Liam SmithSo, last summer, my buddy convinced me to try mountain biking for the “first proper time”, as he put it. He promised it would be fun—you know, just some chill trails, nice scenery, and a good workout.
Fast forward 20 minutes, and I’m standing at the top of a trail, questioning all my life choices. By the time I made it to the bottom—knees shaking, heart racing—I looked at my friend and said, “Let’s do it again!”
And that’s Ottawa for you: a city full of trails that can challenge, thrill, and make you fall in love with the sport, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. So, if you’re ready to see what all the hype is about, here are the best mountain biking trails in Ottawa. Read on!
Camp Fortune
– Media credit: campfortune
Expertise: Intermediate to Expert
Distance: 10 miles (varies depending on routes)
Time (Approx.): 2 to 3 hours
Nestled in Gatineau Park, Camp Fortune offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels, including gnarly downhill routes and smoother singletracks. The trails are well-maintained, with plenty of twists, turns, and drops, and the signage is clear.
The wooded surroundings add to the experience, with some sections offering breathtaking views of the Gatineau Hills. The downhill courses are particularly popular, and you can take a lift to the starting point for some extra convenience.
The park also organises occasional biking events and races, and if you’re keen on variety, Camp Fortune is also close to several other trails in Gatineau Park. Another perk here is that it’s equipped with facilities like parking, restrooms, and a snack bar.
| Pro tip: While you’re here, consider checking out Gatineau Park’s hiking trails or scenic lookouts. Pink Lake, a stunning turquoise-coloured lake, is just a quick drive away and a great spot to unwind after your ride. |
The Rideau Canal Eastern Pathway
– Media credit: frankieottawa
Expertise: Easy
Distance: 6 miles (one way)
Time (Approx.): 1 to 2 hours
The Rideau Canal Eastern Pathway is an 8-kilometre stretch along the historical canal that offers wide paved paths mixed with sections of gravel. The pathway runs through green spaces and urban spots, with the canal itself providing plenty of photo-worthy moments.
You’ll also encounter bridges, locks, and the occasional boat cruising by. The pathway might not have sharp drops or intense climbs, but its serene vibe and smooth terrain make it ideal when you’re in the mood for a scenic ride.
It connects with neighbouring trails also, so you can combine routes and extend your journey. Moreover, there are plenty of facilities nearby, including parking spots, rest areas, and even some local eateries.
| Pro tip: If you’re riding in warmer weather, swing by Lansdowne Park for a cold drink or ice cream—it’s just off the pathway. And if you’re up for exploring more, the canal is close to the ByWard Market—a great spot to stroll, drink, or shop. |
South March Highlands Conservation Forest
– Media credit: likwidous
Expertise: Intermediate to Expert
Distance: 9 miles
Time (Approx.): 2 to 3 hours
South March Highlands has over 20 kilometres of trails and offers a diverse terrain that ranges from fast-flowing singletracks to rocky technical features. You’ll feel truly immersed in nature here as you weave through towering trees and lush greenery.
Bonus: the network is well-mapped, so you won’t end up accidentally off-trail. Speaking of trails, they vary in difficulty, with some loops offering gradual climbs and rewarding descents, while others challenge your technical skills with intricate obstacles.
The community is fantastic about maintaining the trails—there’s even a dedicated group that monitors conditions. While South March Highlands is primarily a biking spot, hikers are known to share the trails, so it’s worth keeping an eye out and riding respectfully.
| Pro tip: After your ride, take the time to check out Kanata’s Trillium Woods Conservation Area, just a short drive away. It offers great walking trails and a quieter atmosphere if you’re looking to wind down after a day of shredding. |
Green’s Creek
– Media credit: velotechno
Expertise: Intermediate
Distance: 5 miles
Time (Approx.): 1.5 to
For an all-around mix of fun, challenge, and accessibility, Green’s Creek is hard to beat. The trails feature moderate climbs, fast descents, and some technical sections, making it a great spot for intermediate riders.
Beginners can manage most routes here too but might find certain areas a tad challenging. The surrounding landscape includes forest-covered paths and a creek that winds near the trails, giving the area its name.
Facilities are basic—you won’t find fancy amenities here—but there’s decent parking at trailheads. Also, since it’s inside the Greenbelt, you’re close to other trail networks if you’re looking to extend your ride or switch things up part way through.
| Pro tip: The nearby Mer Bleue Conservation Area is worth checking out. It’s home to boardwalks and wetlands, making it a peaceful spot to stretch your legs after your ride or snap some Insta-worthy nature shots. |
Carlington Bike Park Pump Track
– Media credit: kidicalmassottawa
Expertise: Intermediate
Distance: Short loops (0.5 miles per lap)
Time (Approx.): Varies based on activity
Located in Ottawa’s west end, Carlington Bike Park is a haven for riders who are obsessed with mastering jumps, drops, and all kinds of tricks. The pump track is the main attraction—it’s designed for riders to build speed without pedalling.
The dirt jump lines and sloped corners give you a playground to perfect your moves, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider. It’s also suitable for all ages, so you’ll often see younger riders with families enjoying the park alongside seasoned bikers.
