Ottawa’s Green Spaces & Urban Forests: The Best Urban Nature Spots

It’s easy to forget how green Ottawa really is — until you step outside and find yourself surrounded by trees, trails, and the quiet hum of nature. Known as one of Canada’s greenest capitals, Ottawa blends city living with forest escapes, offering hundreds of parks, protected woodlands, and riverfront paths right inside its urban boundary. Whether you’re chasing weekend hikes, quiet picnic spots, or after-work walks, here are some of the best places to enjoy Ottawa’s green spaces and urban parks in 2025.

1. Dominion Arboretum & Fletcher Wildlife Garden

Nestled beside the Rideau Canal and Experimental Farm, the Dominion Arboretum is one of Ottawa’s oldest and most scenic natural spaces. Its rolling hills, century-old trees, and river views make it a go-to for photographers, dog walkers, and anyone needing a break from city noise.

Just next door, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden offers a quieter, more natural environment with native plants, bird habitats, and interpretive trails — a local favourite for spotting monarch butterflies and chickadees in the summer months.

2. Mer Bleue Bog (Greenbelt East)

Few cities can claim a peat bog within city limits, but Ottawa can. The Mer Bleue Bog, part of the NCC Greenbelt, is an ecological gem that feels like stepping into another world. The 1.2 km boardwalk winds through a protected wetland ecosystem, offering glimpses of rare plants and wildlife. Visit in fall for fiery red and gold colours, or on a misty morning to see the landscape reflected perfectly in the still water.

3. Major’s Hill Park (Downtown)

A favourite for locals and tourists alike, Major’s Hill Park offers unbeatable views of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, and the Château Laurier. Beyond its postcard-perfect scenery, it’s a surprisingly peaceful place for lunch breaks or evening strolls, surrounded by flower gardens and mature trees.

This park also connects seamlessly with the ByWard Market and Rideau Canal pathways, making it one of the most accessible green escapes in the downtown core.

4. Gatineau Park (Just Across the River)

Technically just outside Ottawa’s border, Gatineau Park is an essential mention for anyone seeking nature near the city. It’s a year-round playground: hiking and cycling in the summer, snowshoeing and skiing in the winter, and endless viewpoints all year long.
The King Mountain Trail and Pink Lake Loop remain two of the most visited trails, while lesser-known spots like Luskville Falls offer steeper, more adventurous climbs for weekend explorers.

5. Britannia Conservation Area (West Ottawa)

Tucked along the Ottawa River, the Britannia Conservation Area — often called Mud Lake — is a peaceful pocket of nature where city sounds fade into birdsong. It’s a key spot for birdwatchers, with over 250 species recorded. The loop trail is flat and easy, perfect for families or anyone seeking a relaxed nature walk.

Stop by Britannia Beach nearby for a quick dip in the summer or a sunset picnic overlooking the water.

6. Hog’s Back Park & Mooney’s Bay

Ottawa’s natural landscapes meet urban energy here. The Hog’s Back Falls are a local icon — a series of dramatic waterfalls where the Rideau River splits from the canal. The park surrounding the falls offers shaded picnic areas, trails, and connections to Mooney’s Bay, one of Ottawa’s most popular beaches.

Together, these spaces form a lively outdoor corridor that blends scenic beauty with social energy — ideal for joggers, families, or anyone who enjoys people-watching alongside river views.

7. Andrew Haydon Park

For something peaceful and family-friendly, Andrew Haydon Park in the west end combines open lawns, ponds, and waterfront paths. It’s a favourite spot for walking dogs, watching sunsets, or just stretching your legs between errands. In spring, the park bursts with tulips, rivaling downtown’s more famous displays.

8. The Greenbelt Trails

Managed by the National Capital Commission, Ottawa’s Greenbelt wraps around much of the city, protecting thousands of hectares of forest, wetland, and farmland. The trails here are well-marked and cater to all experience levels — from the Jack Pine Trail in Nepean to Stony Swamp’s boardwalk network.

The Greenbelt has become increasingly popular as Ottawans look for accessible nature without long drives. As of 2025, new interpretive signs and improved trail connections make exploring even easier.

Ottawa’s Commitment to Green Living

Ottawa’s abundance of green spaces isn’t just for show — it’s part of a broader commitment to sustainability. The city’s Urban Forest Management Plan and NCC reforestation programs have introduced thousands of new trees across urban neighbourhoods since 2020.
Projects like the LRT expansion and LeBreton Flats redevelopment now include built-in green corridors, rooftop gardens, and pollinator zones — proof that Ottawa’s growth and environmental care can go hand in hand.

Finding Balance in the City

Living in Ottawa means you never have to choose between city life and natural beauty. Whether it’s a quick lunchtime walk through the Arboretum or a full day hiking in the Greenbelt, the capital’s parks and forests invite residents to slow down and reconnect.

In a city where your “backyard” might just be a UNESCO heritage canal or a sprawling riverside forest, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with nature in Ottawa — one green space at a time.