The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Greenbelt

This is one of Lafarge's quarries, where limestone rock is mined and crushed to make cement. From here, you have a good view of some of the mining operations.

Forest Valley is great for summer and winter fun. In summer, hiking and biking on certain trails is the best way to see this protected area. In winter, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking and even skating on frozen ponds bring the forest to life in winter. Please stay on the paths to protect vegetation. The trail network here is perfect for exploring loops of different sizes instead of just out and back trails.

This trail within Forest Valley follows a fence line for about 900 meters, a straight shot, and still wooded and beautiful.

Leave the pavement and enter the dirt trails of Forest Valley, the densely wooded track of land sandwiched between suburban neighbourhoods. The area is open to dog walking, but there are signs that state if dog owners don't pick up after their dog, there's a heavy fine.

A major waterway running through eastern Ontario, the Rideau River flows year-round from Upper Rideau Lake to the Ottawa River. Along the Riverside South and Barrhaven sections, the river sits beside a mix of residential areas, pockets of forest, and open shoreline. It’s a consistent reference point for local routes, offering small lookouts, wildlife viewing, and spots where you can step close to the water. Multi-use paths in the area often parallel short stretches of the river, making it a useful natural landmark for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

A small neighbourhood park north of Claudette Cain Park, set close to a bend in the Rideau River. The space includes open lawn, a playground, and shaded seating, with nearby residential paths connecting directly into local walking and running routes.

A well-kept community park in Riverside South with paved paths, open green space, and access to the Rideau River. The multi-use trail running through the park is suitable for walking, running, and cycling, with mostly level terrain and clear sightlines. Facilities include sports fields, a splash pad, playgrounds, and washrooms (seasonal).

McCarthy Park sits beside McCarthy Woods and serves as a practical access point for routes in the area. The park includes sports fields, tennis courts, a playground, and open green space, with paved paths connecting directly to surrounding neighbourhood streets. Parking and washrooms (seasonal) make it a convenient start for walks, runs, or bike rides that continue into McCarthy Woods. Its flat layout and clear signage make it easy to navigate and useful as a facility hub before heading onto the nearby forest trails.