Learn about gear rentals, fun tours, great events and picturesque routes within the city and nearby countryside.
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
![Rideau Canal - cycling](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/Rideau-Canal---credit-Ottawa-Tourism-9X8A1663.jpg)
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](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/Rideau-Canal-Locks_biking_RT_9959-credit-Ottawa-Tourism.jpg)
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](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/Cycling-Canadian-Museum-of-History-credit-Ottawa-Tourism.jpg)
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](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/Camp-Fortune-Mountain-bike-trail-150708-0319-%281%29-credit-Camp-Fortune.jpg)
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…
![Rideau Canal, Cycling, Biking](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/Cycling-along-Rideau-Canal_0116-credit-Ottawa-Tourism-002.jpg)
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](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/Cycling-pathways-Ottawa-DSC_1865-Credit-James-Peltzer.jpg)
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
![Peak to Peak Camp Fortune Zipline Peak to Peak Camp Fortune Zipline](/sites/default/files/images/2023/05/Peak-to-Peak-Camp-Fortune-Zipline.jpg)
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 Cycling along Ottawa River Pathway](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/Cycling-Ottawa-River-Pathway-photographer-Dwayne-Brown.jpg)
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](/sites/default/files/images/2022/07/Escape-Bicycle-Tours-Rentals.jpg)
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.
![Gatineau Park Gatineau Park](/sites/default/files/images/2020/02/Gatineau-Park-trail-signs-DSC04093-credit-Ottawa-Tourism.jpg)
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](/sites/default/files/images/2022/06/Le-Harfang-Fat-bike-Raquettes.jpg)
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 Greenbelt](/sites/default/files/images/2023/12/Greenbelt-MerBleue-NCC.jpg)
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.
Upcoming cycling events in Ottawa
![cycling, biking cycling, biking](/sites/default/files/images/2023/05/cycling-AdobeStock_151883432.jpg)
CN Cycle for CHEO
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…
![Bicycle, Cycling Bicycle, Cycling](/sites/default/files/images/2024/08/Bicycle-Show-AdobeStock_162127263.jpg)
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 Navy Bike Ride](/sites/default/files/images/2023/05/Navy-Bike-Ride.jpg)
Navy Bike Ride
Family Fun at Ottawa's Navy Bike Ride presented By BMO.
![Cycling Cycling](/sites/default/files/images/2024/08/Bicycle-Tour-AdobeStock_489027758.jpg)
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…
![cycling, biking cycling, biking](/sites/default/files/images/2022/06/cycling-AdobeStock_220018325.jpg)
Tour de Gatineau
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…
![Rideau Canal, cycling Rideau Canal - cycling](/sites/default/files/images/2020/03/Rideau-Canal---credit-Ottawa-Tourism-9X8A1663.jpg)
Weekend Bikedays
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.
Explore even more outdoor activities in Ottawa
![Stony Swamp, Greenbelt, hiking Stony Swamp, Greenbelt, hiking](/sites/default/files/images/2024/08/Lime-Kiln-Trail-Ruins-47-credit-National-Capital-Commission.jpg)
Running and hiking in the Ottawa area
Running and hiking outdoor activities in the Ottawa area.
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.
![Arbraska Laflèche, climbing in caves Arbraska Laflèche, climbing in caves](/sites/default/files/images/2024/08/LAFLECHE-climbing-in-caves-048-credit-Arbraska-Lafleche.jpg)
Outdoor rock climbing and spelunking in the Ottawa area
Discover the best outdoor rock climbing and spelunking activities in the Ottawa area.