Ottawa is Canada’s capital city. It is situated in the southern part of the province of Ontario, near the junction of the Ottawa and Rideau rivers. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is filled with beautiful spots. Beautiful trails are one of them and many of them are dog friendly.
Most of these trails are nestled on the picturesque south bank of the Ottawa River in southern Ontario.
Top Dog Friendly Hikes Near Ottawa
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near Ottawa Under 10 km
Lemieux Island
Lemieux Island is a small island in the Ottawa River near the mouth of Nepean Bay in Canada’s National Capital Region. The island is between Gatineau, Quebec, and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Administratively part of the latter, it is spanned by the Chief William Commanda Bridge and serves as the location of the water filtration plant.
There is also a dog park on the island perfect for our little friends making it one of the best dog friendly hikes near Ottawa.
- Distance From Ottawa: 4.2 km
- Trail Length: 1 km
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Hampton Park
Hampton Park is a park and neighborhood in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s Kitchissippi Ward. Island Park Drive is directly north of the Queensway. The National Capital Commission looks after the park.
This is a popular walking trail, however, you can find some peace during quieter times of the day. Dogs can roam freely in some areas making it a good choice for dog owners.
The overall environment makes it one of the best dog friendly hikes near Ottawa.
- Distance From Ottawa: 4.8 km
- Trail Length: 1.4 km Loop (22 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Dominion Arboretum Trail
Dominion Arboretum Trail is an extremely popular track close to Ottawa’s main city. The Ornamental Gardens are one of the most popular tourist attractions.
The annual plant display, perennial borders, lilac walks, roses, and hedges are all placed in this region. The hedge collection, which was planted between 1966 and 1968, has a wide range of species suited for use as a hedge.
- Distance From Ottawa: 5.2 km
- Trail Length: 4.5 km Circular Track (1 hour 15 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Brewer Park
Brewer Park is a municipal park in the Canadian city of Ottawa. It is located on the north side of the Rideau River, across from Carleton University, on Bronson Avenue.
Brewer Park has a world-class speed skating oval, two smaller-sized hockey rinks, and Canada’s largest Legal Graffiti wall under Dunbar Bridge in the winter.
It is one of the most popular areas for Carleton University students to study or participate in a variety of sports.
- Distance From Ottawa: 5.3 km
- Trail Length: 8 km (1 hour 30 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Vincent Massey
Explore this 1.3-kilometer loop trail near Ottawa, Ontario. It takes about 20 minutes to complete and is generally regarded as an easy path. Because this is a popular walking area, you will most certainly come across other people while exploring.
The optimum months to visit this trail are from March through December.
- Distance From Ottawa: 6.5 km
- Trail Length: 1.3 km Loop (20 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Ottawa River Pathway
From Rockliffe Park to Orleans, this multi-use shared National Capital Commission (NCC) footpath travels beside the Eastern Parkway and the Ottawa River. It goes by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the headquarters of the RCMP Musical Ride.
The paths are not maintained throughout the winter and will be utilized by cross-country skiers and snowshoers. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and paddle sports, but you can still find some peace and quiet throughout the day.
This trail is best visited between April and November. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
- Distance From Ottawa: 7.4 km
- Trail Length: 11.6 km (2 hours and 34 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Pioneers Trail
This is one of the simpler routes in Gatineau Park, and it is wheelchair accessible as long as it is not too wet (mud).
It’s a pleasant walk with a slight slope in spots but nothing more than a few degrees, and it’s easily accessible to most people.
A dirt track that circles a section of the woodland near the Gatineau Park parking lot. It is one of the best dog friendly hikes near Ottawa covered through jungle.
This is a popular hiking, running, and walking trail, yet you can still find seclusion during quieter times of the day. This trail is best visited between April and November.
- Distance From Ottawa: 8.8 km
- Trail Length: 1.3 km Circular (20 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near Ottawa Under 15 km
Richmond Trail Loop
Richmond Trail Loop is a dense track ideal for hiking, running, and strolling, and you won’t see many other people while exploring. Dogs are allowed and can roam without leashes in some parts.
