Looking to explore scenic trails on foot in the Ottawa region? Choose from walking on easy urban pathways, hiking on rugged rural terrain and much more.
With numerous pedestrian paths and easy access to Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt, you’ll find an amazing route for your next run or hike. Ottawa offers an incredible blend of urban and wilderness trails, perfect for getting active outside.
Explore running and hiking activities in Ottawa
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Year-round outdoor activities in Ottawa's Greenbelt
Enjoy seasonal outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, boating, paddling, skiing, snowshoeing and birdwatching all year round in Ottawa’s Greenbelt.
Running and hiking businesses in the Ottawa area
Big Pine Hikes
Unplug and unwind with fun, safe and educational hiking tours exploring unique natural destinations in the capital region.
Capital Pathway
One of the best ways to explore Ottawa–Gatineau is by bike, through an extensive multi-use pathway network.
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.
Mackenzie King Estate (Gatineau Park)
Once the summer home of Canada's longest-serving prime minister, this 231-hectare (571 acre) property in Gatineau Park welcomes visitors to enjoy lunch, special activities, lush gardens, wooded trails and more.
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 running and hiking events in Ottawa
BougeBouge Outaouais Festival
Get moving at the BougeBouge Outaouais Festival! Run 1km, 2km, 5km, or 10km, then enjoy a magic show, sports demos, and fun in the Youth, Zen, and…
BougeBouge uOttawa
Run, walk, and celebrate at BougeBouge uOttawa! Join the fun with a 2.5km, 5km, or 10km race through the scenic campus. Enjoy a day of fitness…
Canada Army Run
Canada Army Run is unlike any other run in the country. From the cannon used as a starter's pistol to the "dog-tag" medals all participants receive…
Embrace Winter Run
Winter 2026, dates to be announced
A winter running race offering marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 3K, and a 1K Kids Snowy Shuffle. Enjoy a closed course along the Ottawa River, with…
Mothers Day Flower Fun Run
Walk or run 1K (for kids under 12) or 5K past hundreds of thousands of blooming tulip beds and the Rideau Canal / Dows Lake and raise funds for the…
Mud Girl Run
Enter into this uniting and empowering experience called MUDGIRL. A 5km walk/run with 17+ obstacles that's achievable by all. You'll face mud…
Explore even more outdoor activities in Ottawa
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Outdoor rock climbing and spelunking in the Ottawa area
Discover the best outdoor rock climbing and spelunking activities in the Ottawa area. -
Cycling and mountain biking in the Ottawa area
Get easy access to urban and rural pathways, plus tours, events and more in Canada’s capital. -
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.
