The best places to bike to in Ottawa: A guide to the NCC's Weekend Bikedays
Where will your bike take you this summer?
Dust off your old bike, Ottawa. Right: Sunset views at Pangishimo Park.
Can you feel that spring sunshine on your skin yet? The weather is warming up, the flowers are in full bloom and three gorgeous Ottawa parkways are now closed off to cars every weekend to make room for bikes. That's right; saddle up because the National Capital Commission's Weekend Bike Days are finally back.
For those not in the know, this means the Kichi Zībī Mīkan Parkway, the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway and the Queen Elizabeth Driveway are now open season for those travelling via foot, trusty bicycle, stroller, rollerblades, or whatever other wheels your adventurous heart desires. Essentially, as long as you're not driving a car, these parkways are all yours!
Whether you're by yourself, or with your family or friends, each of these parkways lead to some must-see spots around Ottawa that are perfect for a day trip, especially if you're on your bike. Whatever your mode of transport though, these destinations are all but guaranteed to bring out the explorer in you.
Be at one with nature at Mud Lake Conservation Area
Price: Free
Address: 265 Britannia Rd, Ottawa, ON
Parkway: Kichi Zībī Mīkan Parkway
Why You Need To Go: If you're a lover of nature and wildlife, this one's for you. Mud Lake is a perfect hike for bird watchers as you can spot up to 269 different species of birds here, as well as plenty of reptiles and amphibians that can't be found anywhere else in the region. You'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, despite being only a stone throw from Lincoln Fields station!
Things To Know:
- Cycling is not allowed on Mud Lake trails, but bike racks are available nearby at Regina Street Alternative School, 2599 Regina St.
- Dogs and other pets are not permitted at Mud Lake
- Public bathrooms are not available
- Do not the feed animals
- Mud Lake is not wheelchair accessible
Cool off at the NCC River House
Price: Free
Address: 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, Ottawa, ON
Parkway: Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway
Why You Need To Go: Want to go for a swim after a long bike ride? The River House is the perfect way to reward yourself after a long bike ride. Here, you can sit back on a Muskoka chair on the pier, grab a meal at The Café & Bistro, or dive into the enclosed swimming area, which is complete with floating platforms.
The River House swimming area and boat launch are expected to reopen for the season in June, but other amenities including food and beverage services and the shoreline remain open.
Things To Know:
- Bike racks are available outside of the NCC River House
- Dogs and other pets are permitted on the shoreline, but not in the NCC River House
- Public bathrooms are available
- The NCC River House is an accessible venue
- The enclosed swimming area has a maximum of 125 swimmers at one time and works on a first-come, first-served basis
- No outside alcohol is permitted in the NCC River House, but alcohol can be purchased at The Café & Bistro
Ride across the Chief William Commanda Bridge
Price: Free
Address: Chief William Commanda Bridge, Ottawa, ON
Parkway: Kichi Zībī Mīkan Parkway
Why You Need To Go: The Chief William Commanda Bridge is a new pedestrian bridge that was formerly a railway bridge known as the Prince of Wales Bridge. This beautiful and incredibly long historical bridge connects Ottawa to Gatineau through Lemieux Island. Stop by to take some photos and enjoy the views.
Things To Know:
- The Chief William Commanda Bridge is wheelchair accessible
- Public bathrooms are available nearby
Have a picnic at Patterson Creek Park
Price: Free
Address: 524 O'Connor St, Ottawa, ON
Parkway: Queen Elizabeth Drive
Why You Need To Go: Located along an offshoot of the Rideau Canal is Patterson Creek Park; the perfect spot to lay down a blanket and have a picnic on a warm day. The lily pads in the water and the vine-covered bridge will make you feel like you're in an entirely different city.
Things To Know:
- The NCC Bistro is available at this location
- There are no public bathrooms
- This park is not wheelchair accessible
NCC Weekend Bike days offer up a whole lot of adventure and there's plenty to do. This list definitely does not have everything you'll find along the parkways covered, but the rest is up to you to discover!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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