The best walks and hikes in Greenbelt

Mer Bleue Bog is a remarkable natural area in Ottawa, where a rare northern peat bog stretches across open wetlands and forested edges that feel unlike anywhere else in the city. There is an extensive network of trails to explore different parts of the area, from accessible boardwalks across the open bog to longer forest and wetland trails with views of sphagnum moss, black spruce, tamarack trees, and unique plant life more commonly found much farther north. Open year-round and free to visit, the bog has benches scattered throughout with interpretive signs that explain its unique ecology and history, perfect for plenty of options to pause and take in the quiet scenery, birdlife, and unusual open landscape.

Trail 50 is a peaceful forest and wetland trail that runs through mixed woodland, marshy sections, and quieter edges of the bog. The trail offers a more secluded experience than the popular boardwalk, with bridges, varied terrain, and places to spot turtles, frogs, birds, and other wildlife along the wetlands. The trail is mostly wide, flat, easy to follow, and lightly travelled, making it a great option for a quiet walk surrounded by nature.

Right along the dirt path of Trail 31, shaded by the canopy of the thick forest, sits some basic exercise equipment. Here you can find a few stations spread out like hanging bars for pull-ups or a good stretch as well as incline bars.

Nepean Sportsplex opened in 1973 and has a 2,200-seat arena. There are restrooms, softball, baseball, and soccer fields as well as quite a bit of parking that may fill up during popular sporting events. The sportsplex is a great spot to start a hike in Pinhey Forest.

This natural area is located in Ottawa's Greenbelt, near the Blackburn Hamlet neighbourhood. The forest is known for its red and white pine plantations, as well as its wetlands and diverse wildlife. The site includes numerous trails for walking and running in the summer, and for cross-country skiing in the winter.

On Ottawa’s southwest side, the Pinhey Forest area of the Greenbelt offers a mix of working farmland and peaceful forest. You can explore more than 6 km of trails that stay open through all seasons. The area is also home to a rare inland sand-dune ecosystem you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Athans Park is a quiet green space in Ottawa’s south end, and is a peaceful setting for walking, running, and outdoor exercise. There are well-maintained pathways that connect to the larger network of trails in Convoy Pit, beautiful mature trees, and open grassy areas that make it a favourite for locals due to its easy access from nearby neighbourhoods. It’s a convenient spot to stretch your legs or go for a short run to enjoy a breath of fresh air.

Conroy Pit loop is an easy and popular five-kilometre circuit through mixed woods and open clearings, with plenty of space for off-leash dogs and easy walking. The terrain is mostly flat, and while the nearby airport and hydro corridor add some background noise, the trail still offers a natural break from the surrounding suburbs. The loop connects to several other small trails in the park, for plenty of options to create shorter or longer hikes. It’s a practical, well-used route for locals looking to stretch their legs or let their dogs roam without having to travel far from home.