- Distance From Ottawa: 10.6 km
- Trail Length: 2.1 km Circular (20 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Greenbelt Pathway East
The Greenbelt Pathway East trail runs alongside the Sir-George-Etienne-Cartier Parkway or through the forested region adjacent to it.
If you desire to prolong the path, it connects with the Ottawa River Pathway shortly after crossing the parkway, giving miles of the trail heading west along the Ottawa River.
The route is available all year and is a great place to come anytime. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash to protect other hikers.
- Distance From Ottawa: 13.2 km
- Trail Length: 5.5 km (1 hour and 26 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Boucher Forest
The Boucher woodland is beautiful in both winter and summer. During the week, it is calm and uncrowded. The paths are well-maintained and often quiet. The vistas are breathtaking.
The trail is muddy in places. Rubber boots or closed hiking shoes are advised. The trail itself is beautiful, and there are several dogs in the dog park near the trailhead making it one of the best dog friendly hikes near Ottawa.
The route is available all year and is a great place to come anytime. Dogs are welcome and can roam freely in some locations.
- Distance From Ottawa: 14.6 km
- Trail Length: 5 km Circular (1 hour 6 min)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Pinhey Forest Trails
Come visit this beautiful natural area while enjoying the well-maintained route that begins behind the Nepean Sportsplex and has lots of parking. Aside from the beautiful woodland, there is a nice boardwalk to cross that navigates the loop’s marshy section.
Dogs are not permitted on this trail from December 1 to April 14, when it is exclusively open to snowshoers and cross-country skiers.
For the natural surface areas, all-terrain strollers or motorized equipment may be required.
- Distance From Ottawa: 14.7 km
- Trail Length: 3.5 km Circular (50 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near Ottawa Under 20 km
Sugarbush Trail
Sugarbush Trail is a beautiful trail popular for snowshoeing, running, and strolling, you’ll certainly run into other people while exploring.
The route is available all year and is a great place to come at any time you can enjoy this hike with your dogs but they must be kept on a leash.
- Distance From Ottawa: 16.2 km
- Trail Length: 1.8 km Circular (26 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Lauriault Trail
The former prime minister’s favorite wilderness trek was the Waterfall Trail on the Mackenzie King Estate. The Lauriault and Waterfall paths make a loop that you can trek all or part of.
Bridal Veil Falls, at the end of the Waterfall route, and an overlook on the Lauriault trail are among the sights.
If the main parking lot where the route begins is closed, you can begin at the Mackenzie King Estate Parking.
Because this is a popular place for hiking, running, and strolling, you’ll certainly run into other people while exploring. This trail is best visited between May and November.
- Distance From Ottawa: 17.1 km
- Trail Length: 3.9 km Circular (1 hour 2 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Pine Groove Trail
The paths in this area are wide and scenic, with plenty of space for walkers and cross-country skiers. There are numerous possibilities for extending or shortening your hike. At the trailhead, there is an outhouse.
Dogs are welcome and can roam freely in some locations.
From December 1 to April 14, dogs are not permitted. Due to the unpaved surface, all-terrain strollers or motorized wheelchairs may be required. This trail is best visited between April and October.
- Distance From Ottawa: 17.5 km
- Trail Length: 9.7 km Circular (2 hours 14 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Bilberry Creek Ravine Trails
Bilberry Creek Ravine Trail is a wonderful trail popular for hiking, snowshoeing, and running track, yet you can still find seclusion during quieter times of the day.
The optimum months to visit this trail are from March through November. Dogs are welcome and can roam freely in some locations.
It is located near the center of Orleans. However, if you walk far enough along the trails there, you will feel entirely submerged in the forest, which is extremely great.
There are a few official trails maintained by the city of Ottawa in the region, as well as a vast network of unofficial, unmaintained trails that converted my day into more of a ramble than anything else.
- Distance From Ottawa: 17.8 km
- Trail Length: 1.9 km Circular (29 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
Skyline Trail
The Skyline Loop in Gatineau Park is a popular year-round path, offering something for everyone with minor problems for most users. The route begins at parking area P7, which is located immediately off Chemin Lac Meech, not far from Ottawa and Gatineau.
