In Ottawa, cycling is part of life. With the positive Ottawa weather, gorgeous view while riding, and dedicated bike routes for all levels of riding, Ottawa is the best choice for cycling. There are some wonderfully scenic cycling routes for locals and visitors alike, which make the biking experience so enjoyable and are something the city takes pride in. In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 Ottawa cycling routes for 2025 and go over the best e-bikes for Ottawa’s cycling routes.
Why Ottawa Is a Cyclist’s Paradise
Ottawa is a dream city for bikers; this is because it manages to combine the natural and breathtaking beauties of historical and amazing cycling routes. With 100's of cycling paths that connect to open parks and lakes, and through neighborhoods, it certainly is a top city for balance and comfort. The city of Ottawa trails offer city bikers a nice range of relaxing rides as well as longer routes for the up-country bikers. Ottawa’s culture certainly is aimed at promoting biking, making it a top city to hop on your bike.
Top 10 Ottawa Cycling Trails for 2025
Ottawa has a variety of bike trails, from beautiful bike paths by rivers to bike paths in the quiet woods. Here are the best 10 paths to explore this year:
1. Rideau Canal Pathway
The Rideau Canal Pathway is not only one of the best cycling routes in Ottawa, but it is also one of the best 8 km routes of the entire city, as it takes you and your bike through some of the beautiful neighborhoods and offers beautiful views of the canal. It is flat and an easy ride, which is great for novice or leisure riders. On summer days, the pathway is pretty active as there are a lot of cyclists as well as people on leisure walks.
2. Ottawa River Pathway
The Ottawa River Pathway is another section of the city’s Capital Pathway. This long pathway is also very beautiful and has great views to offer. The pathway gives easy access to a number of parks and picnic areas, which is also great for families. This pathway is designed for families and people who want a quiet ride. The pathway is also filled with beautiful resting points where people can sit and enjoy the great view.
3. Greenbelt Pathway
The Greenbelt Pathway is for people who want to challenge themselves a bit more. It is surrounded by forests, with beautiful and varied terrain, and is great for cyclists looking for a challenging ride. There are great views and lots of wildlife, and also connected to other Ottawa bicycle routes.
4. Experimental Farm Pathway
The Experimental Farm Pathway is a wonderful combination of the city and nature. It goes through a lot of historic farmlands and has many lovely gardens and green open spaces. This trail is very good for a leisurely ride and is wonderful for a sightseeing tour. It is also a very good option for riders who want to combine exercise with some sightseeing.
5. Aviation Parkway Pathway
The pathway known as the Aviation Parkway Pathway is easy to explore and provides nice scenery and a pleasant bike riding experience. The people riding on this trail can use the shaded part of the roadway that is lined with trees and can quickly reach places like the Aviation Museum, which is part of Canadian history. This is great for people who want a calm ride and are interested in history.
6. Trans Canada Trail (Ottawa Section)
Ottawa is recognized for the Trans Canada Trail and for good reason. It is one of the longest recreational trails in the world and one of the best for cycling as well. The length and the different terrains make the trail best for experienced cyclists. You will be well-connected to the surrounding regions, which is great for day trips. It is best for long weekend cycling trips to get away for a bit.
7. Britannia Pathway
Looking to combine a cycling workout with some beach fun? Then, the Britannia Pathway is the perfect pathway for you. It is a flat and easy ride on the pathway, which is perfect for families and casual cyclists as well. The pathway leads to Britannia Beach, where, after your ride, you can relax and enjoy the view.
8. Nepean Trail
Nepean Trail is a superb option for cyclists who appreciate urban areas and for commuting. This trail connects different areas and has a smooth path for biking through the different neighborhoods. It has a number of different facilities and safe crossings, which make it great for everyday cycling. It is perfect for going to work or discovering different areas of the city.
9. Pinecrest Creek Pathway
For a quiet, peaceful ride, try the Pinecrest Creek Pathway. This trail goes through green, lush, less crowded areas. This is a great choice for solo riders or anyone who prefers a slow ride to enjoy the calm surrounding nature.
10.Ottawa-Carleton Trailway
The Ottawa-Carleton Trailway presents a countryside cycling experience like no other. Endless skies paired with a non-strenuous speed make it ideal for gravel bikes and extended rides during the weekend. It also has the added benefit of being able to connect to Ottawa and other towns for those cycling outside of the city.
Top E-Bikes to Ride Ottawa Trails
Ottawa cycling routes can be more exhilarating with the right e-bike. Whether city paths or rough country trails, these powerful and dependable models from Gotrax will make the ride effortless and more enjoyable.
