When are the NCC Parkways open for cycling in 2025?

A bit later than usual due to an early spring visit to Europe, but here is the overview of the 2025 NCC bike days.

The big change this year for the 2025 NCC Bike days is that the Kichi Zībī Mīkan has changed back to a road closure until noon only, after last year’s closure at 4 pm, which was really nice. I don’t have kids, but getting the kids ready, enjoying the parkway and be done by noon must be a bit of a challenge for cycling parents hard working Canadians.

With increasing interest in cycling, I fear there will be lots of irritation on the fairly narrow and old pathways along the Ottawa River on the weekend afternoons. I recommend rather than complaining on social media, direct your arrows towards the NCC here, that’ll be more effective.

When are the parkways open for active transportation only?

Here is my annual overview. I gathered the information from different places on the NCC website. Ideally, the parkways department and the Gatineau Park department create this, but they don’t.

Can I bike on Queen Elizabeth Drive?

There won’t be a closure of the QED during the week anymore unfortunately, after the mayor bitterly complained in the media, which means no more cycling through that cool mist tunnel. However, rumour has it that you might be able to swim in Dow’s Lake from a newly placed dock. In the weekends during the summer and early fall, the QED is still closed to car traffic though.

Where else can I cycle in Ottawa?

Given the increased demand for safe cycling routes, you might want to explore other areas of Ottawa. I created a number of -in my opinion- safe routes in the suburbs, mostly on separate pathways. Those paths are always open obviously; you don’t have to wait for the weekend. If you are visiting Ottawa, take a look at these suggested routes.

Can I cycle in Gatineau Park during the 2025 NCC Bike days?

Yes you can, but part of the time you will be sharing it with cars and/or with shuttle buses. In the past I was sternly reprimanded by a volunteer, I believe because our group was too big (15-20) for shuttle buses to take over quickly. I was guiding a group of German cyclists, and obviously they were a bit surprised to be reprimanded on their holidays. Being Dutch I argued bitterly, but to no avail.

What is the best time to bike in Gatineau Park?

It looks like the best time to bike in Gatineau Park are weekdays (except Wednesday) before 9:30 am or after 3 pm and weekends before 9 am. On these days you will only have to share the parkway with the shuttle bus between 9:30 am and 3 pm. (every half hour). If I was a retired avid cyclist I’d stay away in the weekends.

Exceptions for the 2025 NCC Bike days

Also be aware that during certain event nights, the opening times for the Ottawa Parkways might change so that avid drivers can get to the parking garage at Lansdowne. Sometimes there is an event, like a charity run, on one of the parkways.

NCC Shuttle buses to Gatineau Park during the 2025 NCC Bike days

The spring and summer schedules show only six buses going up and six down during the week so that shouldn’t be too much of a worry. In the weekend it is far more frequent, more like fifteen going up and fifteen coming down. Find the schedule here: shuttle buses to Gatineau Park

Enjoy the summer. As always, be courteous to slower residents on the parkway and the pathways. It is OK if you don’t break your personal record. No one knows. Use your bell or gong when you pass.

More cycling

• 
  Ottawa increases score once again in ratings by People for Bikes
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  Cycling to the new Westboro Beach
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• 
  Cycling to Kìwekì Point in Ottawa
  Reading Time: 6 minutesWe cycled to the recently opened Kìwekì Point, formerly known as Nepean Point. It is very well done and I encourage you to go and check it out. Here is a short description with a dozen photos.
• 
  When are the NCC Parkways open for cycling in 2025?
  Reading Time: 3 minutesOnce again, the 2025 NCC bike days and closing of the Gatineau Parkways for car traffic in one handy overview. Stick it on your fridge or store it on your cell phone.
• 
  Rethinking the Rideau Canal
  Reading Time: 7 minutes Over the last two decades, boating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa has dropped considerably. More bike rides are on average counted on a single day than the total number of vessel movements on the canal during the entire season. Is it time to refocus for Parks Canada?
• 
  Should Ottawa – Gatineau try a bike share again?
  Reading Time: 6 minutes We have had a bike share before in Ottawa. With LRT expanding, it might be time to look at it again. If we Quebec City can do it, we should be able too.
• 
  November 7: opening new bike lanes with Ariel Troster
  Reading Time: 3 minutesThursday November 7 at 11 am, ride with councillor Troster in Ottawa
• 
  Off the Couch: Protest Ride Today
  Reading Time: 5 minutesToday, we’ll protest against the new law that forces municipalities to ask permission to build a bike lane if it hinders drivers. And worse, to remove existing bike lanes.
• 
  Inaugural Ride in Almonte for 200 km CycleMORE route, June 29, 2024
  Reading Time: 3 minutesCycleMORE, the Mississippi and Ottawa Rivers Experience will hold a short ceremony to launch the region’s newest 200 kilometer cycle route at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 29th. Cyclists will begin an inaugural ride from the parking lot of Hummingbird Chocolate in Almonte.