Gatineau on two wheels
Discover Gatineau, Canada’s cycling city! Its vast network of bike paths lets you easily explore downtown and its many nearby attractions, while having direct access to magnificent parks, beaches, green spaces and restaurants. Take advantage of the beautiful scenery and exceptional cycling infrastructure for a two-wheeled adventure with family or friends. Calling all bike lovers: Come for a ride in Gatineau and have fun!
Over 300 km of possibilities
The cycling network consists of over 300 km of easily accessible trails and paths designed to allow cyclists to travel safely. You can also visit the city by bike, as some routes link various urban landmarks. The trails lead to beaches, parks and must-see tourist attractions, among other sites.
Downtown Gatineau’s Culture Trail is a great activity to do by bike with family and friends. Lined with 38 public artworks, the trail allows you to discover the downtown area from a new perspective. If the weather is nice and you want to take a break, you’ll find many gourmet destinations where you can enjoy a drink and a snack.
For adventurers and mountain bikers, Gatineau Park is a great place to challenge yourself, tackle a few hills and explore steeper trails.
Pause for a picnic
The On the Shores of the Capital route is ideal if you’re planning a family outing and want to have a picnic along the way. We suggest you start your tour on Jacques-Cartier Street: the bike path runs along the Ottawa River and the street is full of restaurants and interesting viewpoints.
Part of the route follows the Voyageurs Pathway, which offers are many beautiful lookout points, including a great view of Canada’s Parliament Buildings. Along the way, you can find a shady spot to rest and have a bite to eat on the banks of the Ottawa River.
Fancy lounging on a terrace, enjoying a bite to eat in front of a magnificent view? The National Capital Commission has partnered with local restaurateurs to bring you a fine dining experience on its waterfront lands and urban parks, bordering the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River. NCC Bistros offer inviting menus in unique destinations accessible by bike via the multi-purpose trails.
FOUR TERRACES TO TRY
Please note that menus are subject to change and that opening hours may vary according to the weather.
Bistro at Remic Rapids Park: Ideal for recharging your batteries and admiring the Ottawa River after a day out. Menu includes a variety of wraps, beef hot dogs, soups, sandwiches, desserts, juice, beer and wine with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Rapides-Remic Park, Ottawa. Open 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Bistro at 90 Wellington: Directly across from Parliament, offers a diverse, locally crafted menu of pizzas, quiches, pastries and ice creams, with vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as beer, wine, spirits and sangria. 90 Wellington Street, Ottawa. Open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Bistro at Patterson Creek Park: This creek flows into the nearby Rideau Canal in a peaceful setting at the Glebe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The menu can vary and there are many options to choose from. Terrace Linden, Ottawa. Open from 9:00 a.m. to sunset.
Bistro at Confederation Park: Just steps away from major points of interest, this bistro is a true urban oasis, pleasantly removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown streets. Varied local menu. Corner of Elgin and Laurier streets, Ottawa. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For a change of activity, stop at the Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy outdoor centre to rent a boat or cool off in the lake. Moussette Park is also accessible from this trail. If you’re lucky, during your ride you’ll be able to watch people river surfing on the Ottawa River and admire the Deschênes Rapids.
The trail also passes near the main street of Old Aylmer, where you can enjoy a meal on one of the many terraces. Des Cèdres Park is the perfect place to take a break, swim at the beach and admire a magnificent sunset.
If you feel up to it, the Voyageurs Pathway runs for 30 km along the north shore of the Ottawa River, from Gatineau to Aylmer. This paved, linear bike path is rated “easy.”
Equipment breakdown? No problem!
If you run into difficulties or your equipment breaks down, you can stop at one of the six bike repair stations located at various points along the Gatineau cycling network. These stations are available to cyclists so that they can tune up or repair their equipment.
Each station has an air pump equipped with a precision pressure gauge and a smart head that adapts to all types of valves. The station is also stocked with high quality stainless steel tools such as screwdrivers, multiple wrenches and a pair of tire levers, so your bike ride doesn’t have to go down the drain!
Get out your bike—Gatineau’s bike paths are waiting for you!
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Comfortable accommodation is key to an enjoyable stay. Check out the accommodation establishments with the Bienvenue cyclistes! (“Welcome cyclists!”) certification.
