Below is a list of trails in and around Ottawa that are universally accessible. Trails included on this list have been declared universally/wheelchair accessible by the organizations that created and maintained them (just so you know you’re not banking solely on my opinion here!). However, it was difficult to determine what, if any, common definition of universally accessible these different organizations were using to designate the trails as such.
I would also note that while most of these trails consist of terrain that is quite hard packed and designed to allow wheels to pass over them, certain times of year may find the trails in poor condition due to weather. For example, during spring (or “mud season”) these trails may be more difficult to navigate as the spring melt and run off could result in softer trail conditions. These trails are also not maintained to a standard of universal accessibility during the winter season.
This list will be an evolving piece of work, as I continue to seek out trails designed to allow everyone to access nature in and around our city. If you know of a universally accessible trail that hasn’t made it onto the list, please share in the comments below!
East End
Trail: Mer Bleue Bog Boardwalk
Length: 1.5 km loop
Location: East End of Ottawa (45.392287, -75.551073)
Notes: The boardwalk through the Mer Bleue Bog is managed and maintained by the NCC. This trail winds through unique vegetation, and looks out over small pockets of open water. Put simply, it’s beautiful. There’s not much shade along the trail, so plan accordingly. At the parking lot, there are signs used to designated spaces for universally accessible parking. There are also universally accessible outhouses right near the trailhead. This trail is popular and can get busy at peak times. Dogs are not allowed, as the ecosystem is very sensitive.
Trail: New York Central Fitness Trail
Length: 10 km out and back
Location: There is parking at the west trailhead: 45.272263, -75.288291. The trail ends on the east side here: 45.266229, -75.374365. There are also spots to access the trails along the way, as it passes over roads and through neighbourhoods.
Notes: I have not hiked this trail myself. This trail cuts through green space, neighbourhoods, and skirts open fields in the town of Embrun. Ontario Trails notes that the surface of the trail is gravel, and that there is “complete wheelchair access” along the length of it. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
My little cutie on the Mer Bleue Boardwalk Trail.
West End
Trail: Sarsaparilla Trail
Length: 0.8 km loop
Location: P7 in the Greenbelt (45.303497, -75.831955)
Notes: This short trail in Stony Swamp is a favorite of mine. The loop takes you right into the forest, where there’s a lot of downed brush. I think the best part is the universally accessible platform over the beaver pond. This is a great spot for birding (and squirrel-ing. Is that a thing?). The trail is packed down so that it’s super firm, although in the spring the trailhead can flood a bit, making it very wet and probably a bit softer than usual. One spring when I was there I saw ducks swimming right beside the trailhead! There are parking spots dedicated to accessible parking, and a universally accessible outhouse as well. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Trail: The Causeway Trail
Length: 1.7 km out and back
Location: Morris Island Conservation Area (156 Morris Island Dr, Fitzroy Harbour, ON K0A 1X0)
Notes: Morris Island Conservation Area is gorgeous, as is the Causeway Trail. This wide path brings you over a lovely little bay before the trail becomes more forested. There’s a platform over the bay that’s popular for fishing. You have to pay for parking but last time I was there it was only $3. There are washrooms beside the parking lot that are designed to be universally accessible. These are only open during the summer months. There are concrete pads built at the entrance of the washrooms and the earth around them had eroded when I was there, leaving a 2-3 inch rise between the ground and the concrete pad. This may have been fixed in the time since I’ve been there, and you can also contact the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority for the most up to date info.
Trail: Mobility Trail
Length: 0.3 km loop
Location: Foley Mountain Conservation Area (44.683488, -76.378390)
Notes: I haven’t hiked this trail myself. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority notes that there are accessible washrooms available. Parking needs to be paid for ($7). The trail is wide and made up of crushed stone. It’s also quite flat.
Trail: Millennium Trail in Renfrew
Length: 3.4 km out and back
Location: West trailhead: 45.468830, -76.705902.
East trailhead (Google Maps looks as though there’s parking here, but I’m not sure about the terrain/accessibility): 45.466136, -76.667601.
Parking at the Renfrew Flea Market: 45.468434, -76.688061. The trail runs through a residential section of Renfrew (near the Flea Market) where there would also be lots of street parking available.
