch is the secret sauce
    • 20 km
    • gravel
    • beach
    • poutine
    • flat
    • one-way
    Downtown to Orléans is a beautiful ride!I'm always a bit annoyed at the cars around Rockliffe Park, but the ride is much more bearable if you take the bike lane all the way until you're in the Ottawa River Pathway.
  • Let's visit Aylmer map of Let's visit Aylmer
    Let's visit Aylmer 🏆 Ride of the Year: 2022
    • 35-40 km
    • scenic
    • flat
    • poutine
    • bike path
    • beach
    • loop
    If you're on the hunt for an amazing 40k cycling route in Ottawa, look no further than Aylmer! I kid you not, this route is absolutely fantastic. It's perfect for cyclists of all levels, thanks to its smooth, paved roads and optional parallel gravel sections.As you pedal along, get ready to feast your eyes on breathtaking scenery and discover numerous spots where you can take a break and simply soak it all in. And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, why not take a little detour and explore the beautiful region of Gatineau?
  • Pink Lake in Gatineau Park map of Pink Lake in Gatineau Park
    Pink Lake in Gatineau Park hard climb that pays off on its way down
    • 40 km
    • scenic
    • elevation
    • park
    • loop
    For cycling enthusiasts looking for a challenge, Pink Lake in Gatineau Park is an absolute must-ride. This route offers a great workout with plenty of uphill sections, but the rewards are well worth it: breathtaking views and thrilling descents that can reach up to 60km/h!For an added bonus, note that the National Capital Commission (NCC) typically closes roads to cars for much of the summer. Check out the Road Closure Schedule to plan your ride accordingly and enjoy a car-free experience.
  • Day-ride to Wakefield! map of Day-ride to Wakefield!
    Day-ride to Wakefield! escape the city and cool down in this scenic long ride
    • 45-100 km
    • scenic
    • chill
    • gravel
    • long ride
    • loop
    Looking for a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? Look no further than Wakefield, a charming village in Québec that's just 40KM away from downtown Ottawa. This is a day-long ride that won't disappoint.To get there, I recommend taking the Chelsea Community Trail - it's by far the best route. Starting in Gatineau Park, this trail will take you by the river for most of the way, avoiding Route 105 and offering stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty.
  • Wesley Clover & Shirley's Bay map of Wesley Clover & Shirley's Bay
    Wesley Clover & Shirley's Bay quiet roads, farm views, and light gravel!
    • 50 km
    • gravel
    • out-and-back
    If you keep riding past Britannia there's a street light in Carling, if you keep going you'll slowly make your way to Wesley Clover Parks (Google Maps), so far this is all really nice bike paths surrounded by trees on all sides.If you take the right turn, you'll start riding on a really fun stretch of gravel, ending in Shirley's Bay. A great place to chill and have a picnic.
  • Almonte Roubaix mixes map of Almonte Roubaix mixes
    Almonte Roubaix mixes Various gravel routes around Almonte
    • 45-100 km
    • gravel
    • almonte
    • race
    • elevation
    • loop
    These routes are Kerianne's mastermind, heavily based on Almonte Paris Roubaix race, along with some tweaks. Very fun early spring gravel!
  • Winchester Milk Run 🐄 map of Winchester Milk Run 🐄
    Winchester Milk Run 🐄 🐮 super fun ride, full of turns! 🐄
    • 80 km
    • gravel
    • loop
    Alright, saddle up and let's hit the trail, folks! I've got the lowdown on a groovy gravel route that'll take you through a journey filled with scenic wonder and adventure!This gravel route? It's got a cool vibe, almost like you're riding on an actual road. Full of right-angle turns, it's a bit of a maze, but in a fun, twisty kind of way.
  • Ottawa to Carleton Place and Smith Falls map of Ottawa to Carleton Place and Smith Falls
    Ottawa to Carleton Place and Smith Falls Ride Gravel on the Trans Canada Trail
    • 80 km
    • bike path
    • gravel
    • long ride
    • bikepacking
    • one-way
    This route combines some segments of the Trans Canada Trail to provide a very straight gravel experience. This is a great ride for anyone getting started with long distance gravel, since it avoids roads. It's built on previous rail roads. It can get a bit dull at times since it's so straight, so make sure to bring a podcast, some suncreen, and maybe a gatorade!🍦 I highly recommend stopping for some ice cream in Stittsvile at Jo-Jo's Creameria (no association, but really good ice cream!)
  • Greenbelt 🌳 map of Greenbelt 🌳
    Greenbelt 🌳 escape to endless gravel and wilderness
    • 45 km
    • gravel
    • single track
    • road
    • loop
    Discover the lush scenery of Ottawa's protected Greenbelt, a haven of green space, forests, farms, and wetlands encircling the downtown core.Embark on a cycling adventure to experience the variety of trails and routes within the Greenbelt, each offering their own unique charms and challenges. Don't miss out on the scenic gravel paths that wind through this natural oasis!
