Hiking is hands down one of our favourite summer date ideas. It allows you to spend time outdoors, get your body moving, and it’s often free! The National Capital Region of Ottawa-Gatineau has numerous trails with stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems that are suitable for all skill levels. From Gatineau Park’s extensive network of paths to the serene trails within Ontario’s Greenbelt, adventurers are treated to breathtaking views, lush forests, and an opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Check out some of our favourite hiking spots below to add to your summer bucket list!
The Mer Bleue Bog Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Mer Bleue Conservation Area, especially for families! Its interesting storytelling route and mostly flat, accessible boardwalk make it an easy trail for all levels.
The trail also provides a unique opportunity to see a northern boreal landscape with regionally and significantly rare plants, birds, and other wildlife.
Length: 1.4 km loop
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Located in the south end of Ottawa, Pine Grove is the largest forest in the Greenbelt, and is a mixture of tree plantations and natural forests. Learn about the trees of the region through a series of interpretative panels along the Pine Grove Forestry Trail, and maybe even see some forest creatures!
Length: 9.7 km loop
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
The stunning views from Pink Lake Trail make it one of the most popular hiking spots in Gatineau Park. The trail has several sets of stairs that lead you to a picturesque lookout point as well as several interpretation panels along the way.
Contrary to the name, the lake is actually green and was named after the Pink family who settled the land in 1826.
Length: 2.3 km loop
Location: Chelsea, Quebec
At over 40 km, the Stony Swamp sector has more trails than any other area of the Greenbelt. The Jack Pine Trail is a central point for many of the trails in this area where you can explore a network of beaver ponds, wetlands and forests in the most ecologically diverse protected area in the Ottawa Valley.
Length: The trail is divided into three loops — short (0.7 km), medium (1.7 km) and long (2.3 km)
Location: Nepean, Ontario
Hike up Gatineau Park’s King Mountain Trail and take in the spectacular view of the Ottawa River Valley. The King Mountain Trail has interpretation panels and 10 lookouts for an insta-worthy summer hike!
Length: 1.9 km loop
Location: Chelsea, Quebec
Happy Pride Month! Click here to explore Pride events happening in Ottawa this June.
