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Sensational Cycling
Canada’s Capital Region is home to one of North America’s largest networks of cycling pathways — the Capital Pathway network. More than 170 kilometres of recreational pathways link superb natural areas, parks, gardens, museums and attractions. The paths are great for cycling and many other activities such as walking, jogging and in-line skating. Come and fill up on fresh air!
Courtesy and Safety
Share the Path
Over the past decade, the number of pathway users (including pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, in-line skaters and mobility-impaired people) has increased sharply. The following rules help keep the pathways safe and fun for everyone.
All pathway users:
- Keep to the right.
- Check behind and ahead of you before moving across the pathway or turning.
- Move completely off the pathway when stopping.
- Keep domestic animals on a leash and clean up after them.
Cyclists and in-line skaters:
- Yield to pedestrians at all times.
- Travel at a safe speed (recommended maximum speed: 20 kilometres/hour). The pathways are for recreational use; to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone, faster cyclists are encouraged to use other more-suitable routes.
- Pass only on the left, after first making sure that the lane is clear ahead and behind.
- Sound your bell or call out a warning before passing.
- Travel in single file.
- In-line skaters: use of poles is prohibited.
Safety Tips
Here are some tips to make the most of your outing on the Capital Pathway:
- Familiarize yourself with the Capital Pathway and know your route.
- Stay on the designated recreational pathways and avoid isolated areas.
- If travelling alone, tell others where you are going.
- Carry a cell phone or whistle.
- Call 911 immediately if you suspect you or someone else is in danger.
- Report any other unsafe conditions to the NCC by calling (613) 239-5353.
Cellular Phone Loan Program
Cellular phones programmed to call 911 are made available free of charge by the NCC and Rogers Wireless (one-week limit). They are available at the following locations:- Capital Infocentre
- Gamelin Welcome Area in Gatineau Park
- Maison du vélo
- Maison du tourisme
- Canada Aviation Museum
- Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy
- Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre - 102 Greenview Avenue (Britannia Park)
- Orléans Recreational Complex - 1490 Youville Drive
- Hintonberg Centre - 1064, Wellington Street (near Tunney’s Pasture)
Universal Accessibility
Most of the pathways are accessible for people with impaired mobility. If you will be using a wheelchair to travel the pathways, please check the map for unpaved pathways and those with slopes greater than five percent (marked with a steep-slope icon).
Pathway Patrol
On the pathways, watch for the pathway patrollers. Along with NCC employees, several volunteers from the City of Ottawa’s volunteer pathway patrol and the Ville de Gatineau’s Vélo-patrouille work to make sure your outing is safe and enjoyable . They can provide directions, information, first aid and emergency care, and basic equipment repairs.
Signs
Signs are posted along the Capital Pathway to guide you. Signs with the icon shown here and the name of the pathway are installed at all of the network’s major entrance points. You will also find maps at many pathway intersections.
Pathway Maintenance
Every spring, the recreational pathways are cleaned and repaired so that they are ready for use on May 1. They are then regularly maintained by our maintenance teams. Please help us keep the paths safe and pleasant by letting us know about spots that need repair or maintenance, such as fallen trees, broken glass or potholes. (You may contact us by telephone at (613) 239-5353 or by e-mail at .) The recreational pathways are not maintained during the winter.
Emergency
NCC 24-hour emergency assistance: (613) 239-5353
Partners in the Capital Pathway
National Capital Commission
City of Ottawa
City of Gatineau
Trans Canada Trail
La Route Verte
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