The area is well-maintained, thanks to a community of dedicated volunteers who work hard to keep things smooth and safe. And since the park is fairly compact, you don’t need to commit a whole day to explore it—it’s so fun you might end up staying longer than planned anyway.
| Pro tip: After working up an appetite, head over to one of Westboro’s awesome restaurants or bakeries—they’re just a short ride away. |
Stony Swamp
– Media credit: obellem09
Expertise: Easy to Intermediate
Distance: 10 miles (combined trails)
Time (Approx.): 2 to 3 hours
Stony Swamp is part of the Greenbelt and spans multiple trail networks that crisscross the area, where you’ll find over 40 kilometres of routes. The trails are primarily made of compact dirt paths, intertwined with rocky patches and occasional boardwalks.
The multiple trailheads mean you can customise your route and difficulty level, and it’s easy to dip in and out based on your energy. As you pedal through, you’ll notice that Stony Swamp is teeming with wildlife—think deer, beavers, and plenty of bird species.
The Jack Pine Trail is a popular option and even has interpretive signs if you’re curious to learn more about the area’s ecology. Maps are available at various entry points, and plenty of benches and rest areas let you catch your breath along the way.
| Pro tip: After your ride, make your way to the nearby Moodie Drive trailhead and explore the Old Quarry Trail as a bonus using a connected route. |
Beaver Pond Trail
– Media credit: eotreks
Expertise: Easy
Distance: 1.9 miles loop
Time (Approx.): 30 minutes to 1 hour
Stretching just about 2 kilometres, Beaver Pond Trail is technically suited for all levels, with a packed gravel path and gentle inclines. The trail loops around—you guessed it—a serene beaver pond, and the views are incredible.
This spot is inside Kanata’s South March Highlands, so you’re just a short ride away from even more challenging trails if you’re feeling ambitious. The trail is well-signed and easy to follow, taking you through a mix of forest and wetlands.
It’s not uncommon to see families walking the path, so it’s one of those share-the-space spots—just bike respectfully. There’s parking available close to the trail’s access point, and conveniently, there are interpretive boards and shaded spots where you can rest.
| Pro tip: If you’re into wildlife, visit Beaver Pond Trail early in the morning or near sunset for the best chance to spot turtles, birds, and beavers in their natural habitat. |
Watts Creek Pathway
– Media credit: msss_lika
Expertise: Easy to Intermediate
Distance: 14 miles (out and back)
Time (Approx.): 2 to 3 hours
Watts Creek Pathway stretches roughly 9 kilometres and connects to the Ottawa River Pathway, giving you the option of extending your ride significantly. It’s perfect if you’re into steady-paced rides where you can focus on enjoying the surroundings.
The well-maintained pavement makes it a popular trail for a mix of bikers, joggers, and walkers alike. The trail runs alongside Watts Creek and cuts through forested sections, as well as more open areas with stretches of wildflower fields.
While the scenery is stunning, what makes Watts Creek truly special is how easy it is to connect to other key trails. If you’re riding in the winter, note that this pathway doubles as a popular cross-country skiing route due to its flat terrain.
| Pro tip: For an extended ride, hop onto the Ottawa River Pathway at the northern end and head toward Britannia Beach. It’s a great place to stop for a snack midway, especially if the weather is nice. |
Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
– Media credit: insta_graham_bikes
Expertise: Easy to Intermediate
Distance: 10 miles (varies in winter conditions)
Time (Approx.): 2 to 3 hours
The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, true to its name, shines during the colder months but also has its charm for summer and fall rides. This trail stretches along the Ottawa River for 18 kilometres, giving you fantastic views of the water as you ride.
It’s primarily a multi-use path, so don’t expect single-track mountain biking terrain, but for those who love flat, scenic routes, it doesn’t get much better than this. It also connects to other trails, so you have the flexibility to extend your adventure if you want.
The path is paved in some areas, while other sections are packed gravel, making it a great choice for hybrid or mountain bikes that can handle varying terrain well. Parking is abundant along several access points, and since you’re within the city’s boundaries, restrooms and cafes aren’t far off.
| Pro tip: In the winter, you can go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, as the Kichi Sibi transforms into one of the city’s best winter trails. Even better, start or end your ride near Westboro—a place to grab a quick bite or drinks. |
Old Quarry Trail
– Media credit: holerider
Expertise: Easy to Intermediate
Distance: 3-mile loop
Time (Approx.): 1 to 2 hours
The Old Quarry Trail offers several interconnected loops that vary in length but collectively give you over 4 kilometres of trails to explore. The paths are well-marked with clear signage, featuring packed dirt trails with occasional rocky and rooty sections.
It’s a relatively quiet trail system and meanders through a mix of dense forest and open meadows, offering some fantastic photo opportunities. There are a few steeper sections too, but nothing over technical, so it’s a good choice for intermediate riders.
If you’re lucky, you might spot deer grazing nearby or hawks circling overhead. Furthermore, there’s ample parking at the trailhead, and the information boards give you a great summary of the area’s history, including its glacial geological features.
| Pro tip: If you’re in the mood for another adventure post-ride, head just down the road to the Nepean Equestrian Park. They often have horseback riding lessons and events, which could be a fun way to round out your outdoor day. |
