8 Hikes Around Ottawa That Take You Through A Winter Wonderland
Take in the snow-covered views. ❄️
You'll feel like you're inside a magical snowglobe at these hikes around Ottawa.
Our city is breathtaking after a fresh layer of snow. The trees become dusted in sparkling white, and the ground looks like a fluffy cloud.
Plus, exploring many of the nearby trails is free, so you don't need to break the bank to enjoy all the sights for yourself.
Here are 8 Ottawa hikes that take you through a winter wonderland:
Mackenzie King Estate
Price: Free
Address: MacKenzie King Rd., Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: It is one of the many gorgeous spots to go hiking in Gatineau Park. Here you can follow the trail past several snow-covered ruins.
Mississippi Riverwalk Trail
Price: Free
Address: Carleton Place, ON
Why You Need To Go: Along this serene 3-kilometre trail, you'll enjoy views of Arklan Island and the Mississippi River.
Mer Bleue Conservation Area
Price: Free
Address: Ridge Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: While Mer Bleue is best known for the boardwalk, the conversation area has a fairytale-worthy tree covered in tiny houses. There is everything from rainbow-coloured cafes to mini cottages for the local birds.
Pinhey Forest
Price: Free
Address: Pinhey Forest, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Without leaving the city, you can walk under towering trees and explore the 6.4-kilometres of trails.
Jack Pine Trail
Price: Free
Address: Moodie Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can follow the boardwalk through peaceful woodland and over a frozen pond.
SJAM Winter Trail
Price: Free
Address: Ottawa River Pathway, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The 18-kilometre trail along the Ottawa River is easily accessible by transit and is a fantastic spot for hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon
Price: $10 per person
Address: 39 Chem. de la Montagne Noire, Ripon, QC
Why You Need To Go: The park is only one hour from Ottawa, and here you can visit a lesser-known lookout tower.
Shirley's Bay Trail
Price: Free
Address: Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: There are 7-kilometre of trails next to the Ottawa River, where you can often spot local wildlife.