Thinking of an outdoor activity to do in the Ottawa area on the weekend? Well on Sunday mornings from Victoria Day long weekend through to Labour Day you have the opportunity to bike, run, walk, etc. on over 50 km of closed to motorists NCC parkways throughout the Ottawa area.
The adjacent pictures were taken along the Ottawa River parkway between Lincoln Fields and Island Park. There are three Ottawa parkways open from 9am-1pm on Sundays and in Gatineau Park, three more from 6am-11am.
(The picture to the left and below has been hyperlinked to the NCC Sunday Bikedays for more info.)
(The picture to the left and below has been hyperlinked to the NCC Sunday Bikedays for more info.)
If your thinking of driving to one of the Ottawa-are parkways to take part in open road fun, you'll want to plan accordingly as traffic in and around the various closed parkways can build up mid-morning onward as a result of closure. A good idea maybe to view Google Maps prior to departure and look for a suitable close by park or adjacent side streets to park.
In Gatineau Park, there is ample parking at various lots, you may also want to familiarize yourself with a parking lot prior to departure as it will make your route selection easier once you arrive at the park. (Click the picture for more Gatineau Park bikeday info.)
From experience, you can section your bike riding (as example) with existing bike paths on the Ottawa side to extend your riding past the length of the parkway closures. Also, trying to tackle all of the closed parkways in one day is a big feat and is more enjoyable to complete on separate occasions.
In Gatineau Park, there is ample parking at various lots, you may also want to familiarize yourself with a parking lot prior to departure as it will make your route selection easier once you arrive at the park. (Click the picture for more Gatineau Park bikeday info.)
From experience, you can section your bike riding (as example) with existing bike paths on the Ottawa side to extend your riding past the length of the parkway closures. Also, trying to tackle all of the closed parkways in one day is a big feat and is more enjoyable to complete on separate occasions.