Greenbelt Pathway West (Ottawa)

A relaxed, mostly off-street ride through Ottawa’s Greenbelt. Expect long paved sections mixed with extended gravel, a few short hops on quiet/access roads, and the odd boardwalk. It’s mostly flat with gentle rollers—great for hybrids or gravel bikes; road bikes work if you’re okay with some crunch. End-to-end is roughly 20+ km.

You’ll roll past forests, wetlands, and farm fields, with solid chances to spot birds and other wildlife. The path ties into other city routes, so it’s easy to extend toward Kanata, Bells Corners, or the Ottawa River. Signage is decent along the way.

Ride it as an out-and-back or point-to-point. Bring water (services are sparse), bug spray in summer, and lights in shoulder seasons. Watch for pedestrians and families on sunny weekends, and use caution on the brief on-road bits. In winter, some sections may not be maintained. A scenic, low-stress escape without leaving the city.