Trips for Kids Ottawa

Trips for Kids Ottawa is a registered charity that provides free outdoor recreational activities — biking, skating, and snowshoeing — to youth who are economically disadvantaged, new to Canada, at-risk, or living with disabilities. All equipment, snacks, transportation, and behavioural support are provided so that nothing stands in the way of a kid getting outside.

The organization started in 2007 when founder Cat Weaver, an avid mountain biker, tried to bring her teenagers' schoolmates to a local mountain bike event. Most of the kids wanted to come but didn't have bikes or gear — many were new immigrants or refugees who'd arrived late in the school year with no chance to join organized sports. Cat's mountain biking community rallied, loaning bikes and gear, and the kids immediately asked when they could ride again. TFKO became a registered charity in 2014 and has been growing ever since.

What they do

Biking (spring, summer, fall): Weekly after-school and summer rides along Ottawa's trails. TFKO has a large fleet of bikes and helmets stored in retrofitted shipping containers at schools across the city.

Skating (winter): Lunch-hour and after-school skating sessions — in 2025 they skated every day of the week at lunch.

Snowshoeing: Guided trips through winter trails with experienced leaders.

Get involved

TFKO is almost entirely volunteer-run. They need ride leaders, bike mechanics, food prep helpers, and admin support. Even one hour a month helps. All volunteers who work directly with youth get police background checks, first aid/CPR training, and diversity and inclusion training. Sign up on their website.