The National Capital Commission (NCC) is a federal Crown corporation that fulfills three roles: long-term planner of federal lands, principal steward of nationally significant public places, and creative partner committed to excellence in development and conservation.
As the largest landowner in the National Capital Region, the NCC manages Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt, the Rideau Canal Skateway, urban areas, park paths, heritage buildings, farmland, and more.
Committed to sustainable development, the NCC has a strategy focused on sustainable communities, responsible consumption, climate action, and natural capital. This strategy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, protects natural habitats, increases access to green space, and promotes active transportation. By integrating sustainability, the NCC ensures Canada’s Capital remains healthy, resilient, and thriving for future generations.
The National Capital Greenbelt is a horseshoe-shaped green space, stretching from west to east just south of Ottawa’s urban core, with both ends touching the shores of the Ottawa River. Spanning 20,000 hectares, it includes farms, forests, and wetlands. Created in the 1950s to protect rural land from urban sprawl, it has since become the largest publicly owned greenbelt in the world, with the NCC owning 14,950 hectares.
Divided into six main sectors, each with its own unique land features, the Greenbelt protects natural areas such as forests, wetlands, streams, and sand dunes, which play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity. These ecosystems support both ecological and human health in the National Capital Region.
Located in the southeastern sector of Canada’s Capital Greenbelt, the 3,500-hectare Mer Bleue Conservation Area offers a rare glimpse of a northern boreal landscape. The Mer Bleue Bog, which is around 7,700 years old, serves as a habitat for a variety of rare plants, birds, and wildlife species found in the region.
As one of the Greenbelt’s most remarkable natural features, the Mer Bleue Bog is also one of its most visited areas. Visitors can explore interpretive boardwalks, sand ridges, natural hiking trails, and forests, all of which highlight the area’s unique environment.
Green’s Creek begins at the Ottawa River in the eastern part of Ottawa, featuring unique geology with steep-sided ravines and plateaus.
The area offers 5.5 kilometers of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, and during winter, the toboggan hill provides fun for the whole family.
Green’s Creek also acts as an ecological corridor, connecting the Ottawa River to the Mer Bleue Conservation Area within Canada’s Capital Greenbelt.
Located in the southern part of Ottawa, Pine Grove is the largest forest within the Greenbelt, featuring a blend of tree plantations and natural woodlands. Along the Pine Grove Forestry Trail, visitors can learn about the region’s trees through a series of informative panels.
This forest is also a vital habitat for plants and wildlife. With 18.4 kilometers of trails to explore, visitors can enjoy the fresh air and may even encounter some of the forest’s inhabitants along the way.
Located in the southwest end of Ottawa, the Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest sector of the Greenbelt is home to the largest parcels of high-quality farmland in Canada’s Capital Region.
The forest features 6.4 kilometers of nature trails open year-round. It is also an important conservation area, known for its unique natural feature: Ottawa’s only inland sand dune complex.
Located in the southwest end of Ottawa, Stony Swamp is home to a network of beaver ponds, wetlands, and forests, making it the most ecologically diverse protected area in the Ottawa Valley.
With over 40 kilometers of trails, the Stony Swamp sector offers more trails than any other part of the Greenbelt. It also features a section of the Greenbelt Pathway West, which connects to The Great Trail of Canada and the Rideau Trail, making it accessible for cycling.
Located at the western edge of Canada’s Capital Greenbelt, Shirleys Bay is an internationally significant conservation area on the Ottawa River. Its natural wetlands, both along the shore and inland, enhance water quality and provide thriving wildlife habitats.
Shirleys Bay offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, boating, cycling, birding, and picnicking. In winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
The Capital Pathway is one of the most extensive pathway networks in North America.
Use this map to navigate over 200 kilometres of off-road, multi-use pathways that extend from Gatineau Park through Ottawa–Gatineau and into the Greenbelt.
The pathway is for everyone: pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, in-line skaters, people with mobility impairments, skiers, snowshoers, and snow bikers.
It connects the Capital’s parks, gardens, museums, and attractions, offering a safe, enjoyable way to spend time outdoors and a safe route for commuting and is integrated with municipal trails and national networks like the Trans Canada Trail and Route Verte.
The Ottawa-Gatineau Cycling Map displays all of the major cycling paths and trails in the National Capital Region including the Capital Pathway Network.
Facilities
Click to view the interactive map on NCC website
Click to view the interactive map on NCC website
The NCC manages over 20 urban parks in Ottawa-Gatineau. Whether it’s visiting historical displays, appreciating breathtaking views at scenic lookouts, enjoying a picnic, or participating in outdoor recreation, these parks offer a variety of ways to experience nature and the rich cultural heritage of the Capital. Many also serve as venues for national celebrations and events throughout the year.
Gatineau Park is one of the most visited parks in Canada and the largest conservation area in the region. It spans over 361 square kilometres of unique biodiversity, making it a very popular destination for eco-friendly outdoor activities.
The park is divided into several sectors, with one easily accessible from downtown Ottawa-Gatineau. Unlike other national parks, Gatineau Park has multiple entry points and roads leading to its northern and western areas.
Georeferenced Maps
The official Gatineau Park trail maps are now georeferenced and available for free on the Avenza Maps app. With this app, you can track your location within the park at all times, even without a cellular signal.
Step 1: Download the Avenza Maps app from the App Store® or Google Play Store™ if you don’t have it already.
Step 2: Before your outing, go to the app’s Map Store and download the map of your choice.
Each winter, the NCC transforms the historic Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink. Stretching 7.8 kilometers through the heart of the National Capital, the Rideau Canal Skateway is a cherished winter attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The skating season usually runs from January to early March, depending on weather conditions. When open, the Skateway is free to access and available 24/7 for visitors to enjoy.
