If you live in Alta Vista, Gloucester, South Keys, St. Laurent, or around the Trainyards area, you already know the charm of Ottawa’s southeast—but did you know there are underrated green routes right in your backyard? Here are some serene and lesser-known trails where you can lace up, unplug, and explore.
1. Mer Bleue Bog Boardwalk & Trails
- What’s special: A 1.2 km elevated boardwalk leads you through a rare dome bog, home to black spruce, tamarack, bog rosemary, blueberry, and cottongrass. A trail loop of 6.7–7.1 km (Trails 53/53A) wraps around the peatlands for a more immersive route
- Why go: It’s a peaceful escape just minutes from Gloucester, ideal for mindful walking or light jogging. The boardwalk is family- and accessibility-friendly
- Bonus: Spot beaver dams, rare plants, and even the occasional warm-colored morning fog that gives Mer Bleue its name (“Blue Sea”) Wikipedia.
2. Greens Creek Trails
- What’s special: Nestled in Gloucester, this green corridor boasts 5.5 km of wooded trails along a creek carved through post-glacial clay. Rich biodiversity—forest, floodplain, and even a chance to spot wildlife—makes every step interesting National Capital CommissionWikipedia.
- Why go: If your standard routes are feeling stale, Greens Creek offers tranquil shade and nature immersion without ever leaving the city.
3. Alta Vista’s Quiet Street & Track Loops
Local runners on Reddit spotlight a gem:
“Second Alta Vista. The green part one sees on the map also is very runnable as green space / trails.”
And: “…trails around Grasshopper Park through Playfair to Pleasant Park School and back. If you’re looking for street hills, Kilborn from Bank to Alta Vista Drive is a bad-ass hill…” Reddit.
- Why it’s great: These routes offer varied terrain—gentle green spaces, hidden street loops, and challenging hills. Perfect for building strength without the crowds.
4. Trail 50 within Mer Bleue Sector of the Greenbelt
- What’s special: An inviting forest walk of approximately 6.3 km through mature woods—wide enough to chat side by side and great even if you don’t want to handle terrain or hills.
- Why go: A serene, shaded option when you’d rather run in peace than on the busy boardwalk.
Why These Tracks Are So Worth It
| Benefit | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Fresh scenery | From mossy bogs to forested creek valleys, every path offers a new outlook. |
| Convenient access | All spots are just a quick drive or bike ride from southeast Ottawa neighborhoods. |
| Versatile terrain | Flat boardwalks, forest loops, street hills, and creek paths—options for every mood and workout goal. |
| Local insider insight | Runners have already discovered and rated these gems—time to go explore yourself! |
Before You Go: Helpful Tips
- Dress smart: Bring bug spray in warmer months; sunscreen too if you’ll be on the boardwalk exposed to sun.
- Parking: Mer Bleue has free parking at P22; Trail 53/53A loops and forest sections are easily accessible from there.
- Trail etiquette: Stick to boardwalks at Mer Bleue—the fragile ecosystem needs protection.
Wrap-Up: Your Next Move
- Run or walk Mer Bleue at sunrise for that mystical “blue sea” experience.
- Bring a friend to Greens Creek and turn it into a quiet urban nature jaunt.
- Challenge those glutes with the hills in Alta Vista.
- Go forest bathing on Trail 50 for a restorative experience in the Greenbelt.
Ready to switch up your routine and rediscover southeast Ottawa? And if you’re curious how personal training with Alex can complement these routes, whether it’s strength work for hill repeats or mobility for forest strides—just reach out to start the conversation. Let’s make your fitness fresh and fun this season!
