My Favourite Hiking Spots in Ottawa
One of the best things about living in Ottawa is how quickly you can escape into nature. In less than an hour, you can swap the city for cliffside lookouts, peaceful forest trails, and even some pretty incredible ruins. Two of my go-to hikes are the Eagle’s Nest Lookout in Calabogie and the Carbide Willson Ruins in Gatineau Park. They’re totally different experiences; one gives you a jaw-dropping view over the Madawaska Highlands, and the other takes you through the woods to waterfalls and historic stone walls. Both are worth adding to your list if you love exploring the outdoors.
A couple of weekends ago, my wife and I packed up the boys and headed to the Carbide Willson Ruins in Gatineau Park. It’s a short hike—just over a kilometre each way—which makes it a great choice for families. The trail winds through the forest before opening up to the ruins of an old stone mill tucked beside a small waterfall.
What I really like about this hike is how much you get for so little effort. You don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy it! The trail is wide, shaded, and manageable for all ages. Plus, since it starts right near O’Brien Beach at Meech Lake, you can easily pair the hike with a picnic or even a swim on a warm day.
Another hike we often enjoy is Eagle’s Nest Lookout in Calabogie. This one’s a bit more of a climb than Carbide Willson, but still very doable even with kids in tow. What’s great about Eagle’s Nest is that you have options. There’s a shorter trail that is about 20 minutes from the parking area. This trail takes you straight up to the lookout. Or, if you’re looking for more of a workout, you can tackle the Manitou Mountain Trail, a 9 km route that winds through the forest and passes by a couple of other lookouts before leading you to the main one.
No matter which route you choose, the payoff is the same: a jaw-dropping panorama over the Madawaska Highlands. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop, take a deep breath, and just take it all in. One thing I always tell people about Eagle’s Nest is to plan ahead for parking and timing—it’s a popular spot, especially on nice weekends. If you can head out early in the day, you’ll beat the crowds and really get to enjoy the lookout at its best.
Both of these hikes show just how lucky we are to have so much variety so close to Ottawa. The Carbide Willson Ruins is perfect when you want something short, family-friendly, and a little different with its waterfalls and history. Eagle’s Nest, on the other hand, gives you that classic “wow” moment at the top of a cliffside lookout, whether you take the quick route or make a day of it on the longer trail.
If you’re looking for a way to spend a weekend outdoors, you really can’t go wrong with either one. Pack some snacks, head out early, and enjoy what makes our area such a great place to live!
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