Whether your littles are strapped in for the ride or under the power of their own pedals, nothing beats a family bike ride. And from novice cyclers to those with more experience, there are many safe, scenic, and welcoming family bike paths in Ottawa and across the city. If you’re worried about vehicle traffic, there are even days when road closures ensure riders have more roadway to enjoy.
We have the scoop on where to take the kids for a bike ride, and a few other biking bits of information that will help you plan your outings. Tune up your bikes, grab your helmets, and enjoy the ride!
Bike Helmets & Learning to Cycle
Every year, the kids seem to need a new helmet as they grow. Before heading out (but not right before) double check that their helmet still fits. Fall is a good time to replace old, too-small helmets as they are often on sale.
Many parents might not know how to teach a kid to ride a bike. The City of Ottawa also has a cycling program where kids and adults can learn about bike safety and how to cycle. In partnership with CAN-BIKE, kids of all ages can learn how to ride their bike, the rules of the road and how to feel more comfortable when you hit the paths together.
There is also a camp offered in Ottawa by Pedalheads for young riders to learn during a summer camp week! Registration details can be found on their website.
Family Bike Paths in Ottawa & the Surrounding Areas
There are many different paths in the Ottawa area, many of which you can discover by downloading the bicycle map from the NCC. We’ve highlighted a few of these areas for you below, with reasons why we think your family will enjoy spending time on these paths.
Nokia Weekend Bike Days
Perhaps one of the most well-known events for cycling in the city, the Nokia Weekend Bike Days, return this spring and summer. Various Ottawa and Gatineau parkways close off to vehicles from May to October to welcome cyclers to the car-free route for a specific amount of time. Because of special events happening across the City and on those parkways, there may be cancellations some weeks. It’s best to visit the website to confirm which weekends (the event is now offered Saturdays and Sundays) the paths will be free from vehicles. With each parkway offering two to nine kilometers of biking paths, the distance is just right for many families.
Family Bike Paths in Ottawa:
Ottawa River Pathway
The Ottawa River Pathway (which follows along the Ottawa River, in front of Parliament Hill, past the Canadian War Museum and ends just past, and below, Tunney’s Pasture) is winning a lot of points with riders for the scenery along the way. In addition, families will appreciate the many green spaces and areas to stop along the way for a water break or even a picnic, and if you want to spend time grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant. Read more about the pathway, including a suggested route, here.
Family Bike Paths in Ottawa:
The Experimental Farm Pathway
Ottawa is already fortunate to have a working farm in the middle of the City, so it’s no surprise that a favourite biking trail cuts you right through it. The Experimental Farm Pathway, which will lead you between Woodroofe Avenue and the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum, offers a varied path between field and farm and City. The kids will likely want to make a detour to the Museum along the way!
Download a Bike Trail Map!
The NCC has a cycling map on their website to help you determine where the Capital City Pathway trails are in your part of the City! There are locations around Ottawa that also have a hard copy of the map if you prefer.
Tagged under: bike,biking,activities with kids,outdoors with kids
Category: outdoor-play
