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Ottawa is a cycling city, no doubt about it. But most people only know the big names: the Rideau Canal Pathway, the Ottawa River Pathway, or the bike lanes snaking through downtown. These are great, sure. But tucked behind suburban pockets and winding through wooded greenbelts are trails that don’t make it onto the tourist brochures. And honestly? They’re the best kind.
Start with the Watt Trail in Kanata North. It’s a relatively unknown paved path that connects tech parks, forest corridors, and residential zones, perfect for a mid-week sunset ride with fewer joggers and weekend warriors.
Then there’s McCarthy Woods, just east of Hunt Club Road, part of the Greenbelt trail network. It’s not flashy, but it’s deeply peaceful: packed dirt trails through shaded groves, often empty except for deer and the occasional cross-country skier in winter.
Don’t sleep on the Pine Grove Trails either, near Conroy Pit. They’re technically multi-use, but the gravel and forested routes make for some of the best off-road bike escapes in the southern half of the city.
And if you’re up for a bit of an urban-rural hybrid ride, try Shea Road Woods in Stittsville. You can connect from suburban bike paths into this mix of pine forest and wide-open farm vistas.
Finally, for a true hidden gem, check out the Trail 51 connector near Greenbelt Research Farm. No signs, barely a map. But locals know it’s the backdoor to some of the best wooded trails in the entire west end.
Not just a ride: scenic highlights that make It worth It
Part of what makes Ottawa’s secret trails so memorable isn’t just where they go, but what they show you along the way. These aren’t just routes, they’re slow-motion postcards.
The Watt Trail gives you surprising elevation and tech-meets-nature views, especially in autumn when the maples blaze against concrete campuses.
McCarthy Woods is like a woodland portal. Sunlight filters through old-growth trees in early morning, and the birdlife is enough to make you forget you’re still within city limits.
On the Pine Grove Trails, keep an eye out for the old fire tower foundations and wild blueberry bushes. It feels untouched, even if you’re only 15 minutes from Bank Street traffic.
The ride from Stittsville to the Jock River Landing via Shea Road is an underrated pleasure. Boardwalks over marshland, occasional herons, and distant church steeples peeking out over farmland.
And the Trail 51 connector? You get field views, forest cut-throughs, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re on a secret route that even Google Maps struggles to chart properly.
What to pack: gearing up without going overboard
You don’t need to look like a Tour de France hopeful to ride Ottawa’s secret trails, but a few essentials make a big difference.
Start with a solid hybrid or gravel bike. These trails aren’t mountain bike level, but they’re not polished pavement either. You want wider tires, light frame, and decent gears for short inclines and mixed terrain.
Helmet is non-negotiable, obviously. Toss in gloves for grip and comfort, and sunglasses to block bugs, wind, or a surprise low-hanging branch.
A handlebar or seatpost light is a must if you start late or end near dusk, especially in wooded areas where it gets dark early. Don’t rely on your phone flashlight.
Water, a patch kit, and a multitool round out the must-haves. And if you’re heading into one of the lesser-marked routes (like Trail 51), download a map or snap a photo of the trailhead sign, if there is one.
Bonus items: a small bike bell (for other riders and walkers), bug spray (Greenbelt mosquitoes are ruthless), and a backup power bank for your phone.
When to ride: seasons matter more than you think
Ottawa has four distinct seasons and every one of them changes how these trails feel.
Late April to early June is prime. The trees are green, the trails are dry, and the air still has that cool bite. No bugs yet, and fewer crowds.
Summer is vibrant but tricky. July and August heat means early morning rides are best. Afternoon sun bakes the gravel, and mosquito season hits hard in forested sections.
September and October might be the best of all. Cooler temps, brilliant fall colours, and crisp light. The Watt Trail in October? Pure autumn poetry.
Winter isn’t off-limits if you have a fat bike or don’t mind walking sections. Trails like Pine Grove and McCarthy are stunning in snow, especially after a fresh dusting.
The key is to ride with the seasons, not against them. Your favourite trail in June might feel totally different in October, and that’s half the joy.
Fuel up: best snack and rest stops en route
Great rides need great pit stops. And lucky for us, some of Ottawa’s best low-key cafes and rest spots are just off these hidden trails.
Near the Watt Trail, make a short detour to Equator Coffee in Kanata. Good espresso, locally roasted beans, and a cyclist-friendly patio.
Close to McCarthy Woods, head east to Pinewood Canteen on Riverside. It’s a summer-only spot, but the tacos and lemonades hit hard after a dusty ride.
When riding Pine Grove, pack a small picnic and hit the resting spots near the forest clearings. There are even a few hidden benches by the old tree nursery.
Out near Shea Road, Quitters Coffee in Stittsville is your go-to. Run by musician Kathleen Edwards, it’s got character, shaded outdoor seating, and some of the best baked goods west of Greenbank.
And for the explorers near Trail 51, your nearest proper stop might be Alice’s Village Café in Carp. It’s a longer ride, but worth every kilometre for the chili and the view.
Local voices: rides, tips, and odd encounters
Ask anyone who rides regularly in Ottawa, and they’ll have a story: surprise fox sightings, a thunderstorm chase on Trail 51, or getting blissfully lost near Conroy Pit.
One local rider, Sam, recalls finding an abandoned bike in McCarthy Woods and turning it into a geocache landmark. “It’s got a bell now and a sticker that says ‘Don’t steal me again.’ Still there last I checked.”
Another, Jess, mapped an entire snack trail ride: Equator > Quitters > Alice’s > back home. “Burned off the cinnamon buns with 30km of gravel and called it a fair deal.”
And then there’s Tomas, a teacher from Orleans, who discovered Pine Grove on a whim and now calls it his “mind-clearing loop.” “Whenever work gets heavy, I go ride that trail. Doesn’t fix the problems, but it makes them feel smaller.”
The best tip from Ottawa cyclists? Don’t plan too tightly. Let the trails take you. Wander, double back, follow the deer paths.
The secret trails of Ottawa aren’t about getting somewhere fast. They’re about slowing down, zoning out, and remembering that this city, under all its grey suits and parliamentary pomp—is quietly wild.