People always talk about the vibrant communities and festivals found throughout Ottawa, but they don’t often mention all the incredible green space that exists here. In fact, our capital city offers so many exciting opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to relax and play outdoors. So if you’re looking for a stunning lookout point, family-friendly picnic area, or a nature trail to discover, check out these five nature trails and parks.
Wesley Clover Parks and Campground
This four-season outdoor recreational paradise is the perfect place to spend some time this spring. Only a 15-minute car ride from downtown, the Wesley Clover Parks and Campground is the perfect getaway featuring trails, campgrounds, RV hookups, and even cabins for glamping. There’s also a ton of activities to do here – go horseback riding, play a game of soccer on the sports fields, or send the kids off to a fun educational program.
Lauriault Trail
If you’ve never been across the border into Quebec’s Gatineau Park, you’re seriously missing out. This massive forested area offers a multitude of hiking trails for beginners and experts alike. If you’re looking to take a nice stroll, be sure to check out the Lauriault Trail, an exceptional beginner’s hike that loops throughout the forest and a winding stream, in addition to a waterfall and stunning lookout. This dog-friendly trail only takes 2 hours to complete.
Mud Lake Trail
Did you know that Ottawa has a lake right inside the city limits? Right beside the Britannia Yacht Club and in the conservation area lies Mud Lake and its surrounding trails. Here you can explore lush forested green space that will get you up close with the Ottawa River banks and the city’s mini lake. You can also expect to find turtles, foxes and many different species of birds in this area. Thousands of birdwatchers flock here to observe all the unique and rare species that call this forest their home.
Andrew Haydon Park
Another beautiful green space to explore in the city area is the Andrew Haydon Park in Nepean. Located right next to the Ottawa River, you can spend a day here relaxing under a tree with a book, enjoying a family BBQ at one of the charcoal fire pits, attending an outdoor concert at the bandshell, or watching your kids play on the playgrounds and water features. Need a brisk walk to get your heart pumping? The park also offers walking trails to explore the picturesque surroundings.
Rideau Trail
Considered one of the largest trail networks in Canada, the Rideau Trail travels from downtown Ottawa right to Kingston. This 387 km massive network winds through the Ottawa locks, Rideau canal, and the rugged Canadian shield. There’s also a range of campgrounds along the way if you want to stop off and camp for the night before trekking on.
Get ready for a wonderful start to your summer by getting outdoors and taking in all the amazing parks and trails that the Ottawa area has to offer. CLV Group has all the tips you need to get the most out of our capital city. Check out our recent blog posts that cover “all things Ottawa” here.
