While visiting Ottawa, cyclists shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the Capital Pathway Network, which includes more than 300 km of multi-use, off-road paths connecting world-class museums, art galleries, and other attractions. The Capital Pathway Network is also known for its two showcase pathway systems; the Ottawa River Pathway, as well as the Rideau Canal Western and Eastern Pathways, which hug the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day weekend, cyclists can enjoy Sunday Bikedays, where over 50 kilometres of parkways in Ottawa and Gatineau Park are reserved for cyclists, in-line skaters, runners and walkers.
The Lord Elgin Hotel is the ideal hotel for avid cyclists. Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa near the Rideau Canal and the various parkways and cycling routes, you cannot find a better spot to stay. Just a few minutes away by car, awaits Gatineau Park which includes some of Canada’s best cycling trails & paths for all levels of cyclists.
Storage is not a problem as the Lord Elgin has secure storage with easy access at all times of day.
Didn’t bring your bikes…. Not to worry – we have that covered too!
If you’re not able to bring your bike with you, the City of Ottawa offers a VeloGo bike reservation system that’s available seven days a week. These bikes are stationed around the city allowing you to rent one for a few hours at a time.
Or just a couple of blocks away, Rent-a-bike has an amazing selection of bikes to suit all ages and cycling preferences.
Bike clubs
Ottawa has a vibrant cycling community which includes regular tours of Ottawa and surrounding areas in addition to racing and clinics. See what’s happening while you are here. For those of you interested in off-road cycling, Ottawa has a club for that too.
Bike Tours
Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals is located only 5 minutes walk from our hotel at 65 Sparks St and offers bicycle and electric bike rentals and self-guided maps starting at $8/hour and daily guided sightseeing bicycle tours at 10:00 am and 1:3 pm from mid April to October 31st! Check out Escape’s website for tour schedules and plan to participate in a memorable tour of Ottawa! Or drop by for bike rental. Everything is taken care of– bicycles, helmets, route planning/map, water bottle, and friendly local guides!
http://www.escapebicycletours.ca/
Bike repairs
If your bike requires repairs while you travel, a comprehensive list of bike repair shops can be found here.
Bike paths – Wondering which trail to use?
The GoBiking site gives a comprehensive description of bike routes both downtown,or in the east or west-end and in Gatineau in addition to a detailed map. The City of Ottawa also has an eMap which provides a detailed map of off-road pathways, bike lane routes, NCC pathways and pave shoulder routes HERE. Or you can purchase a map from the City of Ottawa for only $2 at any of these locations: City Hall – 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ben Franklin Place – 101 Centrepointe Drive, Kanata – 580 Terry Fox Drive or Orleans. 255 Centrum Boulevard.
More maps and Bicycle Path info can be found here.
Everytrail.com – Mountain Biking Guides and Trips in Ottawa
Cyclecanada.com – Voyageur Route
OttawaValley.travel – Biking Trail Guide
OntarioByBike.ca – Bike Tours