Take a stroll on the urban trails of Ottawa-Gatineau BY CHANTAL MACARTNEY OTTAWA IS SUCH a beautiful city that many of the thousands of people who work downtown are lured outside to take walks over the lunch break. Others glide along tree-lined pathways on inline skates. Here are four outstanding routes to try this summer.
FIRST LOOP
This trail is 2.6 kilometres long and starts on the Sparks Street Mall. Walking west along Sparks Street, continue to the end until you reach the Garden of the Provinces with its two waterfalls, a perfect lunch spot on sunny days. Then continue walking to the north side of Wellington Street, turning left at the National Library. Follow the sidewalk almost to the Portage Bridge. Veer right and descend to the pathway that winds along the Ottawa River behind the National Library, Supreme Court and Parliament Buildings. It’s a beautiful outing beside the water for walking, cycling or skating. Continue downstream until you reach the locks beside the Chateau Laurier. Then turn right and climb up the roadway or stairs to Confederation Square. Turn right again to get back to Sparks Street and your starting point. If you don’t have time for all of this lovely walk, you’ll find sets of stairs leading from water level back to the top of the escarpment. This loop is five kilometres and starts on the Gatineau side of the Ottawa River, near the Portage III/IV office complex. The loop begins on the Voyageur Pathway at the Portage Bridge, and winds eastwards along the Ottawa River behind the Museum of Civilization. Here you’ll find many shaded spots for lunch beside the water. Continue walking to the 100-year-old Princess Alexandra Bridge spanning the Ottawa River. As you cross the bridge to
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
PHOTO BY NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION
SECOND LOOP
OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
3