While parking in this region can be difficult throughout the day, users advocate visiting early for sunrise or late for sunset.
This is a wonderful option for morning hiking or snowshoeing because it is one of the few loop paths in Gatineau Park that ascends the eastern face of the hills.
There are excellent restroom facilities near the trailhead, and users can follow the black diamond number six marking to complete the loop.
- Distance From Ottawa: 18.1 km
- Trail Length: 5.8 km (1 hour 36 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
Bruce Pit
Bruce Pit is a good spot to take your dog for a walk. You can go socializing or head to the woods for solitude and quiet. Most of the trails in the area get pretty muddy, so wear appropriate footwear.
Expect crowds on weekends because this is a popular spot for dogs to hike with their owners. The trails are fairly icy in the winter. This is a popular running and walking trail, yet you can still find seclusion during quieter times of the day.
The route is available all year and is a great place to come anytime. Dogs are welcome and can roam freely in some locations making one of the best dog friendly hikes near Ottawa along with its beautiful surroundings.
- Distance From Ottawa: 18.9 km
- Trail Length: 3.2 km Circular (44 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
P3 Trail Loop
P3 Trail is a people’s favorite for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and strolling, but it is also peaceful during other times of the day.
The route is available all year and is a great place to come anytime. Dogs are welcome and can roam freely in some locations.
- Distance From Ottawa: 19.6 km
- Trail Length: 3.4 km Loop (47 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Conroy Pit
Conroy Pit is a 5.1-kilometer circular trail in the main city. It is a popular place for hiking, running, and strolling and you can interact with a lot of people here. Dogs are welcomed and can roam freely in some locations making it a perfect choice for dog owners.
- Distance From Ottawa: 19.9 km
- Trail Length: 5.1 km Cicrlcuar (1 hour 12 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near Ottawa Under 25 km
MacKenzie King Estate
This is a fantastic hike from the historic grounds of the Mackenzie-King Estate on primary gravel or paved trails. There are interpretive signs and pathways across the beautiful surroundings.
You will eventually take the Gatineau Park Pathway to Pink Lake. There is a lot of elevation change throughout this route, and there are plenty of wonderful photo opportunities in any season.
In the summer and fall, many of these paths are suitable for hiking and cycling, but in the winter, only cross-country skiing is permitted. The route is available all year and is a great place to come anytime. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
- Distance From Ottawa: 20.2 km
- Trail Length: 9.7 km (2 hours 41 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
Fiddlehead Trail
Take advantage of this 3.4-kilometer circular route near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Although this is a popular hiking, mountain biking, and running track, you can still find seclusion during quieter times of the day.
This trail is best visited between May and October.
- Distance From Ottawa: 21.5 km
- Trail Length: 3.4 km Circular (49 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Princess Louise Falls
Princess Louise Falls is an extremely beautiful spot for varied activities. It is also a popular hiking and walking trail. Usually, it is filled with people but you can enjoy some silence during the daytime.
- Distance From Ottawa: 22 km
- Trail Length: 3.5 km (47 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Monaghan Forest
Monaghan Forest Park is a great route for people of all ages. The trailhead is located off Fallowfield Road at a turnoff with parking for members who are driving.
In the winter, this trail is not exceptionally well-kept. Members should consider downloading the map because it lacks markers.
This is a popular hiking and walking trail, although you can still find seclusion during quieter times of the day. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
- Distance From Ottawa: 24..2 km
- Trail Length: 2.6 km Circular (36 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Lime Kiln Trail
Lime Kiln Trail is a beautiful 10.5-kilometer trail that takes you between the woods and greenery. The route is available all year and is a great place to come anytime. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
- Distance From Ottawa: 24.3 km
- Trail Length: 10.5 km (2 hours 49 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near Ottawa Under 30 km
The Dogsled Loop
This trail is filled with beautiful spots. This loop will provide mountain bikers and hikers with a variety of terrain obstacles.
You can pick and choose the areas that interest you; bird feeding is a great exercise for young children. Because the birds are accustomed to seeing people, they will pick seeds right from your hands!
