Ottawa, ON - Into Laura's Backyard
Ottawa is a lovely city and an incredible place to live.
This summer, my girlfriends and I set out for a 73km loop to peep into Elk Ranch Farm and visit one of my all time favorite coffee shop, Alice’s Village Cafe. This ride is perfect for beginners and intermediates alike as the roads are well paved paths with a moderate elevation of 290 meters. The route takes approximately 2.5-3.5 hours to complete depending on skill levels, and can be easily modified by adding or subtracting additional kilometers to your liking.
This ride is flat and speedy and with the wide bike paths, busy streets and cars are easily avoided, allowing for a stress free ride. For those that like to go faster than the 20km/hr speed limit, the fresh and smooth pavement is sure to keep you zooming, whether you’re drafting with friends or riding solo!
The route and some highlights:
✧ Take the Ottawa River Pathway or the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway (which is closed to cars Saturdays and Sundays)
✧ As part of a COVID-19 pilot project, the city with the National Capital Commission has closed a number of sections of roads to cars on the weekends, leaving them open to pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy which also allows for some great roads not always accessible, including some stretches on this ride.
✧ To add the loop: follow the pathway along Carling and through Kanata connecting you up to Terry Fox Dr.
✧ From here Terry Fox Dr will connect you to Old Second Line to Old Carp Road which winds you through beautiful trees and very little traffic (except for other cyclists who are also headed to grab their caffeine fix at Alice’s!)
✧ When you hit Carp Road, take a five minute detour through town and you’ll reach your midway destination at Alice’s Village Cafe. Here you can find mouth watering treats such as yummy veggie filled sandwiches or soft, fresh pastries that will be sure to keep you fueled for the second half of your ride. This is also the perfect place to enjoy the summer weather outside and catch up with your friends!
✧ If you are here on the weekend, be sure to check out Carp Farmer’s Market which has some lovely farmer’s stalls, vendors, and fresh seasonal produce.
✧ Once you’re ready to head back home, head out the same way that you came along Old Carp Rd, and if you’re feeling adventurous make sure to take a quick detour and stop by to see some Elk at the Elk Ranch Farm!
✧ For those interested in taking roads instead of pathways, follow Terry Fox Rd until you hit Carling which will create a loop leading you back towards the city centre.
With mostly open roads, this ride can get very hot under the summer sun. Staying hydrated and wearing breezy kits are a must!
Laura Orzel, proud ambassador of the PEPPERMINT Collective ♡
