From May to October, the NCC periodically reserves some of its parkways in Ottawa for active use as part of the NCC Weekend Bikedays program. Whether you’re biking, walking, in-line skating, using a wheelchair, or pushing a stroller, this program is for you!
NCC Weekend Bikedays are a great opportunity to experience the beauty of the National Capital Region in a fun, safe, and environmentally friendly way.
Schedule and locations
In 2024, NCC Weekend Bikedays will run from May 11 to October 14 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays. This schedule may be interrupted during certain major events. Details will be communicated as soon as they are available.
Kichi Zībī Mīkan
The Kichi Zībī Mīkan runs along the south side of the Ottawa River, just west of the downtown core. It winds its way past popular shoreline destinations such as Remic Rapids Park, Bate Island, Westboro Beach, Deschênes Rapids Lookout and Mud Lake.
- Hours: 8 am to 4 pm*
- Location: Both westbound lanes, from Vimy Place to Carling Avenue (9 km)**
** Due to LRT construction, certain sections of the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, between Island Park Drive and Carling Avenue, will be reduced to a single lane. Bidirectional traffic between NCC Weekend Bikedays users and eastbound vehicles will be separated by pin curbs with flexiposts. Optional detours to the southern multi-use pathway will also be available. When in place, detours will be indicated on the interactive map.
Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway
The Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway runs along the south side of the Ottawa River, just east of the downtown core. It is connected to the Capital Pathway network, which leads to beautiful views of the Ottawa River and to the NCC River House (3 km).
- Hours: 8 am to 4 pm*
- Location: Both lanes, from Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard in Orléans (8 km)
Queen Elizabeth Driveway
The Queen Elizabeth Driveway runs along the west side of the Rideau Canal. It is connected to the Capital Pathway network, which leads to nearby Patterson Creek Park and Commissioner’s Park.
- Hours: 8 am to 8 pm*
- Location: Both lanes, from Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street (2.4 km)
In July and August, a portion of Queen Elizabeth Driveway, from Somerset Street to Pretoria Avenue, will remain car-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This will allow the NCC to provide animation opportunities along this corridor, creating an ‘open street’ concept.
* Important: Participants must exit the parkways at the indicated time. It can take up to one hour to safely clear the parkways. Private vehicle access will be restored no later than one hour after the scheduled end time of NCC Weekend Bikedays.
Good to know
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.
About the program
Since 1970, the NCC has created car-free experiences on the Capital’s scenic parkways, an initiative that has been replicated in many cities around the world.
Today, the NCC Weekend Bikedays program makes nearly 20 kilometres of parkways available to thousands of people who enjoy seeing the Capital Region from a different perspective and in a fun and environmentally friendly way.
Looking for more ways to experience the beauty of our region? Check out the Gatineau Park Parkway schedule.