Ontario, Canada

See more of
Ottawa.

Explore central Ottawa on foot, run beside the Ottawa River, or ride the reopened pathway below Parliament Hill. Three outdoor plans with landmark pauses.

Choose a walk, run or bike outing and explore with Fitopoly.

Content and sources checked October 03, 2026 · Fitopoly editorial review (Codex-assisted)

Riverfront skyline in Ottawa–Gatineau, photographed in 2009 — A city to explore on foot and by bike.

Try one outing or spread them across three days. These ordered stops are flexible suggestions; choose open paths between them and check current conditions. Place links show locations, not a reviewed navigation route.

Walking · 3 stops

Lookouts, locks and the National Gallery

Begin in Major’s Hill Park, visit the public exterior of the National Gallery, then descend toward the Ottawa Locks and Bytown Museum.

Major's Hill Park
Start on an open path in Major’s Hill Park and enjoy the lookouts before walking north toward the gallery.
View place on map: Major's Hill Park
National Gallery of Canada
Pause outside the National Gallery on Sussex Drive. Return south on public sidewalks toward the canal, then take the signed pedestrian access to the locks.
View place on map: National Gallery of Canada
Bytown Museum
Finish outside the Bytown Museum beside the Ottawa Locks. Keep clear of lock operations and take the public path back uphill when ready.
View place on map: Bytown Museum

Take this Walking outing with you.

Running · 2 stops

A river run below Parliament Hill

Warm up near the Canadian War Museum, follow the Ottawa River Pathway east, and cool down near the Ottawa Locks.

Canadian War Museum
Start outside the Canadian War Museum and use the public connection to the Ottawa River Pathway. Run east beside the river, keeping clear of museum entrances.
View place on map: Canadian War Museum
Bytown Museum
Slow to a walk as you approach the locks and Bytown Museum. Cool down outside, away from working locks, then return if conditions permit.
View place on map: Bytown Museum

Take this Running outing with you.

Biking · 2 stops

From the Ottawa Locks to the War Museum

Ride west along the river pathway from the Ottawa Locks to the Canadian War Museum, then return beside the water.

Bytown Museum
Meet outside the Bytown Museum. Walk your bike to the riverside pathway and ride west below Parliament Hill.
View place on map: Bytown Museum
Canadian War Museum
Pause outside the Canadian War Museum, clear of the shared path. Turn back toward the locks when ready.
View place on map: Canadian War Museum