There are parts of Canada’s Capital that serve as a paradise for cyclists of all ages! The Hansen family has been hitting the paths on two wheels all summer between jobs, as we clearly love the great outdoors, and we discovered quite a few fun spots to explore with the family! Here are our picks for the best places to cycle in the Ottawa area.
Britannia Beach Area
What’s better than hitting the fun, winding waterside bike path with family or that special someone, stopping at Beachconers for an irresistible (and famously unique) ice cream, and enjoying the scenery as the sun sets on another stunning summer’s day? Experience all this and more by taking to the Britannia Beach area. The section extending from the beach to Andrew Haydon Park and Dick Bell Park near Bayshore, wrapping around the conservation area, is particularly stunning. If you’re looking for a bike ride that merges natural beauty with city conveniences (again, like ice cream shops), this is one place you shouldn’t miss!
Rockcliffe / New Edinburgh / Manor Park
What an absolutely gorgeous area this is! Mosey around the tree-filled upscale residential suburbs hugging a cliff overlooking the Ottawa River, and you won’t soon forget it. Traffic is light, and there’s plenty of parks and other places to stop and rest – our favourites are sprawling Rockcliffe Park and the beautifully landscaped, tree-lined area between Mariposa Avenue and Springfield Road. It’s a great place to explore on the weekend, packed full of secret lakes, ponds, parks, gardens, and fancy houses.
Stittsville
Want to enjoy a leisurely bike ride through charming countryside surroundings? Stittsville is the place to be! Abundant in nature and small-town atmosphere, it’s not that far from Canada’s Capital yet still offers an escape for an afternoon amongst the trees! The area has plenty of bike paths, trails, and outdoor recreational options – from playgrounds to outdoor sports – to satisfy all lifestyles. No matter how active you are, this is a great area to visit for an afternoon on a sunny day!
There are so many great cycling spots in Ottawa that we can’t name them all – besides, we haven’t had the chance to see everything there is! Head on out, put your helmet on, check your tires and chains, and take to the city to see what you can discover. There’s a whole lot more to the cycling scene in Ottawa than meets the eye!