  • Ottawa to Plaisance map of Ottawa to Plaisance
    Ottawa to Plaisance perfect fall one nighter camping
    • 70 km
    • bikepacking
    • camping
    • road
    • one-way
    If you're looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, look no further than this amazing overnight bike trip from Ottawa to Plaisance National Park. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and unwind from the stresses of city life.The ride itself isn't too far from Ottawa, but it's filled with stunning scenery and wetlands that will take your breath away. And, once you reach the park, you'll be amazed by the sheer amount of amenities available for campers - it's like a little slice of paradise in the middle of the wilderness.
  • Towards Carp map of Towards Carp
    Towards Carp Keep going west
    • 70-105 km
    • road
    • loop
    Carp is a rural community in the west of Ottawa. This is a fairly long road ride, but it's very entertaining and full of interesting views. You can extend it even further by heading to Dunrobin.- ☕️ I really like Eldon's Pantry [Google Maps]
  • Gravel Cup: 2023 Spring Runoff map of Gravel Cup: 2023 Spring Runoff
    Gravel Cup: 2023 Spring Runoff Epic and Medio editions
    • 70-110 km
    • gravel
    • road
    • kinburn
    • race
    • out-and-back
    Kerianne convinced me to join her on the Gravel Cup series, The Spring Runoff was our first race! This route is half road and half gravel, full of beautiful scenery. In early April the white snow beautifully contrasts the dirt and gravel that you'll be speeding through.We did two "sizes":
  • Blue Sea: Véloroute des Draveurs map of Blue Sea: Véloroute des Draveurs
    Blue Sea: Véloroute des Draveurs sneak away on a hot summer day to this blue paradise
    • 90 km
    • gravel
    • road
    • chill
    • long ride
    • beach
    • loop
    This is a rare gem. Half Gravel, Half Road, with a perfect chill spot halfway thru. You have to take a dip at Blue Sea! there's a gazebo perfect for a picnic.Gravel can be a bit advanced, not recommended for road tyres.
  • Gravel Cup: 2022 Fall Grally map of Gravel Cup: 2022 Fall Grally
    Gravel Cup: 2022 Fall Grally Race your friends in an all-gravel adventure
    • 80 km
    • gravel
    • race
    • kinburn
    • loop
    Gravel Cup Canada organizes the Ottawa Valley Fall Grally in September.In 2022 there were two routes:
  • Richmond - Manotick map of Richmond - Manotick
    Richmond - Manotick long road ride, avoid during hot days
    • 90 km
    • road
    • loop
    This one is for my roadies out there. Avoid this if all you want is gravel, since this is an all-road ride.The Richmond-only variant goes through some interesting dirt path by the Sheila McGee park.
  • Pink-Aylmer map of Pink-Aylmer
    Pink-Aylmer when pink is not enough and you want poutine
    • 80 km
    • long ride
    • bike path
    • loop
    This route mixes all the rock stars Pink Lake and Aylmer, if you're lucky, splash some Lac-Leamy too! What could go wrong!?It's worth checking RideGravel.ca's version for an even longer edition!
  • Hopetown Classic Loop map of Hopetown Classic Loop
    Hopetown Classic Loop A beautiful gravel loop through the Lanark Highlands near Hopetown
    • 80 km
    • gravel
    • remote-start
    • elevation
    • loop
    A stunning gravel loop near Hopetown in the Lanark Highlands. Remote start — you'll need to drive there, but it's absolutely worth it. The scenery is incredible, with quiet gravel roads winding through forests and rolling farmland west of Ottawa.Based on the Hopetown Classic Loop from Ride Gravel Canada.
  • Gatineau Park: Meech Lake + Champlain Lookout map of Gatineau Park: Meech Lake + Champlain Lookout
    Gatineau Park: Meech Lake + Champlain Lookout like 2x pink, treat yourself to a dip in the lake 🏊
    • 65 km
    • hard
    • scenic
    • beach
    • elevation
    • loop
    Visit Gatineau Park, take a dip in Meech Lake and enjoy sunset in the Champlain Lookout.This is an advanced ride that rewards. It starts similar to our Pink Lake route, but continues climbing.
  • Epic Buckingham ride! map of Epic Buckingham ride!
    Epic Buckingham ride! nonstop hills and descents, amazing fall views
    • 95 km
    • hard
    • long ride
    • elevation
    • fast
    • loop
    Are you up for a challenging day-long cycling adventure? Then you won't want to miss this route!Featuring a mix of short, steep ascents and thrilling descents, this ride is not for the faint of heart. But don't worry, there's a little town halfway through where you can take a breather and grab a snack at a fantastic local supermarket.
  • Quyon Ferry loop map of Quyon Ferry loop
    Quyon Ferry loop ⛴️ Ferry? Ferry!
    • 130 km
    • road
    • gravel
    • ferry
    • long ride
    • poutine
    • loop
    Get ready for an epic long ride that's nothing short of special! Starting from Québec and ending in Ontario, this ride is all about experiencing the thrill of crossing provinces via the ferry halfway through. But, that's not all - the gravel in the first half is worth the trip in itself!Now, I have to warn you, this ride is roughly 70% road, but don't let that discourage you. The ferry comes frequently, and while you wait, why not indulge in some delicious poutine?
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