Cycling club that runs road, gravel and women's group rides through the season, including Saturday gravel rides and Sunday rides. New members take a free group riding clinic before their first ride.
About $160 to $165 a year for adults (incl. Ontario Cycling); $10 trial pass
First visit
Group rides are for members, but you can try one ride with a $10 Ontario Cycling day pass by emailing [email protected]. If you are new to group riding, first take the free 2-hour Group Riding Clinic. Sign up for rides in advance on the club calendar, pick a pace group you can hold for the whole ride, arrive early, and bring a pump, spare tube and basic tools.
Meetup group for beginner-level adults that organizes hikes, walks, snowshoeing and other outdoor outings in Ottawa and nearby towns. Attendees need a vehicle to reach events.
When and where
Hikes and outdoor outings
Hikes, walks and other outings on varying days and times, posted on Meetup (locations visible to members only)
Trailheads in Ottawa and nearby towns (changes each outing)
Cost
$20 a year group membership dues
First visit
This is a private Meetup group for adults: join the group and read its rules before attending. Use a clear photo and your first name, RSVP only if you will really go, and cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You should be able to walk at least 5 km at a brisk pace, you need a vehicle to reach events, and pets are not allowed.
Natural history club founded in 1863 that holds monthly evening meetings with a guest speaker at City View United Church and leads members' field trips for birding and nature walks around Ottawa.
When and where
Field trips and guided walks
Field trips and nature walks on dates posted in the OFNC calendar; many need registration
Natural areas around Ottawa (changes each trip)
Monthly meeting with guest speaker
Second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM, every month except July and August
City View United Church, 6 Epworth Avenue (off Merivale near Meadowlands)
Cost
$40 a year membership ($45 family, $20 full-time student)
First visit
Monthly talks are on the second Wednesday at City View United Church, 6 Epworth Avenue: social at 7 pm, talk at 7:30, or join on Zoom after registering. Field trips are for members; prospective members should contact the trip leader in advance, and everyone signs a waiver. Arrive early, bring binoculars on birding trips, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and leave pets at home.
Hiking club whose Wednesday Walkers meet every Wednesday year-round at 9:30 am for all-day hikes, mostly in Gatineau Park, switching to snowshoe and ski outings in winter.
When and where
Thursday morning hikes
Some Thursday mornings, about 2 hours; dates and meeting points are in the members-only Activities Calendar
Ottawa area or Gatineau Park (changes each hike)
Wednesday Walkers (spring to fall)
Every Wednesday at 9:30 AM, spring, summer and fall
$26 a year RTA membership ($30 with printed newsletter)
First visit
Outings are for RTA members (18 and over), who sign up in the members-only Activities Calendar; if you want to try first, contact the Ottawa Club about a trial hike. Wednesday Walkers are all-day hikes of 4 to 5 hours at level 2 or 3: pack a lunch and meet at 9:30 am for a 9:45 departure. Leaders offer hikes at the meeting place.
How many hiking and outdoor clubs are there in Ottawa?
This page lists 4 hiking and outdoor clubs in Ottawa that meet on a repeating schedule. Each listing links to the group's own page for joining details.
Are Ottawa hiking and outdoor clubs free to join?
Costs and joining rules vary. Check each group's own page for fees, registration and membership requirements before you go.
Do I need the Culdesac app to join Ottawa hiking and outdoor clubs?
No. This page is free to browse and every group links out to wherever it already organises. The app matters once a group runs its own chat and calendar on Culdesac.