Gatineau on two wheels
Did you know that Gatineau has been recognized as Canada’s best cycling city? It has also been awarded Vélo-Québec’s Silver VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE certification, which recognizes the city’s efforts to promote cycling. Its bike paths are well worth discovering, and there’s a route for everyone, whether you want to go biking with family or friends or are looking for an expert challenge. Calling all bike lovers: Come for a ride in Gatineau!
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. You can visit downtown Gatineau and downtown Ottawa, with easy bike access to both sides of the river.
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 terraces 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.
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!
+
Comfortable accommodation is key to an enjoyable stay. Check out the accommodation establishments with the Bienvenue cyclistes! (“Welcome cyclists!”) certification.
