Ottawa Biking: Rideau Canal to Gatineau? Or recommend some paths

[pennywize]

Going to rent some bikes in Ottawa and found a place called Cyco's located along the Rideau Canal (5 Hawthorne Avenue, Ottawa is the address).

What are some recommend scenic bike paths to take for beginners? We're thinking of biking along the canal and going to Gatineau park. Is there a direct bike path to there? ie: rideau canal, ottawa river, cross bridge, and arrive at Gatineau?

[Pete_Coach]

Don't know how aggressive a cyclist you are but here is bike path info for the Ottawa area.
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16297-16299-9970-9971&lang=1

[Bunyak]

I've probably taken a similar route over 100 times. I used to live near Cyco's. If you use this map as a guide (link (http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16297-16299-9970-101545-29551&lang=1)), you should start on the brown route (Rideau Canal Western Pathway) on the opposite side of the canal to Cyco's. Take this pathway to its terminus on the Ottawa River. Turn left (west) and follow the red route (Ottawa River Pathway) until you stop at Booth Street in front of the War Museum.

Turn right onto Booth Street and take the Chaudiere Bridge across the Ottawa River into Gatineau, Quebec. At Alexandre-Taché Boulevard, turn left onto the bike path that runs along the south side of the street. (The dotted line on the map.) Then turn left onto the orange route (Voyageurs Pathway).

The signage on this pathway should direct you north toward Gatineau Park at the correct spot. Cross Taché Boulevard and get on the blue route (Gatineau Park Pathway). Done!

[pennywize]

Thanks very much guys! Awesome.

Btw, Bunyak. Do you think it's possible to goto Gatineau and back within 4 hours? lol

[Bunyak]

Thanks very much guys! Awesome.

Btw, Bunyak. Do you think it's possible to goto Gatineau and back within 4 hours? lolIf you're cycling at an easy pace, you will probably need about 40 minutes to ride to Gatineau Park. You would have lots of time to ride north into the park on the paved park trails. The park rises up from the river so the ride will be slower into the park than back.

The visitors' centre near Rue Gamelin may or may not be open at this time of the year. Nevertheless, a park map is posted outside the centre with the trails indicated.

[pennywize]

If you're cycling at an easy pace, you will probably need about 40 minutes to ride to Gatineau Park. You would have lots of time to ride north into the park on the paved park trails. The park rises up from the river so the ride will be slower into the park than back.

The visitors' centre near Rue Gamelin may or may not be open at this time of the year. Nevertheless, a park map is posted outside the centre with the trails indicated.

Thanks man!