Kanata has great walking trails right on our doorstep. These are my 6 favourite Kanata trails, from a flat boardwalk loop that’s perfect for small kids to the rugged South March Highlands.
For each one, you’ll find the distance, where it starts, and what makes it worth the trip. If you’re short on time, the Old Quarry Trail at Hazeldean and Eagleson is close to our clinic and easy to fit in.
Want a bigger day out? Here are my favourite Gatineau Park trails.
How To Pick Kanata Trails
This week I’ve selected some easy trails southeast of Kanata, close enough to be easy to access while far enough to be entirely immersed in nature within 2-3min of your car. 🙂
Sarsaparilla Trail
Of all the Kanata trails, this is the easiest one for toddlers and strollers.
The Sarsaparilla Trail is a 0.8 km (10-20min) universally accessible trail that includes a dock overlooking a large beaver pond. Picnic area and toilet facilities. Summer parking; access from Richmond Road. Great for families with small kids, lots of wildlife including turtles, beavers, wide varieties of birds and frogs!
Difficulty: easy, no elevation.
Beaver and Chipmunk Trails
Another of the flat Kanata trails, this one has a boardwalk and an observation blind for spotting wildlife.
This is a 2.6 km trail (25-40min) connecting with the Rideau Trail Network. Easily accessible for all ages. Picnic area, boardwalk, observation blind and toilet facilities. Year-round parking, access from Moodie Drive. Excellent for families with young kids, lots of wildlife including beavers and chipmunks!
Difficulty: Easy, no elevation.
Jack Pine Trail
Jack Pine has the most variety of any of the Kanata trails here, with loops from 2 km to 15 km
There are several different loops ranging from 2km to 15km all starting from the same parking lot off Moodie Drive (P11). The shortest loop (2km) is called ‘The Nature Loop.’ I recommend the 4km ‘South Loop’ as it brings you to a small lake/pond with a boardwalk.
For a longer 6.8km hike, follow this loop, which some refer to as the Jack Pine Loop.
Difficulty: Easy- moderate, no elevation.
Old Quarry Trail
This is the most convenient of the Kanata trails if you live or work near Hazeldean and Eagleson.
This is my go-to lunchtime dose of nature because it’s literally 1min from the office haha… And with its convenient location at the junction of Hazeldean and Eagleson, it’s likely very convenient for you too!
There are several different loops to choose from ranging from 2.5km – 5.4km… although if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s plenty of single-track trails throughout to explore; just make sure not to get lost!
The main loop is equally popular in winter for cross-country skiing & snowshoeing, so explore all 4 seasons!
Difficulty: Easy
South March Highlands
The most rugged of the Kanata trails, South March is where to go when you want a real workout.
The South March Highlands (SMH) is a true gem in Kanata/Stitsville! I’ll admit it took me 4 years before I took the time to explore, so if you’re in the same boat, no judgment…
The SMH is a whole network of multi-use trails for mountain biking/hiking in the summer, along with snowshoeing in the winter. There are several loops ranging from 2km all the way up to the longest perimeter loop @ 13km.
There are 3 access points along Old Second Line Road with plenty of roadside parking available. The trails are very well maintained by the Ottawa Mountain Bike Association, and they have a great map to download HERE.
Perfect for school-aged kids as there’s lots to explore and the trails are filled with little obstacles for them to maneuver around. If you’re looking for an intermediate level hike, this 8km loop is great!
Difficulty: Various Trails All levels, Easy-Difficult
Shirley’s Bay Loop
The only one of these Kanata trails with water access on the Ottawa River.
Shirley’s Bay is a popular boat launch and picnic area along the Ottawa River; however, the trail network attached is equally nice and seemingly underused!
As you can see from my video review HERE, this trail is nice and wide and has a hard-packed, gravel surface. This, plus the fact that there’s no elevation, makes it easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
I set out to do this 4.2km loop, but unfortunately this part of the trail network was closed that day. I still managed to walk to Shirley’s Bay and was pleasantly surprised by the sheltered picnic area and water access. Definitely take the time to pull your shoes off and get wet!
Difficulty: Easy
Dr. Michael Gibson has committed himself to helping others to live the best life possible. After graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree and Masters of Science in Chiropractic Sports Science from Life University. He is the co-creator of Life By Design, and co-owner of Synergy Wellness Group. His passion for empowering families runs deep. After experiencing the loss of his sister due to illness, Michael’s purpose became reaching and teaching as many as possible the foundational principles of an extraordinary life. Since that time, he has passionately pursued and been successful in living out his dream. He maintains a busy family chiropractic practice, a full speaking schedule, and finds time to implement the principles and practices of Life By Design in his own life.
