New to biking? Experienced rider? Find your new favourite ride and explore nature!
- Loop around the Canal🏆 Ride of the Year: 2020Looking 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.
- Experimental Farm and Carlington Woodsdecompress after work and enjoy the sunsetThis hidden gem is a real treat for cycling enthusiasts looking for a challenge or just decompressing after a long day. Keep pedalling past the Experimental Farm to discover this little-known route.Although similar in length to the big loop around Ottawa, this route offers a more demanding workout with challenging climbs on the return. Plus, the path is less frequented, allowing you to ride at your own pace without interrupting others.
- The Big Loop Around Ottawaall-star rideLooking 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 Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway during Weekend Bikedays. And if you're lucky, Queen Elizabeth Driveway might also be closed!
- Britannia 🌳 by Ottawa River Pathway🏆 Ride of the Year: 2021Britannia Park is a great place to chill year-round. So much so that in 2021 it was my favourite ride of the year! The ride from downtown through the Ottawa River Pathway is full of ups and downs but nothing too bad, just enough to keep you engaged.Make sure to keep riding until Andrew Haydon Park. This ride goes through the Trans Canada Trail.
- Chill Loop to Lake Leamystay by the water and cool down by Lac-LeamyFollowing the Voyageurs Pathway, chill by the beach at Leamy Lake Park.🦌 I always see deer hanging around here.
- East End ➡️ Petrie Islandthe gravel patch is the secret sauceDowntown 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.Soon after Rockliffe Park there's a bike path that's parallel to a gravel path, it's highly recommended to take the gravel even on road tires, the views by the river are gorgeous!
- Vincent Massey and Beyondlovely views for a chill rideLooking 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.
- Aylmer🏆 Ride of the Year: 2022If you're looking for a perfect 40k cycling route in Ottawa, Aylmer is the one you've been searching for! Trust me, it's not an exaggeration - this route is truly exceptional. With smooth, paved roads and optional parallel gravel sections, it's ideal for cyclists of all skill levels.Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning scenery and plenty of great spots to take a break and soak it all in. And if you're up for a detour, why not head over to Gatineau and explore even more of the beautiful region?
- Pink Lake in Gatineau Parkhard climb that pays off on its way downFor 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!Gatineau Park itself is a world-class destination, and Pink Lake serves as an excellent starting point for exploring its many attractions. From here, you can easily visit Champlain Lookout, Taylor Lake, and even Wakefield.
- Wesley Clover & Shirley's Bayquiet roads, farm views, and light gravel!If you keep riding past Britannia there's a street light, 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.
- Gatineau: Meech + Champlainlike 2x pink, treat yourself to a dip in the lake 🏊This is an advanced ride that rewards. It starts off Pink Lake.Visit Gatineau Park, take a dip in Meech Lake and enjoy sunset in the Champlain Lookout.
- Ottawa to Plaisanceperfect fall one nighter campingIf 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.
- Winchester Milk Run 🐄🐮 super fun ride, full of turns! 🐄
- Pink-Aylmerwhen pink is not enough and you want poutineThis 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!
- Ottawa Valley Fall GrallyRace your friends in an all-gravel adventureThere's two versions of this race, which is from Gravel Cup Canada.Medio (77KM): 🗺️ Strava
- Blue Sea: Véloroute des Draveurssneak away on a hot summer day to this blue paradiseThis 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.
- Richmond - Manoticklong road ride, avoid during hot daysThis one is for my roadies out there. Avoid this if all you want is gravel, since this is an all-road ride.I really like grabbing a bite at Jasmine Rice Thai Kitchen.
- Epic Buckingham ride!nonstop hills and descents, amazing fall viewsAre 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.
- Greenbeltescape to endless gravel and wildernessDiscover 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!
- Towards CarpKeep going westCarp 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]
- Wakefield!escape the city and cool down in this scenic long rideLooking 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.
- Quyon Ferry loop⛴️ Ferry? Ferry!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?
