Walks and Views

More than 40 km of nature trails through wetlands and forest in Ottawa's southwest Greenbelt, including the 3.1 km Old Quarry Trail and the Lime Kiln, Jack Pine and Beaver trails. It is a great place to spot birds and wildlife on an easy outing. Parking is free year round at lots P4 to P13; dogs are allowed on some trails only (never on Old Quarry, Sarsaparilla, Beaver or Jack Pine).

A 1.2 km boardwalk across a 7,700 year old peat bog in Ottawa's east end Greenbelt, with a boreal landscape that feels far from the city. The boardwalk is mostly flat and universally accessible, with picnic areas near the start. Trail access is free and the P22 parking lot is free year round (8 am to sunset); dogs are not allowed on the Bog Trail, and it can be very busy in fall.

The best known view in Gatineau Park, at the top of the Eardley Escarpment on the Champlain Parkway, looking far over the Ottawa River valley; it is spectacular in fall colours. Entry to Gatineau Park is free, but note that parking near the lookout is paid in summer; you can also come by bike, on foot or by the park shuttle in summer and fall. In winter (from late October) the parkways close to cars and become ski trails.

A mysterious green lake in Gatineau Park, circled by a 2.3 km loop trail with boardwalks and a universally accessible lookout. Entry to Gatineau Park is free and the two Pink Lake parking lots are free, reached by the Gatineau Parkway from May to late October (or by the park shuttle). The trail closes in winter, and dogs and other pets are not allowed.

A rehabilitated lookout point behind the National Gallery of Canada with panoramic views of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River and Gatineau, plus the Samuel de Champlain monument and the Kichi Zìbì Innini statue. You can walk in from Major's Hill Park over the Pìdàban footbridge, and paths reach every viewpoint. It is free and open year round (April 1 to October 15 from sunrise to 11 pm, otherwise 7 am to 7 pm); leashed dogs are welcome.

A small wild lake and forest in Ottawa's Britannia area, off Cassels Street, with easy trails around the water that are famous for birdwatching, turtles and quiet nature in the middle of the city. It is a peaceful walk in every season. The trails are free to use; there are no washrooms, and dogs and other pets are not allowed.

Twin waterfalls where the Rideau River drops straight into the Ottawa River, seen from a park at 50 Sussex Drive, a short walk from Rideau Hall. It is a quick, striking stop on a walk or bike ride along Sussex Drive, and a section of the nearby path is cleared of snow in winter. The park is free to visit, with parking on site.

A dramatic set of falls where the Rideau River tumbles over rocks next to the Rideau Canal, with viewing spots, picnic tables, a gazebo and history displays. It is one of the most impressive free sights in the city, especially in spring when the water is high. The site is open from early May to December 1 (weather permitting), and parking is free.

A green ravine valley cutting through midtown Toronto, with a trail that winds past woods, wetlands and open meadows. It feels like a walk in the countryside only steps from the subway, and has outdoor fitness equipment along the way. Free and open year round.

A long, flat linear park built on an old railway line, crossing midtown Toronto under a canopy of trees. It is an easy, peaceful walk away from traffic, with bridges over Yonge Street and neighbourhood ravines along the way. Free and open year round.

A long sandy beach on Lake Ontario with a wooden boardwalk running east along the shore through the Beaches neighbourhood. It is lovely for a sunrise or sunset walk in any season, with a playground, outdoor fitness equipment and picnic sites along the way. Free and open year round.

A small, beautifully planted garden on the waterfront whose winding paths and terraces were designed to echo a piece of music. It is a peaceful spot for a stroll by the boats and marina on Queens Quay West. Free and open year round.