NCC Weekend Bikedays are returning to Ottawa this May
Posted Mar 21, 2025 11:46:38 AM.
Last Updated Mar 21, 2025 03:56:50 PM.
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is reserving numerous parkways in Ottawa for active use, as a part of the organization’s Weekend Bikedays program.
Every weekend from May 10 to Oct. 13, residents can bike, walk, in-line skate, use a wheelchair, or push a stroller on select parkways in the nation’s capital, wrote NCC on its website.
NCC Weekend Bikedays will run along the following parkways on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays:
- Sir George-Étienne Cartier – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Kichi Zībī Mīkan – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Queen Elizabeth Driveway – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“NCC Weekend Bikedays are a great opportunity to experience the beauty of the National Capital Region in a fun, safe, and environmentally friendly way,” wrote the crown corporation.
According to the NCC, it has been creating opportunities for residents to enjoy Ottawa’s scenic parkways without the presence of vehicles since 1970.
More recently, the program made nearly 20 kilometres of parkways available to thousands of residents each year.
People can “enjoy seeing the Capital Region from a different perspective and in a fun and environmentally friendly way,” explained NCC.
A pilot project will also be returning this summer, with some new features for the 2025 season. More details will be provided on the NCC website.
NCC Weekend Bikedays: Available routes
The Kichi Zībī Mīkan is located along the south side of the Ottawa River, just west of the downtown core.
Open to active users from 8 a.m. to noon on weekends, both westbound lanes will be closed to traffic from Vimy Place to Carling Avenue — extending over 9 km.
Popular shoreline destinations such as Remic Rapids Park, Bate Island, Westboro Beach, Deschênes Rapids Lookout and Mud Lake are included along this stretch.
The Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway — open for active use from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. — runs along the south side of the Ottawa River, just east of the downtown core, wrote NCC.
Those that follow this route will experience beautiful views of the Ottawa River, leading to the NCC River House.
Additionally, The Queen Elizabeth Driveway — open for active use from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — runs along the west side of the Rideau Canal.
Leading to Patterson Creek Park and Commissioners Park, both lanes from Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street will be closed to traffic.
“During NCC Weekend Bikedays, the parkways are available to all active users, whether they’re on wheels or on foot. Please be respectful of others: ride at safe speeds, be predictable, and share the path,” the organization said.
