Ottawa: Cycling the Capital Pathway (Rideau River & Canal)

After exploring Parliament Hill, we headed east on Sussex Drive (which has bike lanes!) to explore Rideau Hall and cycle down the Rideau River Eastern Pathway. I’m going to let the photos tell the story…

The Rideau Falls

Heather and her Brompton in front of Rideau Hall.

The beginning of the Rideau River Eastern Pathway! According to Wikipedia: “This pathway is almost unknown by tourists but frequented by residents.” And I have to admit, we didn’t see any other tourists except us! Though there weren’t many residents on the path either. Must have all been at the cottage!

Heather and her Brompton in front of the Rideau River.

Pier humouring Heather with a picture.

This mirrored globe is on the Adawe Crossing, a pedestrian/bike bridge that crosses the Rideau River just north of the Trans-Canada Highway. 

And now, as this map shows, we are just south of the Trans-Canada Highway, one-third of the way to our destination: Mooney’s Bay Beach.

Obligatory Brompton scenic photo along the Rideau River Eastern Pathway.

Us biking along the path. Look at all that green! You wouldn’t even know Highway 19 is just to our left. 

Oh, there’s Highway 19! One of the great things about Ottawa’s path system (collectively known as The Capital Pathway) is that the paths all go somewhere. These aren’t just scenic park trails. These paths all follow along roads (even if you can’t see the roads due to the lush greenery) which mean they will get you places you actually want to go and are a viable alternative to driving.

Speaking of places you want to go in Ottawa…

We made it to Mooney’s Bay Beach! Soft sand and surprisingly warm water for June in Canada. 

Then we doubled back to Hog’s Back Falls and crossed the bridge to the west side of Rideau River, where the river meets the Rideau Canal.

Heather at the Hog’s Back Lockstation on the Rideau Canal.

Heather cycling along the east side of the Rideau Canal.

Capital Pathway map. At this point we decided to cross over to the west side of the Rideau Canal so we could cycle around Dow’s lake. And how do cyclists/pedestrians cross the canal here? Via the lock bridge at Hartwell’s Lockstation. As we arrived, we got to see a boat passing through.

And then a man hand-cranked the lock closed. So old school! After that, we crossed the canal and continued to…

… Dow’s Lake. We biked around the lake and then encountered our first detour.

A very small section of the Rideau Canal Pathway was closed, so we had to take another path that ran almost parallel beside Brown’s Inlet. Pier is pointing to the canal and closed path just across the street. But seriously, two paths in the same area so that there’s an alternative when one is closed? Us Torontonians are unaccustomed to such amazing infrastructure! 

Looking back at the closed section of the Rideau Canal Pathway.

Looking ahead to the open section. Back on the Canal Pathway!

Scenic shot of the Rideau Canal. 

Finally, to the bridge that will take us back to downtown Ottawa and dinner! 

And now, even though I rarely take food pics, I had to make an exception for our AMAZING dinner at Datsun.

Green Papaya Salad with Cashews & Young Coconut

Beef Cheek Steamed Bun with Funky Chili & Crushed Peanut

Shrimp Burger with Bacon, Lettuce, Tasty Sauce & Toastie Bun

The radish special.

Shrimp & Water Chestnut Dumplings

Le Coprin Mushrooms & Snow Peas

Deep-Fried Ice Cream with Sesame & Coconut Caramel. Well deserved after cycling 30 kilometres!

Next, we take part in Ottawa’s Sunday Bikedays where they close some highways to cars and let cyclists take over! Weeee!