This loop is dog friendly as well, though some sections are fairly muddy, so bring a towel to dry wet paws just in case. Parking is available along the Old Second Line between Klondike Rd and Brady Ave.
- Distance From Ottawa: 28 km
- Trail Length: 5 km Circular (1 hour 6 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
The Rockhopper Loop
Rockhopper Trail is a wonderful trail near a suburban neighborhood that feels disconnected from the city. It’s a rocky and rooty trail, but it’s manageable.
Its an excellent choice for families with children, but not for strollers. Although there is plenty of signage, downloading your map may come in handy because there are overlapping paths that make it easy to get lost.
Because this is a popular spot for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, you’ll almost certainly meet other people while exploring. This trail is best visited between May and October. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
- Distance From Ottawa: 28.2 km
- Trail Length: 2.9 km Loop (38 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Trail 50
Trails 50-52 of the Mer Bleue Conservation Area are spectacular. The routes wind through one of Southern Ontario’s largest bogs, which is undoubtedly one of the most important natural areas in the Greenbelt.
It is also an important example of a northern environment, more akin to the arctic than the Ottawa Valley.
The Ramsar Convention of the United Nations has identified Mer Bleu as a globally important wetland. The trail is extremely helpful in recognizing various plant and animal types.
Sundew, pitcher plants, uncommon orchids, spotted turtles, and Fletcher’s dragonfly is among them.
- Distance From Ottawa: 29.6 km
- Trail Length: 5.8 km Circular (1 hour 22 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Wilsondale Trails
This is a loop in the Cumberland Community Association’s modest trail network. There are eight rather separate routes that are linked by two trailheads.
The main trailhead is direct across from the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. The paths are not well-marked, thus hikers recommend downloading the offline maps ahead of time if they don’t want to get lost.
This is a popular trail for birding, cross-country skiing, and hiking, but it is very peaceful during the day. The route is available all year and is a great place to come at any time. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
- Distance From Ottawa: 29.8 km
- Trail Length: 3.1 km (45 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
South March Highlands Conservation Forest
The South March Highlands Conservation Forest is 457 hectares in size and is part of the broader South March Highlands forest and natural environment region. It is situated near and within Kanata’s urban and development area.
The woodland is one of Ottawa’s most environmentally significant and diverse places. It also offers recreational activities such as hiking and mountain riding.
- Distance From Ottawa: 29.8 km
- Trail Length: 8.32 km (2 hours)
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near Ottawa Under 100 km
Sheila McKee Nature Trail
Sheila McKee Nature Trail is a very beautiful circular trail about 2.4 kilometers long. This is a popular hiking and running trail, yet you can still find seclusion during quieter times of the day.
The route is available all year and is a great place to come anytime. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
- Distance From Ottawa: 32.6 km
- Trail Length: 2.4 km Circular (36 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Crazy Horse Trail
Crazy Horse Trail is a marshy trail near Westwood, Ontario. It is very popular for hiking, picnic, and other adventures sports because of tit wet environment. Make sure to go prepared for some extra difficult routes on this trail because it’s not for beginners.
- Distance From Ottawa: 33.9 km
- Trail Length: 6.6 km Loop (1 hour 23 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Trail 51
It is a popular circular trail located in a jungle-like environment. This is a popular hiking, running, and walking trail.
The route is available all year and is a great place to come anytime but try to avoid it during monsoon because the land becomes muddy. Dogs are welcome and can roam freely in some locations.
- Distance From Ottawa: 43.4 km
- Trail Length: 2.4 km Circular (35 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Larose Forest
Ferdinand Larose, an agronomic, founded it in 1919. After nearly 100 years and over 18 million tree plantings, the forest is now a mix of hardwoods, red and white pine, and wetlands that attract a diverse range of animals, including 143 species of birds, 68 kinds of butterflies, moose, deer, fishers, and many others.
It also draws human tourists who want to explore nature and participate in year-round recreational activities.
Hiking, cycling, bird-watching, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, ATV routes, and moose hunting are all popular activities in the forest.
