Written by guest blogger Denise Deby, who writes on local and global social and environmental issues.
Ottawa has had a few of those perfect late-summer-turning-into-fall days, the ones that make you crave the outdoors. Here’s a sampling of the green spaces and surprises we’ve explored recently:
- The falls at Hog’s Back on the Rideau River (you can follow recreational paths in several directions from here):
- The spectacular views of Ottawa from Gatineau Park at the lookout on Trail 30 (up from parking lot P7):
- Eco Art, an outdoor exhibit of environment-themed photos along the NCC’s recreational pathways (the photos also appeared last winter along the Rideau Canal Skateway):
- The 120 ceremonial trees planted by visiting heads of state and other dignitaries on the grounds of Rideau Hall (home to some 10,000 trees in all):
What are your favourite outdoor places this time of year?
Green Living Ottawa 
oh looks like you’ve had a great time visiting different spots around the city! I haven’t been to Hog’s Back in a long time but loved walking around the Governor General’s! Went out to Petrie Island for the first time this summer and loved the nature trails there – they even have signs to help you identify different types of plants!
Hi there!
I came across your page while searching for hiking photos in Gatineau Park. I wanted to personally inform and invite you to an environmental event that may be of interest to you. The event is called the MEC Big Wild Challenge and is a community fundraising event occurring in Gatineau Park P7 area for CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society). All funds raised from the event will go directly to support CPAWS’ campaigns across Canada to protect at-risk wilderness. The event will occur on Sunday August 17th from 9:00am-1:00pm and will be an active trail-run/walk through 5 beautiful trails. There will be lots of additional entertainment, prizes and gifts all day as well! If you are interested in this eco-friendly adventure please visit bigwildchallenge.org for more information and to register. You can also contact me directly at amy@cpaws.org if you have any questions as well 🙂
Hope to see you there! Take care,
Amy