Top Ottawa Outdoor Activities: Your Guide to Fun
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is so much more than just government buildings and Parliament Hill; the place has also got a ton of great spots just outside to have some fun, alright? Whether you are really into moving your body on killer hikes, cruising gently in a boat on calm waterways, or something more, the outdoor activity options in Ottawa are, in some respects, as diverse as Canada itself.
1. Cycling Along the Ottawa River
One thing about Ottawa that a lot of people are unaware of is just how bike-friendly it actually is; I mean, with literally hundreds of kilometers of pathways winding all over the place, biking here can sometimes feel pretty surreal. The Ottawa River Pathway, so, offers up killer views and pretty smooth riding that extends quite far in both directions. Picture it: you’re biking along, the Ottawa River sparkling in the light, and the breeze is just perfect—it feels wonderful. You could start near Parliament Hill and then very gradually head west, or east. That first choice lets you get peeks at sights like the Canadian War Museum, that has lots to see to learn. Instead, in the other direction there are some amazing parks you might be very interested in, for instance, there is one called Rockcliffe Park.
Consider stopping off at one of the several cool parks dotted all over for a snack or, if you are a planner, how about you pack yourself up something like a picnic? This activity is typically just good for keeping busy solo, or, very, it’s a blast for like families and pairs who maybe want to check things out, more or less, at their own rhythm. Plus, let me tell you, there is no entrance charge for going this way, that can really help anyone keeping an eye on what money they have for vacations!
2. Hiking in Gatineau Park
Alright, are you interested in a piece of the wild just like a hop from the city core? If the answer to that question is affirmative, that is, Gatineau Park needs to be on the bucket list! This, a sprawling conservation place, is situated just past the Ottawa River over on the Quebec part, plus, arguably, it is known, as I was saying, for views, so really attractive hiking trails. Routes are made available for absolutely everyone, seemingly it’s not that important how comfortable or experienced you are, since trails tend to change, ranging from those smooth strolls on the trails near the main visitor’s area up to steeper routes deeper on in the forest. Take advantage of the really cool trails that zig-zag near to Pink Lake; very often, those spots show totally special scenery with their differently shaded waters due to all the algae or so it is believed.
Or, in that case, how about scaling some height to gain lookouts at places such as Champlain Lookout—I mean, those just deliver, right? A panoramic lookout where people gaze at the whole of Ottawa is something to treasure, honestly. Do, anyway, prep well since trails might be more serious deep inside the woods; it is usually more convenient, by the way, that hikers bring equipment as the conditions tend to differ based on each period during a year and time in general.
3. Kayaking or Canoeing on the Rideau Canal
Okay, ever thought you would rather experience Ottawa, yet, from the seat of a canoe or atop the surface floating atop some water? As it seems, kayaking alongside the Rideau Canal sounds like exactly what you might need to unwind yourself, then. This particular waterway, so much of a Canadian national landmark so therefore very rich in context for being Canada’s top sights that everyone agrees with (at the end of the day) when visiting Ontario, can turn nearly everybody into something like relaxed travelers; that said, paddling downstream in these secure streams does make you very aware plus super glad that you may participate here, basically. A couple of vendors may exist throughout its length that assist beginners on everything—if novice canoers seek instruction for safety during all activities, they only would have to talk.
Launch in Dows Lake since you’ve got more room there if anything else. Or consider paddling downtown towards Ottawa Lock Station for sights all over on one fantastic canoe escape, usually. Then when done come park at cute harbors all over where they serve meals right off the boat itself, honestly; doing those will truly offer, to all who go this method in the water at minimum just some perspective regarding both what life truly means but in addition about nature nearby around there especially. Or do an early-early paddle: simply nothing tops watching city-edges slowly light up, apparently, before the heat makes it way above its neighboring properties!
4. Exploring the Dominion Arboretum
If quiet hikes where there are plant-life, arguably, sound preferable than something such like hardcore biking or watersports events around here however, why not check Ottawa’s gorgeous park? In some ways its greenery presents, typically, relaxing activities ideal anytime since they cover dozens (and many hundred species) around, frankly; this very area lies nearby Central Experimental farm (near many farms within the community). A number of landscapes decorate a portion from forests filled maple plus oak next to those from floral varieties offering photographic viewpoints for many photographers present all round, maybe, after having found great landscape viewpoints outside cities limits recently.
Spend your trip here observing nature either walking across park sidewalks while learning facts on particular flowers etc for fun! Plan trips whenever tulips grow or autumn gets close as then-colours usually make things totally memorable around for almost everybody in particular around!
5. Whitewater Rafting on the Ottawa River
Okay, anyone, out from the group searching excitement plus feeling like it to take on the stream so then very exciting white caps themselves: have those who choose rafting sessions off one among North America’s exciting waterway spots known from, it turns-out, around at home as the waterway named exactly Canada – or to where Canadians might be known in connection so with river spots, specifically Ottawa that usually is there ready; honestly, tours offered tend change depending, basically from calm rides suitable towards all beginner’s levels for all folks until extremely extreme challenges built strictly with professionals who had, obviously, plenty before in their careers. Most important always = keep secure.
A few establishments near to somewhere Beach’s offer help but instruction too by using pro skippers leading safely down throughout a portion that features a truly great thrill. During travels so in particular remember not avoid wearing footwear, it’s extremely significant but that fits safely plus bring some weather shield, right?. Whitewater adventure over Ottawa will simply bring feelings about nature from Ottawa!