- Distance From Ottawa: 53.3 km
- Trail Length: 16 km (4 hours)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near Ottawa Over 100 km
Mont Morissette Regional Park
Mont Morissette is located 115 kilometers north of Gatineau-Ottawa in the municipality of Blue Sea and has a vertical elevation of 400 meters. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the 13 kilometers of defined routes for hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.
An 18-meter observation tower provides panoramic views of several lakes, including Blue Sea Lake. A lookout and a shelter with a wood heater may be found at the mountain’s peak.
- Distance From Ottawa: 112.6 km
- Trail Length: 13 km (4 hours)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Mont Cayamant
You can hike 1.5 kilometers on this route to an observation tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding lakes and lush woodlands.
Mont Cayamant features a network of hiking trails that are roughly two hours from Ottawa, including the Tower Trail, which goes directly to the breathtaking tower lookout. The routes vary in length, with over eight kilometers of hiking available.
The tower path (Sentier de la tour) connects to other trails in the network and leads directly to the tower.
Before reaching the overlook, the walk features a rough staircase with around 500 steps. The tower stands 26 meters tall and requires approximately 125 stairs to reach the summit.
There is a spacious parking lot with information centers, where it is free to park. The area also has rustic camping sites where you can extend your adventure.
- Distance From Ottawa: 124.7 km
- Trail Length: 1.5 km (20 mins)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Oiseau Rock Trail
The Oiseau Rock Trail is a 5-kilometer hike (9 km round trip) through the Migizi Kiishkaabikaan forest (Algonquin). You can discover breathtaking views from the several lookouts, and cool yourself in the Ottawa River on the river route or in the lake at the summit.
This is a must-see view of the Ottawa River that should not be missed. Don’t forget to bring snacks and a bottle of water! Hiking boots are required for this adventure. The trail has a few slippery and dangerous portions. Young children should not use it.
This hike becomes much better when accompanied by pets.
- Distance From Ottawa: 186.4 km
- Trail Length: 5 km (1 hour)
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
Rideau Trail
The Rideau Trail Association (RTA) is a non-profit organization that manages over 40 trails totaling over 450 kilometers. The major trail, known as the Rideau Trail, is approximately 325 kilometers long and connects downtown Kingston with downtown Ottawa.
The RTA is divided into three subordinate clubs: Kingston, Central, and Ottawa, which are in charge of scheduling outings and local club events.
The trail passes through a range of settings, including urban walkways, woodlands, streams, farmland, country trails, and Rideau Canal lock stations, allowing people to enjoy the region’s natural and cultural riches.
- Distance From Ottawa: 197.6 km
- Trail Length: 325 km
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
We hope you found this article helpful. Make sure to like and share this article with your friends who are looking for some awesome hikes with their dogs. You can comment with your suggestions down below.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Where can I take my dog in Ottawa?
Bruce Pit and Conroy Pit are enormous off-leash locations with pathways that are mostly forested and around 3km long. Unless otherwise indicated, leashed dogs are permitted on the trails. Bruce Pit and Conroy Pit are enormous off-leash locations with pathways that are mostly forested and around 3km long.
Can you bring dog to Pink Lake?
No dogs or pets are allowed in Pink Lake. Dogs are not permitted on certain paths in order to conserve and protect these ecosystems: The Pink Lake Trail.
Where can I walk my dog in the winter in Ottawa?
Here are some of the best places in Ottawa to embrace winter with your furry friend.
1. Heart’s Desire
2.Beryl Gaffney Park
3.Deevy Pines Park
4.Carlington Park
5. Hampton Park
Are dogs allowed at Mer Bleue?
Please follow the rules of outdoor ethics when out in nature. From April 15 to November 30, dogs and other pets on leash are permitted on trails 50, 51, and 53. Dogs are not permitted on the Mer Bleue Bog Trail, the Dewberry Trail, or at Carlsbad Springs at any time for conservation reasons.
Can dogs go to Rainbow Springs?
Rainbow Springs State Park welcomes well-behaved pets. They must be leashed at all times and are not permitted to access the water, including headsprings, swim areas, rivers, and ponds. Pet waste bags are provided to keep the park looking nice and safe for everyone.
