Top 5 Ottawa Hiking Trails For Staying Sane During the Lockdown
There are still two weeks left in Ontario’s stay-at-home order, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go on an adventure right here in Ottawa.
I have mixed feelings about the lockdown rules. Over the past year, I’ve had a simple philosophy: If I can get to a trailhead in one drive, without coming into contact with anyone, it’s fair play. However, the new stay-at-home order asks us to stay in our region.
I understand why our provincial parks are closed, and why we are safer at home. I keep proper distance when I’m hiking, but I often observe less care from other groups of people. However, in an urban Ottawa setting, I feel even less safe in the crowded streets and parks than I would on a day-long adventure to the Madawaska Valley.
Ultimately, I decided to hike in my region until the order is lifted, favouring trails that make it easy to stay distanced.
Here are my top five hiking trails for staying sane during these next few weeks of lockdown.
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South March Highlands Conservation Forest
At the heart of the Kanata Lakes region, the South March Highlands Conservation Forest is the closest thing you’ll find to a rugged hike in the Ottawa area. The PWT & Outback Loop will give you a four-hour workout, with several side trails to enhance your day.
Hikers share the trail with mountain bikers, but once you get deeper into the forest you’ll see little traffic. The lovely gneissic bedrock in the more secluded western section gives you decent incline, similar to what you might find in Gatineau Park.
Mer Bleu Conservation Area
The Mer Bleu Conservation Area is east of Ottawa, and its ecosystem is quite unlike anything else in the region. This includes a protected sphagnum bog and a winding boardwalk that provides several vantage points to snap unique images. Your day can be extended by including some of the park’s many side trails. If you like birds, you can also get that Insta-worthy bird-feeding selfie.
Those enjoying the bog loop access it in an organized, counter-clockwise fashion to keep traffic distanced, and headed in the same direction.
Lime Kiln Trail
This hike is found in a large, forested green space between Barrhaven and Kanata Lakes. There are many different trails here to enjoy, but the eponymous ruins are the main attraction. It’s an easy area to hike, but the Lime Kiln Blue Loop will give you the distance to get a good workout.
Pine Grove Forest
Are you part of a large family? Pine Grove Forest has broad, inclusive pathways, so you can stay distanced during high-traffic time periods. This will give you the confidence to take your family out for an accessible, safe adventure without straying too far from home.
It’s an easy network of trails, but with 19 kilometres at your disposal, there are plenty of opportunities to enhance your workout.
Marlborough Forest
Just south of Munster, Marlborough Forest offers a section of the Rideau Trail and a quaint, relaxing loop around Rogers Pond. Although much of the hike I did was part of an ATV trail, it offers up enough variety to make this a fun day hike with varying and unique scenery.
Lockdown Lifts on May 20
There are just a few weeks left in the stay-at-home order (fingers crossed), and we should be back outside and hiking in our favourite spots soon. I know I have a checklist of weekend road trips to make.
Follow me on Instagram for updates and new photos as I continue looking for new adventures!