Notes: I haven’t hiked this trail. Ontario Trails notes that it follows the route of the CN Railway through Renfrew. A quick peek at Google Maps shows the trail cutting through treed spaces, open fields, and the core of Renfrew. The trail surface is comprised of gravel and it is noted to have “complete wheelchair access.”
Boardwalk leading to the lookout on the Sarsaparilla Trail.
South End
Trail: Hogs Back Park
Length: There are short, paved trails throughout this urban nature park.
Location: 45.372090, -75.696224
Notes: The trails in Hogs Back Park quickly get you into green space. While not immersed in the forest, you can still find yourself next to towering trees. The trail ends at a large courtyard with benches, a great spot to sit in the outdoors. Along the way the trails also get you to a few fantastic vantage points above the waterfall running through the dam. Visit often and you might see kayakers running the waterfall! I won’t be one of them because I’m a big chicken, but its fun to watch. Dogs are allowed in the park. There are universally accessible washrooms, and during the warmer months there’s a concession stand and picnic tables adapted to be universally accessible as well.
Trail: Mobility Trail
Length: 1 km out and back (with a small loop at the end)
Location: Baxter Conservation Area (7498 Carter Road, Kars, ON)
Notes: This trail is a boardwalk trail that runs through the forest, where the forest floor is covered in ferns. At the parking lot, there are designated spots for universally accessible parking. There is also a universally accessible outhouse. Washrooms in the Visitors Centre are universally accessible but these are not open at all times. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
The path to this lookout spot, and the lookout itself, is paved, and universally accessible.
City Wide
Trail: NCC Multi-Use Pathways
Length: Around 100 km throughout the city.
Location: Everywhere!
Notes: I haven’t used this trail in its entirety. These multi use pathways are either fully paved are hard packed stone dust depending what part of the trail you’re on. They wind through green space and some urban areas throughout the city. The trail crosses over multiple roads and has multiple access points. It’s best to use the NCC’s map to determine which section of trail you’d like to use. Being multi-use, these trails are shared with any number of users, including walkers, bikers, etc. Dogs are allowed on these trails.
Gatineau Park
Trail: Sugarbush Trail
Length: 1.9 km loop
Location: Visitor’s Centre, Gatineau Park (33 Chemin Scott, Chelsea, QC)
Notes: This trail winds among beautiful towering trees. It starts right near the Gatineau Park Visitors Centre, where there are universally accessible washrooms available. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
Trail: Pioneers Trail
Length: 1.3 km loop
Location: P3 in Gatineau Park (45.439924, -75.762237)
Notes: This short trail brings you through a meadow (with beautiful wildflowers in the spring) before entering the forest. There are interpretive panels posted along the trail highlighting the diversity found in Gatineau Park. There are no washrooms close to this trail. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
Trail: Dunlop Trail
Length: 0.5 km out and back
Location: Dunlop Picnic Area (45.519930, -75.847830)
Notes: I haven’t personally hiked this trail, but the NCC notes that the trail winds alongside Fortune Creek. Starting at a picnic area, this could be a lovely spot to immerse yourself in the outdoors for the day. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but not in the picnic area. There are universally accessible outhouses at the start of this trail as well.
The Sugarbush Trail in Gatineau Park. You can see the terrain is hard-packed with dirt and stone dust.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Trail: Algonquin Logging Museum
Length: 1.3 km loop
Location: The Algonquin Logging Museum (45.544104, -78.263119)
Notes: I have not hiked this trail. The Friends of Algonquin note that it is wheelchair accessible. Exhibits along the trail highlight the history of logging in the Algonquin area. Washrooms at the museum are wheelchair accessible.
Trail: Fire Tower Trail
Length: 100 metres out and back
Location: Algonquin Visitor Centre (45.583830, -78.358078)
Notes: I have not hiked this trail. The Friends of Algonquin note that it is wheelchair accessible. The trail takes users to a stunning viewpoint that looks over the Sunday Creek Valley.
Trail: Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail
Length: 1.5 km loop
Location: km 42.5 of Highway 60 (45.587072, -78.373786)
Notes: I have not hiked this trail. The Friends of Algonquin note that it is wheelchair accessible. This loop brings users over (through?) gorgeous bogs and past huge rock formations.
Additional Info and Helpful Websites Regarding Barrier Free Access to the Outdoors
A list of Conservation Areas in Ontario that are wheelchair accessible.
A list of Ontario Parks with wheelchair accessible options for viewing the fall colours.
