Ottawa to Aylmer- Nature in the City Bike Tour

Your ultimate Ottawa nature tour. Visit beautiful forests, waterways, and gardens by bicycle, all just a short distance from Ottawa. 

Ride past historic homes; local farms; small, wooded streams; and the beautiful Ottawa River. 

Enjoy a laid-back day—a gourmet picnic lunch on the beach, just relax, or play in the sunshine—it’s your call. 

Your self-guided tour could last a half or full-day if you follow our detailed map and suggestions for stops.  Why not make it a full day to appreciate this unique experience? 

You will bike on one of our comfortable, top-quality bikes, or you can opt for an electric bike and set off on your journey to discover beautiful Ottawa.

Starting at the Escape Tours and Rentals Shop (65 Sparks Street), complete your bike and helmet fitting and safety review. 

Pick up your lock and your detailed Ottawa bike paths map (available digitally or on paper) and set out on your journey. 

Your trip starts with a ride along the magnificent Ottawa River Pathway. 

From the Champlain Bridge, cross the river and stop at Bate Island to watch birds and kayakers and get a great view of Ottawa and Parliament Hill.

Bicycle along the Voyageurs Pathway and the wooded paths to get an authentic nature experience in the heart of the city. 

Ride to the Deschênes Rapids along the way, and see the ruins of an old dam structure built in the late 1800s. 

Stop at the Aylmer Marina, which boasts a vast sandy beach, sailing clubs, and mature trees. Here you can relax, swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, or stop for a picnic lunch.

Don’t forget to check out the town and its many quaint shops and local eateries. 

The ride back will be on the Voyageur Waterfront Pathway all the way to the Museum of History, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Parliament Hill.

Cycle back on the Alexandria Bridge and end your tour at the Escape Tours & Rentals shop. Feel free to ask our staff about where to eat and drink or what to see next.

Immerse in the outdoors with one of the best Ottawa nature tours and visit these beautiful locations:

• Ottawa River Pathway
• Voyageurs Pathway
• Deschênes Rapids
• Marina d’Aylmer
• Bate Island
• Town of Aymer

For your bike and helmet fitting and safety review, please arrive 20 minutes prior to your tour start time!

Your tour starts and ends at Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals at 65 Sparks St.

Parking: We highly recommend leaving your car at your hotel. Street parking in our neighbourhood is difficult and the meters/time restrictions can be confusing. But if you must drive, here are a few underground parking lots: National Art Centre Parkade (99 Elgin St.), World Exchange Plaza (Metcalfe and Albert entrance), City Hall (110 Laurier Ave W). 

Flexible Booking – Book with confidence! For public tours, you will be fully refunded if you give us 24 hours’ notice before your tour starts.

No refunds for any cancellations within 24 hours prior to the activity start date and time. 

Bad weather? Don’t worry, If your reservation must be cancelled due to the bad weather, you will be fully refunded.

What is your cancellation policy?
You will be fully refunded if you give us 24 hours’ notice. There will be no refunds for any cancellations within 24 hours prior to the activity start date and time. Please inquire about the private tour cancellation policy.

Are there any hills?
Ottawa is a flat city, so most of the ride will be on flat bike paths. There might be a few inclines that can be easily managed when riding our multi-geared quality bikes.

What if it rains?
Your ride will continue in light rain. We supply you with rain ponchos. 

In case of heavy rain or storm forecast, your trip will be cancelled — the final call will be made two hours before the start time of your tour, and we’ll contact you by phone and email. 

If your tour is cancelled due to the weather, you will be fully refunded or can choose to keep your credit for an alternative date or time.

Is biking in Ottawa safe?  
Ottawa is an extremely bike-friendly city. Almost all of your ride will be on Ottawa’s well-maintained cycle paths. In a few exceptions, we will be riding on backroads in neighbourhoods or crossing streets with traffic lights. As well, we start all our tours with a safety briefing and proper fitting for your bike and safety helmet.

Can I bring my own bicycle?
Yes. Please ensure that your bicycle is in good working condition and you have spare parts (e.g., proper tube size) in case. You will receive a $10 discount for bringing your own bicycle.

Have more questions? Visit our detailed FAQs page or contact us!

“We had a great tour that started in Ottawa and went to Aylmer. Maria, was very professional, knows the destinations and gave us some history on the area which was very informative. We stopped and enjoyed the sights and were never rushed to get to the next destination which was a bonus. We had a great tour thank you”

“I’m an avid cyclist and love discovering new trails and areas . I joined Maria and her Ottawa-Aylmer tour August 2014 and met a great bunch of friendly, like-minded cyclists! What a beautiful trek! It’s a nicely forested trail with look-out spots to view rapids along the Ottawa river. Always felt safe and beautiful ride along the river. We stopped on our way at this wonderful little coffee shop in Aylmer and nibbled on yummy fresh baked goods and soaked up a gorgeous sunny day. Maria took care of all the details and ensured everyone was ok with the pace. Looking forward to more Escape Tours!”

“I went on the half-day bike tour, which was extremely well organized. We started off with a bike ride through the scenic bike paths in Gatineau/Ottawa. We stopped for coffee and pastries in Aylmer. Everyone was very friendly and Maria is very good at accommodating different physical needs and abilities. I felt no pressure to keep up with the faster cyclists but also did not feel left behind. Maria is very open to changing the itinerary if there is something else that you would prefer doing/seeing.”