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Ottawa is one of Canada’s most walkable cities, where riverside pathways, historic streets, and green spaces connect seamlessly. Whether you’re in the mood for an urban stroll past street art, a peaceful escape by the water, or a loop that links iconic landmarks, there’s a route for you. These walks are themed based on different interests and easy to access by transit, so you can start and end your adventure without a car.
Ottawa walking tour with landmarks, history, and river views (8km)
History buffs will love this 8-kilometer trek featuring over a dozen historical landmarks, beginning with the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ottawa River. Tip: break up the walk with a stop at the Canadian War Museum, guided tour of the Supreme Court of Canada, or the Bank of Canada Museum (free admission).
Credit: Ottawa Tourism
Route Option 1 (8km):
Start at the Rideau Canal Locks and head into Major’s Hill Park, then stroll to Kìwekì Point for sweeping river views. Cross the Alexandra Bridge to the Voyageurs Pathway, follow it to Chaudière Bridge, stop at Chaudière Falls, then loop back along the Ottawa River Pathway to your starting point.
Route Option 2 (7.5km):
Begin at Parliament Hill, take the Escarpment Stairway to the Ottawa River Pathway, walk up the Rideau Canal Locks, cross the canal to Kìwekì Point, then follow the same loop across Alexandra Bridge and along the Voyageurs Pathway.
Whichever loop you choose – enjoy landmarks including LeBreton Flats, the National Holocaust Monument, Pīndigen Park, the Garden of the Provinces and Territories – lots of optional stops for history enthusiasts!
Transit:
- Start/End Option 1: O-Train Line 1 to Rideau Station.
- Start/End Option 2: O-Train Line 1 to Parliament Station.
Note: The section of the Ottawa River Pathway between Portage Bridge and the Cliff Heating and Cooling Plant is closed until spring 2026.
Discover Ottawa’s cool neighbourhoods on foot: Bank Street walking route (5.5km)
See the city’s personality unfold as you walk Ottawa’s main street from Parliament Hill to Old Ottawa South. This north-to-south route along Bank Street takes you through downtown’s historic core, the lively shops and restaurants of Centretown, and the indie vibe of the Glebe before ending in the charming, riverside community of Old Ottawa South. Along the way, you’ll pass heritage buildings, colourful storefronts, and plenty of tempting cafés, bars, and boutiques to make this walk as much about the journey as the destination.
Credit: Ottawa Tourism
Start at Parliament Hill, taking a moment to enjoy the Centennial Flame and views of the Parliament Buildings. Walk south along Bank Street past historic commercial buildings from the early 20th century, many with preserved façades. In Centretown, you’ll find great coffee stops like Bridgehead and Arlington Five, as well as pubs such as Lieutenant’s Pump and The Manx, a cozy local institution.
Continue into The Glebe, a vibrant neighbourhood full of independent shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Make time for Pure Kitchen (vegetarian), Feleena’s (Mexican), or Kettleman’s Bagel Co. (open 24/7). On Saturdays, the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market is a must.
Credit: Ottawa Tourism
As you approach Old Ottawa South, the pace slows with leafy residential streets and a more laid-back atmosphere. Pop into Black Squirrel Books & Espresso Bar for used books and coffee or stop at Haven’s Creamery for a sweet treat. Finish your walk at the Bronson Avenue Bridge over the Rideau River, with nearby Windsor Park for a riverside rest.
Transit:
- Start: O-Train Line 1 to Parliament Station.
- End: Bus routes 7 or 6 from Bank / Riverdale.
Waterfront walk through Ottawa’s hidden gem parks (2.7km)
Escape the bustle and discover some of Ottawa’s best-kept secrets on this scenic 2.7-kilometer waterfront walk.
Credit: National Capital Commission
Begin at Carleton University. Head south on Campus Avenue and cross the pedestrian bridge over the Rideau River. Follow the tree-lined Rideau River Eastern Pathway into Vincent Massey Park. Continue under the Heron Road underpass to enter Hog’s Back Park. Pause at the Hog’s Back Falls Lookout to enjoy views of the rushing water and consider grabbing a bite at the Grill & Bistro nearby. Stay on the pathway as it winds along the river, where you might spot the Pirate Life boat show on the water. Finish your walk at Mooney’s Bay Beach, a lovely spot to relax, swim, or watch the sunset.
Transit:
- Start: O-Train Line 2 or bus routes 7, 10, 48 and 111 to Carleton University.
- End: Bus route 90 at Riverside/Ridgewood
Ottawa River walking route with picnic spots and Parliament Hill views (5.1km)
Take in stunning views of the Ottawa River and enjoy a serene picnic spot on this easy 5.1-kilometer walk from Remic Rapids Park to Bate Island. Ideal for nature lovers and families alike, this route offers peaceful riverfront paths and a charming island oasis perfect for a picnic or paddling adventure. Accessible amenities and scenic vistas make this loop a refreshing escape just a short transit ride from downtown.
Start at Remic Rapids Park, where you can admire John Felice Ceprano’s balanced rock art in summer. Follow the Ottawa River shoreline until you reach Island Park Drive, then cross Champlain Bridge to Bate Island. This peaceful spot between Ontario and Quebec offers picnic tables, water access for paddlers, and accessible washrooms. Tavern on the Island is a lovely outdoor patio with a surprisingly extensive menu. Locals recommend the mouthwatering Tavern Burger with secret bacon tavern sauce.
Transit:
- Start: Bus routes 75, 62 to Scott / Island Park, or O-Train Line 1 to Tunney’s Pasture
- End: Same as start (return route).
Best nature walk in Ottawa: Trillium Pathway and Dominion Arboretum loop (~6km)
Explore a lush oasis within the city on this approximately 6-kilometer loop through Dow’s Lake, the Dominion Arboretum, and the Central Experimental Farm. Perfect for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts, this walk showcases peaceful gardens, wildlife habitats, historic canal locks, and wide-open farm fields — all connected by serene pathways just minutes from downtown Ottawa.
Credit: Ottawa Tourism
Start at Dow’s Lake and follow the pathways into the Dominion Arboretum, where you’ll enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens and mature trees. Continue onward to the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, a haven for native plants and local wildlife, then walk toward Rideau Canal Locks 9 and 10. From here, head back through the network of paths leading to the Central Experimental Farm, featuring open fields and historic agricultural buildings. Be sure to stop in the Canadian Museum of Food and Agriculture, which offers fascinating exhibits on Canada’s farming history and educational experiences with farm animals. Depending on where you begin and end, the full loop covers about 6 kilometres.
Transit:
- Start: O-Train Line 2 to Dows Lake Station.
- End: Same as start (loop route).
Guided & Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ottawa
Beyond these routes, Ottawa offers a variety of guided and self-guided walking tours that bring the city’s stories to life. From food and history to architecture and public art, there’s something for every interest.
Dive into the Ottawa’s queer history with the Village Legacy Project self-guided walking tours, which explore key moments, people, and places in Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQIA+ history.
Credit: Ottawa Tourism
Download the Ottawa Art Gallery’s app for self-guided tours including the Arts Corridor, a route of public art installations through downtown Ottawa and the ByWard Market. For a comprehensive map of public art installations, consult the Ottawa Street Art Map (created by locals!).
With excellent public transit and pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods, visitors without a car who wish to travel to Ottawa by train will find it easy to explore these tours and discover even more hidden gems on foot throughout the city.
