There are now twelve trails that wind through both nature and culture open to cyclists in rural Ottawa. You may be familiar with the bike path along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway or the special lanes installed downtown, but did you know that there are cycling trails along the outskirts of the city? The city has created pathways in the areas surrounding Carp, Munster, Manotick, Osgoode and smaller communities.
"We have an incredibly large city and there's a vast rural area and there's a lot of interesting places there — both natural beauty and culture," Zlatko Krstulic, a transportation planner at the City of Ottawa, said. There are nine secluded trails in addition to three major pathways the city maintains near Carleton Place, Osgoode and Prescott-Russell.
1. Kanata rural cycling route
Total distance: 38 km.
Experience level: Experienced.
Route: Connected to small farms and orchards along March Valley Road. Runs along the Ottawa River.
2. Carp & Country Debunker
Total distance: 45.9 km.
Experience level: Moderate to experienced.
Route: Stop and see Herb Garden, a collection of heritage log barns. Diefenbunker is also along this route.
3. Munster Meander
Total distance: 50 km.
Experience level: Moderate to experienced.
Route: Goulbourn Museum's military history exhibit can be seen on this trail. Stop in Ashton for some good food at the old mill restaurant.
4. Manotick South and West
Total distance: 56 km.
Experience level: Moderate.
Route: Manotick village has many small coffee shops and summer farmer's markets. Take a pit stop at Baxter Conservation Area for a swim at the beach.
5. The Osgoode Ride
Total distance: 59 km.
Experience level: Experienced.
Route: Ride through to Metcalfe for some treats and check out the fall agriculture fair if you're riding in autumn.
6. Rail Trail
Total distance: 23.5 km.
Experience level: Easy to moderate.
Route: This trail is almost completely covered by a canopy of trees. Loop through the Navan farmland and take a wine break at the two vineyards along the trail.
7. Cumber Tour de Land
Total distance: 69 km (20.5 km shorter route available).
Experience level: Moderate to advanced.
Route: Take a trip through history to the 19th century at the Cumberland Heritage Village Musem. You can modify this trail for a shorter ride.
8. Park to Park
Total distance: 45 km.
Experience level: Moderate.
Route: Explore Morris Island to see the Ottawa River's natural beauties. Pack a picnic along or camp overnight at Fitzroy Provincial Park. You can also hop on a ferry to see Quyon, Que.
9. Out a way
Total distance: 101 km.
Experience level: Experienced.
Route: This route is for brave riders who want challenging hills and steep descents. After your adrenaline rush you can recharge at a cafe in Dunrobin.