Whether it’s camping, lounging at the cottage or hitting the trails, Canadians love spending time outdoors enjoying some fun and adventure. If you’re looking for a few of the best spots to hike around Ottawa this summer, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top five!
Sugar Bush Trail
If you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through the woods with a fairly simple route, the Sugar Bush Trail is an excellent spot to check out. This trail is perfect for a casual Sunday stroll with the family. It’s located right next to the little village of Old Chelsea, Quebec so it gets a good amount of foot traffic. Plus, you can always end your hike off with a trip to the nearby patios or ice cream parlour to treat yourself afterwards. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash.
Lauriault Trail Loop
This 3.9-kilometer trail is located near Gatineau and is a favourite for residents thanks to the scenic waterfall and hilltop views. It has some moderate inclines and can be quite busy during the summer. But the view of the Ottawa Valley makes it well worth the trek. It’s suitable for all skill levels. You can also bring your dog along on a leash here to enjoy some outdoor adventure.
Pine Grove
Looking for something a little more adventurous? At the Pine Grove trail, you can go horseback riding, take your bike along the trails, bring along a picnic or even take a self-guided tour along the forestry interpretation trail. There’s also a popular off-leash dog park on site.
Barron Canyon Trail
For those serious hikers out there who want a bit more of a challenging trek, the Barron Canyon Trail is always a popular area to head to and one of the best spots to hike around Ottawa. Located in Algonquin Park, you get more of the wild and rugged terrain that this park is known for. The trial is 1.5 kilometres long and winds along the spectacular Barron Canyon that dips 100m deep. You can even access this trail by canoe if you’re feeling so adventurous. Just be mindful that there is a high, unfenced area that can be very dangerous, so it’s not recommended for children, dogs, or inexperienced hikers.
Sarsaparilla Trail
This universally accessible trail is part of the National Capital Greenbelt, which includes over 100 km of trails to stroll along. And as you explore the Sarsaparilla, you can take a picturesque rest on the dock overlooking a large beaver pond (because what’s more Canadian than that?). This is a spot for everyone of all levels to enjoy. Plus, you can connect to the Trans Canada Trail, the Rideau Trail and Capital Pathway network from here as well.
So get out and enjoy some fun and adventure this summer along some of the best spots to hike around Ottawa! If you ‘re looking for a change of scenery, make sure to check out our Ottawa apartment listings — we have loads of units all across the city waiting for you.
