Rideau Canal Pathway, Cycling, Fall

Cycling and mountain biking in the Ottawa area

With more than 800 kilometres (497 miles) of beautiful and diverse recreational pathways, Canada’s capital is a cycling enthusiast’s dream destination. Biking within the city and in the nearby countryside is a fun way to access everything from attractions, parks and historic sites, to restaurants, breweries and wineries. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, weekend warrior or casual rider, you’ll love exploring the Ottawa region by bike!

Explore cycling activities in Ottawa

Cycling
Cycling in the Ottawa region
Learn about gear rentals, fun tours, great events and picturesque routes within the city and nearby countryside.
Rideau Canal - cycling
Best walking and cycling tours in Ottawa
Join us on a journey through some of Ottawa’s best walking and cycling tours.
Rideau Canal, Cycling. Biking
Sightseeing Cycling Route
Distance: Approximately 7.5 km (4.6 miles) Time: Less than an hour at a leisurely pace; more if you stop at museums and sites along the way Ottawa is…
Cyclists with Canadian Museum of History in the background, Cycling
Ottawa River Family-Friendly Bike Trail
Canada’s Capital is a cycling enthusiast’s dream destination with more than 800 kilometres (497 miles) of beautiful recreational pathways that link…
Camp Fortune Mountain bike trail
Mountain biking in Ottawa
As a cycling destination, Canada’s capital region boasts over 800 kilometres (497 miles) of beautiful recreational pathways, as well as a range of off…
Rideau Canal, Cycling, Biking
Family cycling along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa
Stay active as a family while exploring Canada’s capital by cycling the many pathways!
Cycling pathways Ottawa
Cycling in rural Ottawa
With over 800 kilometres (497 miles) of pathways, Canada’s capital region is a cyclist’s dream—especially the vast countryside surrounding the city.

Cycling businesses in the Ottawa area

Camp Fortune, Winter
Camp Fortune
The entire family can enjoy outdoor activities at this year-round recreational resort just fifteen minutes north of downtown Ottawa in Gatineau Park.
Cycling along Ottawa River Pathway
Capital Pathway
One of the best ways to explore Ottawa–Gatineau is by bike, through an extensive multi-use pathway network.
Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals
Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals
Join scheduled daily bike tours led by Ottawa locals or rent a bike, e-bike, scooter or boat and create your own adventure.
Snowshoeing in Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park
Swim, hike, bike, camp, cross-country ski, snowshoe or visit heritage sites amid towering trees and rocky outcrops in this expansive park just 15 minutes from Ottawa.
Le Harfang Fat Bike et Raquettes
Le Harfang Fat Bike et Raquettes
Rent a fat bike or snowshoes at this rural site on the northeast edge of Gatineau, Quebec—just a short drive from downtown Ottawa—and enjoy scenic winter trails.
Greenbelt
National Capital Greenbelt
Hike, bike, cross-country ski, learn about nature and visit heritage sites in this environmental gem, which encircles Ottawa with 20,000 hectares (almost 50,000 acres) of wetlands, woods and other unspoiled green spaces.

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Upcoming cycling events in Ottawa

CN Cycle for CHEO
Spring 2025, dates to be announced
Cycle along fully supported, traffic-free urban routes (15K, 35K and 70K) and enjoy Ottawa’s scenic beauty and top landmarks while raising money for…
Gatineau-Ottawa Bicycle Show
A show devoted exclusively to the world of cycling and cycling tourism: discover the latest news, trends, and new destinations to discover on two…
Navy Bike Ride
Summer 2025, dates to be announced
Family Fun at Ottawa's Navy Bike Ride presented By BMO.
Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour
The Ottawa Bicycle Club’s most demanding event attracts up to 1,500 riders in a two-day trip to Kingston and back. The annual two-day event is one of…
Tour de Gatineau
Fall 2025, dates to be announced
This will be the most prestigious event in North America for women’s road racing and will be classified as a 1.1 race by the Union Cycliste…
Weekend Bikedays
Spring 2025, dates to be announced
On weekends—and even some weekdays—you can bike, walk, run and in-line skate on several car-free parkways in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Weekend…

Explore even more outdoor activities in Ottawa

Arbraska Laflèche, climbing in caves
Outdoor rock climbing and spelunking in the Ottawa area
Discover the best outdoor rock climbing and spelunking activities in the Ottawa area.
OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River
Water activities in the Ottawa area
Ottawa is a water sport enthusiast’s haven with world-class white-water rafting, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and more.
Dominion Arboretum in Winter, Central Experimental Farm
Running and hiking in the Ottawa area
Running and hiking outdoor activities in the Ottawa area.

Stay up to date

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