Ottawa-area hiking: Four tips and four trails to try out this summer

What better way to enjoy summer then hiking through the capital. We give you four great locations to check out.

If you’re planning to hit the trails around Ottawa this summer, but don’t know where to start, one expert is here to help.

Vickie Lanthier, author and owner of GirlGoneGood Wellness and Wilderness, joined CTV’s Your Morning Ottawa on Thursday to offer some guidance on hiking in the capital and speak about a few of her favourite trails.

Hike outside the peak hours

If you don’t want to deal with the hustle and bustle of crowds while out on the trail, consider planning your hike outside of the peak times.

“We all know that Ottawa likes to get out in nature. Gatineau Park has an abundance of people. They have a bus service for some trails,” Lanthier said. “So, to avoid the rush of the popular spots, I highly recommend hiking at off-peak times.”

Consider an early morning or late evening hike or even weekday trek to avoid large crowds.

Respect pet regulations

If you plan to bring your pet along, adhere to the pet regulations and be considerate of all those using the trail, Lanthier says.

“People don’t understand the impact of our pets in nature, but think of allergies of other people, think of mobility issues,” Lanthier said, adding that pets can also have ecological impacts on trails.

“So, keeping our pets on leash when it’s requested is very important.”

Leave no trace

Hikers should ensure they’re not damaging the trail as they go along. Lanthier says people can even try to leave the trail in better shape than they found it.

“What I like to do is actually bring a garbage bag with me, maybe a set of gloves, so that every time we’re out on the trails, we’re quote-unquote ‘plogging,’ which is the term for hiking and picking up trash along the way.”

Prevent the spread of invasive species

People can do one simple maneuver between hikes to avoid spreading invasive species between trails, Lanthier says.

“My tip for this one is to actually bring a brush to brush off your hikers. Tap them off before you get back in your car after your hike. Brush the bottom of your hikers, and with your furry friends, don’t forget to brush off their paws as well,” she said.

Hiking trails near Ottawa

Marlborough Forest

Lanthier recommends this network of three trails near North Gower that span approximately 24 kilometres.

There is an accessible trail from the E2 parking lot, as well as a hike with a great pond area from the E3 lot, Lanthier says.

“Wonderful forest experience.”

Morris Island

Lanthier says Morris Island is an accessible trail featuring accessible washrooms and it might be her favourite hiking spot near Ottawa.

“It has an abundance of wildlife, and it is so picturesque,” she said. “It looks like a Group of Seven painting, with rock and the islands and the tree and the forestry there. It is a gorgeous spot.”

Morris Island is located near Arnprior, approximately 70 kilometres northwest of downtown Ottawa.

“Hot tip, drive slowly on your way into Morris Island, there’s lots of deer in the area and walkers.”

Baxter Conservation Area

Located roughly 50 kilometres south of downtown Ottawa, Lanthier says the Baxter Conservation Area has been working to become a fully accessible conservation area.

“What I like about them is they have this beautiful new boardwalk that they just put in in the recent years. They have a tower overlooking the marsh, they have a beautiful forest walkway,” she said.

“They also have really great programs for children in the summer, and they have beach access for wheelchairs and strollers, which we do love.”

Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest

Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest might be the perfect fit for those who are looking for a hidden gem inside the city limits.

“This is where we have sand dunes, right in the heart of Ottawa,” Lanthier said.

“It’s near the Nepean Sportsplex. We have four dunes here, natural sand dunes. The efforts to avoid invasive species, to replant native species, are going on at these sand dunes. They’re gorgeous to go check out.”

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