Three easy winter hiking trails near Ottawa

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Just because it’s winter in Ottawa doesn’t mean you have to put away your hiking boots. Granted, you’ll probably want to buy winter ones, and you should definitely invest in a few pairs of extra-cozy ski or hiking socks. Microspikes, crampons and pointy hiking poles might not be a bad idea, either.

Of course, you’ll also need the usual assortment of warm coats, hats, mittens and scarves, plus a knapsack packed with a water bottle, healthy snacks, first-aid supplies and other hiking basics. Here’s a comprehensive guide to preparing for a hike, whether it’s your first or your fiftieth.

OK, with the prep out of the way, where should you go? Here are three of my favourite easy, year-round hiking trails near Ottawa. They’re all close to communities, so they’re simple to access, but be forewarned—if it has recently snowed, it may take crews a little while to clear roads and parking lots.

For each of these winter hiking trails in Eastern Ontario, I’ve also provided a tip on something else you can see, do or eat nearby. Please check the websites of businesses mentioned for their current hours when planning your outing.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. In addition, I have visited some businesses for free or at a discounted rate, for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Ferguson Forest, North Grenville, Ontario

The Ferguson Forest Centre (275 County Road 44, Kemptville) lies just on the edge of Kemptville, not far from the municipal offices. That makes the 1,100-acre property, largely covered by hardwood forest, a popular place for locals to get out in nature.

Ferguson Forest’s 22 kilometres of public, year-round trails are broken into eight routes, and all are open to a wide range of users, including snowshoers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers, as well as hikers. Leashed dogs are also welcome on the trails, and the forest centre also has an excellent dog park.

If you’re visiting with little ones, check out the 160-metre Kinderwood Trail, a flat route lined with interpretive plaques that introduce kids to the forest’s flora and fauna.

Pick up a warming coffee and a muffin—or something a little heartier, like chili or soup—at nearby Brewed Awakenings (2868 County Road 43, Kemptville). Want to stay longer? You can get a suite or a whole house at Abbot Road Suites.

For more ideas for things to see and do in the area, check out my detailed guide to Kemptville and North Grenville.

Mac Johnson Wildlife Area, Brockville, Ontario

The Mac Johnson Wildlife Area (Debruge Road, Brockville) is a 1,315-acre expanse of wetlands and forest just north of Brockville. Its 11 kilometres of trails vary in difficulty. In winter, those seeking an easy hike might want to stick to Trail 1 (also known as the Wildflower Loop) and Trail 3. Those trails are also suitable for snowshoers and cross-country skiers, although they’re not always groomed. Leashed dogs are welcome along the trails.

You’re quite likely to spot chipmunks, blue jays, cardinals, chickadees and other winter wildlife as you hike; if you’re lucky, you might see a deer. The large reservoir at Mac Johnson is also a known stopover point for trumpeter swans, although sightings of these migratory birds are rare in winter.

Check the website of Cataraqui Conservation, which maintains the wildlife area, to find out if and when the Back Pond will be open for skating. It all depends on the weather and the availability of volunteers to clear the ice.

To reward yourself for all that exercise, head into Brockville for English-style tea, lunch and snacks at the aptly named Cosies British Tea Room and Café (45 King Street West). The scones with clotted cream alone are worth the stop!

To make a weekend of it, you could book a room in a heritage mansion at the Sir Isaac Brock B&B and Luxury Suites (89 Church Street, Brockville), where hosts David and Ida Duc will make you feel right at home. Given the size of the included breakfast, you might want to make that hike at Mac Johnson a long one.

Foley Mountain Conservation Area, Westport, Ontario

Okay, calling this granite ridge a “mountain” is a bit of a stretch. However, Foley Mountain Conservation Area is undoubtedly scenic, and it has a cool backstory: the 100-metre-high cliff on which it sits was created long ago, when a meteor slammed into the Earth and set off an earthquake.

Today, the year-round, 800-acre conservation area is home to white-tailed deer, snowshoe hares and other small creatures, as well as 38 tree species. It offers eight hiking trails, including the 3.2-kilometre Blue Circle Trail, which leads to Spy Rock Lookout and its sweeping view of Upper Rideau Lake and the village of Westport.

The conservation area is located on Foley Mountain Lane. If you’re driving into Westport from Perth, it’s a quick left turn off County Road 10, just before you reach the village. Bring coins for the parking fee machine (it does take credit cards, but the technology can be slow), or pay your parking fee online in advance. As I write this in December 2021, the daily parking fee is $7.

Fuel up before or after your explorations with coffee and snacks from Vanilla Beans Café and Creamery (34 Main Street, Westport). And since Westport is about a 90-minute drive from Ottawa, why not make it an overnight getaway? The Cove Inn (2 Bedford Street, Westport) has pretty guest rooms stocked with antiques and a restaurant that hosts live music almost every night of the week.

For more information

I’ll be the first to admit I’m far from a hiking expert. For more in-depth information on many of the trails in our region, please check out two excellent websites: Girl Gone Good and Adventure Report.

You could also pick up a copy of Hiking Trails of Ottawa, the National Capital Region and Beyond by Michael Haynes.

Looking for tips on other things to see and do in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais and beyond? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or buy my guidebook, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide.

As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.