The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Ottawa
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3,386
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Dog friendly hiking trails around Ottawa traverse a diverse landscape, characterized by expansive greenbelts, dense forests, and pathways along the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal. The region features varied terrain, from the flat, ecologically rich bogs and sand dunes of the National Capital Greenbelt to the gentle hills and woodlands surrounding the city. These natural areas provide accessible routes with minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for a range of outdoor activities.
Best dog friendly hiking trails around Ottawa
- The most popular dog friendly hiking route is Conroy Pit loop — Ottawa, a 3.0 miles (4.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 15 minutes to complete. This easy route features minimal elevation gain through a wooded area.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Claudette Cain Park to River's Bend Park loop — Manotick, Ontario, an easy 1.6 miles (2.6 km) path. This route offers riverside views and parkland scenery.
- Local hikers also love the McCarthy Woods loop — Ottawa, a 1.6 miles (2.6 km) trail leading through dense woodlands, often completed in about 40 minutes.
- Hiking around Ottawa is defined by extensive greenbelts, river pathways, and diverse forest areas. The network offers options for different ability levels, with many routes featuring gentle terrain.
- The routes in Ottawa are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 120 reviews. More than 2500 hikers have used komoot to explore Ottawa's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
4.90km
01:15
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
6.21km
01:35
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2.63km
00:40
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.56km
00:40
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
4.92km
01:16
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Ottawa
Tips from the Community
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.
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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.
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This trail within Forest Valley follows a fence line for about 900 meters, a straight shot, and still wooded and beautiful.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many dog-friendly hiking trails are available around Ottawa?
There are over 5 dog-friendly hiking trails detailed in this guide, all rated as easy, making them suitable for a relaxed outing with your canine companion. The Ottawa region, including areas like Gatineau Park and the National Capital Greenbelt, offers a vast network of trails, many of which welcome dogs.
Are there any dog-friendly loop trails in Ottawa?
Yes, several dog-friendly loop trails are available. For example, the Conroy Pit loop offers a pleasant 4.9 km walk, and the McCarthy Woods loop is a shorter 2.6 km option. Both are easy and perfect for a stroll with your dog.
What kind of terrain can I expect on dog-friendly trails in Ottawa?
The dog-friendly trails around Ottawa offer diverse terrain. You'll find everything from well-maintained pathways along the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal to more natural forest paths in areas like Pine Grove and Stony Swamp. Some trails, such as those in Pinhey Forest, even feature unique sand dune ecosystems. All trails listed in this guide are rated as easy, generally featuring minimal elevation gain.
Are there any dog-friendly trails with scenic views or natural attractions?
Absolutely! The Ottawa region is rich in natural beauty. While hiking with your dog, you can explore areas like the Mer Bleue Bog, a rare boreal landscape with boardwalks, or enjoy views from lookouts in Gatineau Park, such as Champlain Lookout. The Claudette Cain Park to River's Bend Park loop offers lovely riverside scenery.
Can I find dog-friendly trails near water features like waterfalls or lakes?
Yes, the region has several spots with water features. While the Luskville Falls in Gatineau Park are seasonal, the hike itself is rewarding. You can also find beautiful lakes like Pink Lake (though dogs may have restrictions on the immediate loop trail, check local signage) and Black Lake. For waterfalls, Hog's Back Falls is a notable attraction.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with my dog in Ottawa?
Ottawa offers great hiking opportunities year-round. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with 'Fall Rhapsody' in Gatineau Park being particularly stunning. Even in winter, many trails are suitable for snowshoeing or fat-biking, and some remain accessible for dog walking, though conditions can vary. Always check local trail conditions before heading out.
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly dog walks in Ottawa?
All the trails featured in this guide are rated as easy, making them perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed walk with their dog. Options like the Quarry loop from Monaghan Forest Park (2.5 km) or the McCarthy Woods loop (2.6 km) are excellent choices for an easy outing.
Are there any dog-friendly trails accessible by public transport in Ottawa?
While many of the larger natural areas like Gatineau Park and parts of the Greenbelt are best accessed by car, some urban pathways along the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal are more readily accessible via Ottawa's public transport system. For specific trailheads, it's recommended to check the OC Transpo website for bus routes that serve the area you plan to visit.
What do other hikers say about dog-friendly trails in Ottawa?
The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in Ottawa, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to enjoy nature with their dogs in a peaceful setting.
Are there any specific rules for dogs in Gatineau Park?
Gatineau Park welcomes dogs on many of its trails, but it's crucial to keep them on a leash at all times for their safety and the protection of wildlife. There may be seasonal restrictions on certain trails, especially during winter for cross-country skiing, so always check the National Capital Commission (NCC) website for the most current regulations before your visit. You can find more information on the NCC's website: ncc-ccn.gc.ca.
Where can I find dog-friendly trails with good parking facilities?
Many of the popular dog-friendly areas around Ottawa, such as Conroy Pit, Morris Island Conservation Area, and various access points to the National Capital Greenbelt trails (like Pine Grove or Stony Swamp), offer dedicated parking lots. The trails listed in this guide, including the Quarry loop from Fallowfield, generally have convenient parking nearby.
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