3 Best Hiking Trails in Ottawa

“Hog's Back Park spans over 20.8 hectares with beautiful scenery, open spaces, historical displays, and a renovated heritage pavilion. The park features a stunning 60-foot waterfall where the Rideau River and Rideau Canal meet. Hog's Back Park includes impressive waterfalls, a dam, picnic areas with tables, and well-maintained hiking trails. Visitors can explore wildlife, observe birds, and relax in designated areas. The park provides numerous benches, and washrooms are available at the main kiosk. Hog's Back Park is ideal for enjoying nature during your day or weekend. Admission to the park is free, and free parking is available.”

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“Mer Bleue Bog plays an essential role in climate stabilization. The park features an interpretive boardwalk, sand ridges, cross-country ski trails, and forests. Mer Bleue Park offers over 20 kilometres of trails, providing ample hiking opportunities. This park has a 7,700-year-old bog history and provides habitat for many species of regionally rare and significant plants, birds and other wildlife. Mer Bleue Bog is an excellent spot for a short walk, offering something different to see in every season. Visitors can explore diverse vegetation, from early succession poplars to shrubs. The bog supports two main types of vegetation: black spruce forest and open heathland. Mer Bleue Bog is ideal for large groups looking to gather for special events or occasions.”

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“Pinhey Forest offers 6.4 kilometres of trails with many loops for shorter or longer outings. The forest also protects a special ecosystem. The forest is named after Mr. Pinhey, who donated the land in 1948 to demonstrate conservation practices. Pinhey Forest's area includes picnic areas and toilet facilities. As part of the Greenbelt, this forest features some of the largest parcels of quality farmland in Canada's Capital Region. Pinhey Forest features 6.4 kilometres of nature trails that are open year-round. This 2.2-mile loop trail typically takes about 46 minutes to complete and is beautiful to visit anytime.”

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