R2V2 Foldable Electric Bike
The R2V2 Foldable Electric Bike offers portability along with performance for those planning to explore Ottawa cycling trails. It is easy to carry and store. The powerful motor and sturdy construction provide smooth and stiff rides on light trails and city streets.
Key Features
- The 500W motor can maintain speeds of 32 KPH, which is reliable for commutes and adventures during weekends.
- 48V 10.4Ah removable battery with 64 KM pedal-assist range means longer trails and fewer charging breaks.
- An Aluminum frame that folds means easy storage and is perfect for city living and mixed-mode travel.
- Hand brake front and rear disc brake back means controlled and safe to ride on various terrains.
- 3.0 width and 20-inch tires with 7 speeds provide gear comfort and stability on Ottawa cycling paths and varying surfaces.
F1V2 Folding Electric Bike
F1V2 Folding Electric Bike is portable and light, so it makes it easy for people to explore Ottawa on cycling trails. It is sleek and has a compact frame for foldability while maintaining a powerful motor. It is suited for daily cycling. It is easy to use for city exploring and on city streets.
Key Features
- 350W motors reach 32 KPH for efficient performance on city rides and scenic trail adventures.
- 48V 10.4Ah Removable battery provides up to 64 KM with pedal assist range. This distance is great for long rides without charging the battery.
- Mechanical Disc Brakes allow for safe and reliable performance. This is crucial for diverse rides and terrain.
- Easily stored and transported due to lightweight, foldable design. Commuters and riders with less space will find this a great feature.
- Complimentary accessories like a seat bag, rearview mirrors, and a phone holder improve the experience on all rides.
F5 Foldable Electric Mountain Bike
If you’re cycling around Ottawa, the F5 Foldable Electric Mountain Bike is the ideal combination of functionality, portability, and design. Its functionality as a foldable electric bike is great for easy storage and carrying around. The powerful motor and long-range battery provide efficient rides over city paths and light trails of Ottawa cycling routes.
Key Features
- A 500W Motor that hits 32 KPH speed will make your city rides and weekend adventures a whole lot more fun.
- The 48V 13.6Ah battery provides a range of 72 km on pedal assist. This lowers your charging frequency and extends exploration time.
- The foldable bike frame will make it easy to store your bike as well as transport it between your different commuting and traveling locations.
- Hydraulic disc brakes on the front provide reliable stopping power for a wide variety of terrain.
- 7-Speed Shimano and 5 levels of PAS for maintained control, ease, and combination during rides.
CTI Commuter Electric Bike
CTI Commuter Electric Bike is your best option for leisure rides on the Ottawa cycling trails and city streets. As an everyday rider bike, it is designed for enhanced road bike efficiency, making commutes more pleasant and a lot quicker. It's lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for busy streets and all the scenic paths.
Key Features
- For perfect city commutes with varying terrain, the 350W motor provides increased acceleration and the ability to climb hills.
- Removable batteries of 36V 10.4Ah give 65 KM pedal-assist range, which is really useful for long rides and helps to limit the frequency of recharging.
- The Shimano 7-speed gear system allows for rapid and smooth shifts, adapting to terrain and riding conditions to guarantee comfort.
- The LED integrated display provides faster control and monitoring during rides as it clearly shows information such as speed, battery level, and pedal assist.
- The lightweight design 27.5” frame with an adjustable seat height ensures comfort and ease of access for improved riding stability.
Final Thoughts
2025 is the perfect time to explore Ottawa's bicycle paths. Ottawa is a beautiful city for cycling. Every type of cyclist has a route to follow, cycling along the rivers, riding the tranquil nature routes, and even paths dedicated to cycling. The right e-bike is the key to accessing Ottawa’s cycling routes and making every ride an adventure. Whether you’re a casual rider or a daily commuter, Gotrax has the perfect e-bikes to help you explore Ottawa with ease and confidence. And if you’re planning your next cycling escape, don’t miss the chance to discover bike routes in Toronto and experience another side of Canada’s cycling culture.
FAQs
What are the best Ottawa cycling trails for beginners?
Trails like the Rideau Canal Pathway and Britannia Pathway are great for beginners. They offer smooth, flat surfaces and beautiful views, making them ideal for casual rides.
Is it illegal to bike on the sidewalk in Ottawa?
Yes, in most cases, cycling on sidewalks is not allowed in Ottawa. Cyclists should use designated bike paths or ride on the road while following traffic rules.
Do you need a helmet to ride an e-bike in Ottawa?
Yes, helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 and strongly recommended for all cyclists, including e-bike riders, for safety reasons.