Ottawa by Bike: Three Paths That Make the City Shine
/Biking is my favourite way to explore a city. Walking is too slow; driving is too fast. But a bike goes just the right speed to take in your surroundings, while getting places in a reasonable time—it’s the perfect exploration vehicle. And when paired with Ottawa’s extensive path system, some of the city’s hidden gems are revealed.
Best Natural Beauty: Rideau River Eastern Pathway
The Rideau River Eastern Pathway starts and ends at two of Ottawa’s most beautiful falls, Hog’s Back, and the Rideau Falls. The path meanders alongside the river and is surrounded by greenery for all 23 kilometres. It passes by countless parks, but my favourite is Vincent Massey Park. Riding east through this park is the best part of the ride; it truly feels like biking through a beautiful rural area until you pop out of the trees and are greeted by Billings Bridge’s brutalist buildings and sprawled parking lots.
But what makes this ride worthwhile is getting to see the Rideau River empty into the Ottawa at the end. These twin falls might be our city’s most underappreciated sight. At 11-metres tall with a vertical drop, they are certainly one of the most naturally beautiful—and just a few kilometres from downtown. What’s more, to cap off your ride you can even grab a drink at Tavern on the Falls while taking in the view.
Best Sunset: Ottawa River Pathway (Western Section)
Although westerly winds funnelling up the banks can make the Ottawa River Pathway a tough ride, the scenery is great, and there’s lots to explore. Two islands, Lemieux and Bates are both accessible by bike and just a few hundred metres from the pathway. Bates is especially worth exploring in the springtime when you can see the full power of the Ottawa River as it roars past the island. You can also spot surfers on the river around that time of year!
Also along the path is an old railway bridge, now called the William Commanda Bridge, which has been converted into a bike path connecting Ottawa and Gatineau. Even if you don’t plan to fully cross, this bridge is worth checking out for its uniqueness and views of downtown Ottawa—though it doesn’t compare to the similarly retrofitted Alexandra Bridge.
View of downtown Ottawa from the William Commanda Bridge
But what sets the Ottawa River Pathway apart is its sunsets. If you ever go for an evening ride, be sure to find a west-facing bench along the path to enjoy the beautiful sunset. My favourite place to do so is at Britannia Park, after stopping for an ice cream cone at Beachconers Microcreamery. Just make sure to bring some lights for the ride home!
Most Historically Significant: Rideau Canal Eastern and Western Pathways
Did you know the Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
It’s a bit too early to skate the length of the canal, so why not bike it in the meantime? This 20-kilometre loop is one of Ottawa’s most central multi-use pathways, allowing cyclists to explore downtown and its surrounding neighbourhoods.
My favourite way to do the loop is to cross from the Eastern to the Western Pathway at the Hartwell Locks, before biking through the Dominion Arboretum. Here, the path winds through some of Ottawa’s oldest and most beautiful trees. The most distinct of these are the weeping willows that hang overhead as you bike over short footbridges.
cyclist rides on the rideau canal eastern pathway, near old ottawa south
Both of the canal’s pathways provide plenty of opportunity to explore Ottawa’s diverse landscape. Throughout the ride, you come across other paths that allow you to sidetrack through university campuses, farms, and parks. Then, at their northernmost points, they deliver you right into the heart of downtown, between the Chateau Laurier and Parliament Hill.
Honourable Mentions
Gatineau Park parkways: These roads are good for big climbs through nature; though, be advised, you will be riding alongside cars. There are also mountain biking trails in the park.
Ottawa River Pathway (Eastern Section): More beautiful riverside riding, with elevated views of downtown at Rockcliffe Park, and possible plane-spotting.
Ottawa Carleton Trailway: If you’re looking for flat, long-distance gravel riding, check out this trail. It’s also a wonderful way to explore the Ottawa Valley by bike.
a Man rides his bike on the Ottawa Carleton Trailway, near stittsville, Ottawa, on.
So, Which Bike Path is Best?
These are just a few of Ottawa’s many bike paths (more can be found here), so, it’s hard to say that one specific path is best. The main point is, whether you like natural beauty, beautiful sunsets, history, long rides, or long climbs, Ottawa has plenty of paths for you. So, grab a bike and get out there! And remember, there’s more hidden gems to be found if you make your own path.
A lifelong Ottawan, Jack Rhoades has been finding fun in Ottawa for the past two decades. In his search, he has biked across the city, paddled over its rivers, and run across its paths. These activities have turned him into a staunch defender of his city and its underratedness. When he’s not out exploring the city, he can be found playing golf or tennis, and coaching minor hockey.
