Ottawa by Bike
a group of people riding bikes on a trail in the woods

Breathtaking Fall Ride to Wakefield

2022-10-23 Distance: 88.42 km Time: 7h 32m (4h 37m moving) Avg. Speed: 19.09 km/h Elevation: 410 m

Everyone thought the season was over but mother nature gave us a beautiful surprise, so the Bike Bums got together and threw a last minute fall ride.

For this ride we took the old train track that goes by the river almost the whole way. It's a beautiful landscape and because you're always by the water fairly flat.

🚧 Before making it to Chelsea we got a bit lost, since some paths to Gatineau were closed. Beware!

🗺️ View Ride MapLearn more about route
map of Breathtaking Fall Ride to Wakefield
a group of people riding bikes on a trail in the woodsFrom "Breathtaking Fall Ride to Wakefield". Captured on October 23, 2022.beautiful red bridgeFrom "Breathtaking Fall Ride to Wakefield". Captured on October 23, 2022.Kerianne riding her bicycle on a path surrounded by treesFrom "Breathtaking Fall Ride to Wakefield". Captured on October 23, 2022.Kerianne enjoying fall coloursFrom "Breathtaking Fall Ride to Wakefield". Captured on October 23, 2022.Parliament Hill during fallFrom "Breathtaking Fall Ride to Wakefield". Captured on October 23, 2022.wild artFrom "Breathtaking Fall Ride to Wakefield". Captured on October 23, 2022.a wooden railing overlooking a body of waterFrom "Breathtaking Fall Ride to Wakefield". Captured on October 23, 2022.Rideau CanalFrom "Breathtaking Fall Ride to Wakefield". Captured on October 23, 2022.bikes passing all the carsFrom "Breathtaking Fall Ride to Wakefield". Captured on October 23, 2022.

About Wakefield!:

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.

What's more, the Chelsea Community Trail was once an old train route that's since been adapted into a perfectly flat gravel trail. So whether you're an experienced cyclist or just starting out, you'll find this route to be both scenic and manageable.

So if you're ready for a day-long ride that will help you beat the heat and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, head to Wakefield via the Chelsea Community Trail - you won't be disappointed! If you want something more challenging, check out the Cyclocross version of this route.

🚗 Driving? There is parking at Chelsea CLSC, located at 490 Route 105.

Also read:

⚠️ 2024 Detour

Unfortunately I recently learned there's a detour and part of the nice rail trail is not available to ride, the road may need to be taken instead. Exercise caution. An updated map will be uploaded when available, sorry about that!

More info here: https://www.villelapeche.qc.ca/actualites/presentation-citoyenne-travaux-a-venir-sur-le-chemin-riverside/

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↩ go back to Wakefield!