This week’s incredible heat and humidity is making us ache for an escape from the city. And what better way to do so than in the nearby Greenbelt trails? The Greenbelt has over 150 km of trail networks that weave through the incredible biodiversity of forests, wetlands, sand dunes and farms.
1. Shirley’s Bay Trail
Shirley’s Bay Shoreline trail is a beautiful place for a leisurely walk along the water. Perfect for picnicking, hiking, and biking, the 7 km trail and recreational paths are a sunny spot to explore the wetlands and boat launch.
2. Stony Swamp
A stunning ecologically diverse trail, this area is home to a sugar maple forest, boggy wetlands, regenerating pastures, small alvar clearings and a lichen population. For bird watchers, the Stony Swamp has over 250 regionally rare birds for your viewing pleasure.
3. Pinhey Forest and Sand Dunes
The Pinhey Forest trail is home to incredible post-glacial sand dunes that’ll make you feel like you could be anywhere in the world. Over 10,000 years old, these dunes are a really interesting visit.
4. Pine Grove Forest Trail
This section of the Greenbelt has over 18 km of hiking trails to explore and is a fantastic spot to bike or take a stroll. Just be sure to bring some bug spray!
5. Mer Bleue Bog Trail
The Mer Bleue’s boreal landscape makes this trail a natural oasis, just minutes from the city. The bog itself is over 7,700 years old and the habitat of tons of wildlife.
Check out an All Season’s Trail map, to make it easy to explore the different trails this week! (https://ncc-website-2.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/national-capital-greenbelt-all-seasons-trail-map.pdf?mtime=20200729102617&focal=none)