11 Easy Winter Hikes In Ottawa To Try Before The Snow Melts
Our city looks magical when the sparkling snow dusts the ground. The next time you need to stretch your legs, these easy winter hikes in Ottawa would be perfect.
You don't need to be an avid hiker to enjoy these short and sweet adventures. Spots like Hog's Back Falls lookout is just minutes from the park's parking lot, so it's ideal if you're in a hurry.
Just dress warmly — and maybe bring a travel mug filled with hot chocolate — and you're ready to go.
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Jack Pine Trail
Price: Free
Address: Moodie Drive, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can follow a 0.7-kilometre loop trail through a massive snow-covered forest in the Greenbelt. If you're looking to spend more time outdoors, longer trails are also available.
Mud Lake
Price: Free
Address: Mud Lake, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Despite the name, Mud Lake is a picturesque spot to go for birdwatching, walking around the frozen lake, and escaping the bustling city.
Bruce Pit
Price: Free
Address: 175 Cedarview Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Bring your dog for a hike with you along a scenic trail in the Greenbelt. Bruce Pit offers a large off-leash area, so your furry friend can run free.
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Major's Hill Park
Price: Free
Address: Mackenzie Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This area offers picturesque views of Chateau Laurier and the Parliament buildings. It also has some of the best lookouts in the city, where you can see the Ottawa Locks on the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River.
Hog's Back Falls
Price: Free
Address: 600 Hogs Back Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This artificial waterfall is absolutely stunning when it freezes in the winter. The lookout is only steps from the parking lot, making for an easy trek.
Pinhey Forest
Price: Free
Address: Pinhey Forest, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: While this area is best known for its dunes, it's also lovely in the winter. It's a fantastic spot to escape the crowds and offers 6.4 kilometres of hiking trails.
Princess Louise Falls
Price: Free
Address: St. Joseph Boulevard, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This secret gem in Orleans is breathtaking during the spring but becomes even more magical in the winter. Just watch your step, or you might get your feet wet.
Old Quarry Trail
Price: Free
Address: Eagleson Road, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Hike along a 1.9- or 2.7-kilometre loop on the Greenbelt. There are tons of plants and wildlife to observe on your walk, especially white-tailed deer.
Pine Grove
Price: Free
Address: Davidson Road, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Pine Grove has 18.4 kilometres of hiking and cross-country skiing trails, and is the largest forest in the Greenbelt. The area also has an off-leash zone for dogs.
Mer Bleue Bog
Price: Free
Address: Ridge Road, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The ecosystem of the 7,700-year-old Mer Bleue Bog is usually found in the Arctic rather than the Ottawa Valley, making it a unique place to visit.
Remic Rapids Park
Price: Free
Address: Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can follow the SJAM Winter Trail — a multi-use trail that provides access to the Ottawa River shoreline — to reach this area known for having tons of hand-built rock sculptures along the water.
Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.