National Capital Commission

Whether you're interested in wildlife, weird and wonderful plants, wetlands, or waxing your skis, the Greenbelt has something for you. This is nature at its most accessible — 20,000 hectares of green space stretching through Ottawa from east to west. It's a great place to enjoy outdoor recreation, like hiking, and to learn about the natural world. With its diversity of natural ecosystems, rural landscapes and heritage sites, the Greenbelt is also a fascinating destination for educational field trips.

MER BLEUE: With more than 20 kilometres of trails, Mer Bleue offers plenty of opportunities for hiking. You can take a self-guided tour on the Mer Bleue Bog Trail, a 1.2-kilometre interpretive boardwalk. Check out the Dewberry Trail, as well. Photography and birdwatching are also popular activities at Mer Bleue. There’s so much to see and do in the Greenbelt — check out our interactive map to discover the other sectors.

FRESH PRODUCE FROM OUR GREENBELT FARMERS: The National Capital Greenbelt is home to a tantalizing bounty of local produce and a place to enjoy unique experiences. Pick your own crisp apples at a historic orchard, or collect sap from maple trees at a pioneer sugar bush. You can also purchase a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs from farm stands or at several farmers' markets within the city. Every season, there's something new to explore at a Greenbelt farm.

FALL RHAPSODY IN THE CAPITAL: This year, get away from the crowds, and visit the Greenbelt for breathtaking views of scenic fall landscapes. The Greenbelt is a natural haven for plants and wildlife, and is a photographer's paradise — located just minutes from downtown Ottawa.