The best traffic-free bike rides around Ottawa

This guide features 5 carefully selected no-traffic gravel bike routes around Ottawa, ranging from easy to difficult. These routes offer a great way to explore the region's natural beauty away from vehicle traffic.

Ottawa's gravel trails offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find everything from hard-packed gravel paths suitable for beginners to more challenging routes with varied surfaces, including sections through forests, along riverbanks, and through open agricultural lands. Areas like the National Capital Greenbelt and parts of the Ottawa Valley are known for their extensive unpaved networks.

Yes, there are several easy options perfect for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. The View of the Ottawa River – NCC River House loop from Jeanne-d'Arc and the View of the Ottawa River – Benches by the River loop from Canada Aviation and Space Museum are both rated as easy and offer scenic, traffic-free experiences along the Ottawa River.

Many routes offer stunning views and pass by significant natural and historical sites. You might encounter beautiful lakes like Leamy Lake Beach or Black Lake. The region also features iconic landmarks such as Parliament Hill and the historic Rideau Canal Eastern Pathway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gatineau Park, just outside the city, is home to the unique Pink Lake Lookout.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a longer challenge, the Alexandra Bridge – Leamy Lake Beach loop from Rideau is a difficult route spanning over 125 km with significant elevation gain. Another challenging option is the View of power lines and fields – Trans Canada Trail Connection loop from Wesley Clover Parks, offering a demanding ride through varied landscapes.

The best time for gravel biking in Ottawa is generally from spring through fall (April to October). During these months, trails are typically clear of snow and ice, and the weather is pleasant. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, offering a more serene, no-traffic experience. Autumn is particularly scenic with vibrant fall foliage.

Yes, all the routes in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without needing shuttle arrangements. This includes routes like the Lac Deschênes Beach – Dow's Lake loop from Dow's Lake / Lac Dow, which offers a moderate challenge.

Beyond the immediate city, the broader Ottawa Valley region is considered a 'gravel paradise.' Areas like Calabogie, Griffith, Dacre, and Eganville boast hundreds of kilometers of unpaved roads, logging roads, and rail trails, providing vast networks for traffic-free gravel biking. The National Capital Greenbelt also offers extensive gravel paths encircling the city.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Ottawa, with an average score of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, scenic routes, the variety of terrain, and the excellent opportunities to explore nature away from urban congestion. Many appreciate the well-maintained paths and the chance to discover hidden gems.

While many trailheads are accessible by car, some routes or sections of larger networks like the Ottawa River Pathways and the Rideau Canal Pathway can be reached via Ottawa's public transport system (OC Transpo). It's advisable to check specific route access and bike-on-bus policies with OC Transpo for the most up-to-date information.

The National Capital Greenbelt, with its wetlands, forests, and farms, is an excellent area for wildlife viewing. Trails within Stony Swamp, such as the Beaver Trail, are known for their natural habitats and offer opportunities to see local fauna. Riding quietly on these no-traffic routes increases your chances of encountering wildlife.

For broader information on outdoor activities and natural attractions in the Ottawa area, you can visit the official Ottawa Tourism website. They provide details on various experiences, from cycling to exploring natural wonders. Check out their sections on outdoor activities and natural wonders.