One of my favourite activities during the summer is exploring local hiking trails. Here is my top 5 list for family-friendly trails around Ottawa. Also, if you haven't downloaded the All Trails app that is a must-do! It's a great app to use to find local hiking trails that are in your area. Underneath each trail's description, it will share if it is kid-friendly and whether dogs are allowed on the trail too.
What's great about the Jack Pine trail is that you can do the short loop (1.6km) or extend your trip to a 4km loop. Keep an eye out for friendly chipmunks and chickadees.
This is a 4km loop that is very flat (stroller-friendly). The highlight of the trail is that you can stop at Shirley's Bay to have a swim (very shallow water), rest, or use it as a halfway lunch spot.
#3: Mer Bleue Conservation Area Loop
This is a 7.1km loop on the Ottawa Greenbelt where you will see the important Mer Bleue Bog that helps with water filtration. It can get busy so plan to head there early. Don't forget to bring your dog (on leash) too for some exercise on this trail.
This is a very kid-friendly trail that is a wetland along the Ottawa River. It is an important habitat for a wide range of animal species. There are:
- 269 species of birds
- amphibian, reptile and fish species not commonly found in the region
- 44 rare and 15 uncommon plant species
- wildlife species at risk
With it being a fragile ecosystem, stay on all designated trails and do not feed any of the wildlife.
#5: Wolf Trail (Gatineau Park)
This is one of my favourite trails to do- it's great in the summer and even better in the fall with the changing colours. This is an 8.3km loop- dogs are allowed on the trail on a leash. Once you finish up the hike, you can head over to Blanchet Beach for a lunch picnic. The parking lot fills up quickly so plan to head there early. It's also a more challenging hike, so this is for families with older children.
