the great outdoors
While urban Ottawa is defined by its green space , the Great Outdoors takes on a whole new meaning in the city ’ s surrounding area . This breathtaking , diverse landscape , with a foothold in two provinces , is a nature lover ’ s dreams come true .
For starters , the National Capital Greenbelt is home to over 150km of lush trails connecting the Trans Canada Trail , Rideau Trail and Capital Pathway network . The Township of Russell , just 30 minutes east of Ottawa , is a prime destination for a picnic , walking or cycling adventure along the 7.2km New York Central Trail . Meanwhile , just past Limoges is Larose Forest , one of Eastern Canada ’ s largest man-made forests , and home to activities like off-road cycling . Voyageur , the region ’ s only provincial park , is situated just an hour away near Chute-à-Blondeau .
Québec ’ s Gatineau Park , a national treasure only 15 minutes north of downtown Ottawa , is a summer sensation with its bounty of beautiful beaches — but it ’ s most famous for the splendour of its autumn foliage . The adjacent Camp Fortune is home to zip lining and an aerial park . Combine nature with man-made magic at Nordik Spa-Nature ’ s fairy-tale setting in the Gatineau Hills , near the entrance of the Park .
top , inset : Nordik Spa-Nature
above , left to right : Cycling through the National Capital Greenbelt ; Pink Lake in Gatineau Park
Nordik features 10 outdoor baths , an infinity pool , massage services , and saunas . Meanwhile , Parc Oméga , only one hour away in Montebello , Québec , showcases the wonders of Canada ’ s animal kingdom — from moose and elk to wolves — in their natural environment .
If the outdoors are your natural hobby habitat , the region is a magnet for mountain biking , cycling , fishing , and hiking . Or go green on the green . With over 100 courses to choose from , Eastern Ontario is a golfer ’ s haven . They include two courses through forest and meadow at the Brookstreet Hotel ( west Ottawa ), Stonebridge Golf Club ( south Ottawa ), the impeccable greens of Prescott-Russell ’ s Casselview Golf and Country Club , and the tree-lined fairways of the Hawkesbury Golf & Curling Club . Tee off ! p h o t o s : b i k e pat h s ( j a m e s p e lt z e r ); p i n k l a k e ( n c c )
26 www . ottawatourism . ca