Featured location
Ottawa
Ride the capital: car-free canal flats, market espresso, and the big grind to Champlain Lookout.
Ottawa offers a rare combination for cyclists: a UNESCO-listed canal you can ride car-free, more than 300 km of smooth paved capital pathways stitching together Parliament Hill and the historic ByWard Market, and Gatineau Park's legendary parkway climbs waiting just across the Ottawa River. Whether you want a flat, sightseeing spin past national landmarks or a lung-busting lookout day, nearly every ride launches straight from downtown.
What the riding’s like
The Capital Pathway network is smooth, flat and mostly separated from traffic, hugging both banks of the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River, so easy miles and sightseeing are effortless. Cross the Chief William Commanda Bridge and Gatineau Park delivers the region's real climbing, building to 300-plus metres of gain up to Champlain Lookout on quiet, well-paved parkways that close to cars on weekend mornings from mid-May to mid-October. Downtown streets carry traffic but have improving bike lanes, while heading into the Greenbelt or west toward Carp opens up rolling rural roads.
Points of interest
Worth a look on the bike or a reason to linger after the ride.
Rideau Canal
HistoryThis UNESCO World Heritage waterway is lined with paved multi-use pathways and becomes the world's longest skating rink in winter.
Parliament Hill
LandmarkCanada's Gothic Revival seat of government sits high above the Ottawa River, minutes from the ByWard Market by bike.
ByWard Market
HistoryEstablished in 1826, it is one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets and the social hub of downtown.
Chief William Commanda Bridge
ViewpointThis former rail bridge reopened in 2023 as a car-free walking and cycling crossing linking Ottawa to Gatineau over the Ottawa River.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
LandmarkOttawa's oldest and most striking church stands opposite the National Gallery near Major's Hill Park.
Canadian War Museum
MuseumCanada's national museum of military history at LeBreton Flats, right on the Ottawa River pathway — a natural meeting point for rides heading west or across to Gatineau.
Food & coffee stops
Where riders refuel — coffee, baked goods, and a proper post-ride meal. Tap a stop for photos and details.
Le Moulin de Provence
BakeryA French bakery and cafe in the ByWard Market since 1998, famous for its croissants and the 'Obama Cookie'.
View stop →Ottawa Bike Cafe
CafeA cyclist-focused Sparks Street cafe serving Artery Community Roasters coffee alongside bike repairs and accessories.
View stop →
Little Victories
CafeA local roaster known for top-tier espresso and minimalist rooms, with locations on Elgin, Bank and Queen Streets.
View stop →Britannia Cafe
CafeA pit stop right on the Ottawa River pathway near Britannia Beach, popular with cyclists, runners and paddlers.
View stop →Beyond the Pale Brewing Company
BreweryOne of Eastern Ontario's longest-standing craft breweries, with a big Hintonburg taproom and patio since 2012.
View stop →Ride ideas
Rides to, from, and around Ottawa to get you started.
Rideau Canal & Ottawa River City Loop
A flat, mostly car-free sightseeing loop on paved pathways past Parliament Hill, the museums and both banks of the canal.
Gatineau Park Champlain Lookout Challenge
Cross the Chief William Commanda Bridge and climb the quiet Gatineau parkways over 300 metres to the panoramic Champlain Lookout.
Cross-River Ottawa-Gatineau Riverfront Loop
Link the paved pathways of both cities using the Chief William Commanda and Alexandra bridges for constant river views.
Gallery
Scenes from the roads, trails and stops around Ottawa. Tap a photo to open the gallery.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the cycling like in Ottawa?
- The Capital Pathway network is smooth, flat and mostly separated from traffic, hugging both banks of the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River, so easy miles and sightseeing are effortless. Cross the Chief William Commanda Bridge and Gatineau Park delivers the region's real climbing, building to 300-plus metres of gain up to Champlain Lookout on quiet, well-paved parkways that close to cars on weekend mornings from mid-May to mid-October. Downtown streets carry traffic but have improving bike lanes, while heading into the Greenbelt or west toward Carp opens up rolling rural roads.
- Where should cyclists stop for food or coffee in Ottawa?
- Popular stops include Le Moulin de Provence, Ottawa Bike Cafe and Little Victories — see the full list of food and coffee spots on this page.
- What's a good cycling route in Ottawa?
- The Rideau Canal & Ottawa River City Loop is a great start — a 25 km road ride. A flat, mostly car-free sightseeing loop on paved pathways past Parliament Hill, the museums and both banks of the canal.
- What is there to see in Ottawa?
- Highlights include Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill and ByWard Market.
Plan your ride around Ottawa
Open the interactive map to plot a route, then check the amenities and trails layers along the way.
Explore the routes mapMore featured locations
Local details change — confirm hours and openings before you ride, and always ride to the conditions you find on the ground.