National Capital Greenbelt
800-465-1867 613--239-5000 | Website
The National Capital Greenbelt is Ottawa's own "emerald necklace, surrounding the city with parkland, recreational facilities, trails, and more!
Category:
Recreation Location
Where:
| Neighbourhood | | Centretown |
Profile Last Updated: April 22, 2009
A Bit of History
In 1949, French urban planner Jacques Gréber introduced the Capital Greenbelt in his landmark master plan for the development of Canada's Capital Region. The Greenbelt, or "emerald necklace" as Gréber called it, was designed to prevent urban sprawl and to provide open space for the future development of farms, natural areas and government facilities.
The Greenbelt Today
Today, the Greenbelt's 200 square kilometre crescent of farms, forests, natural areas, recreational facilities and research complexes provide the capital with a rural landscape unequalled in any other North American city. The Greenbelt is home to more than 100 kilometres of hiking trails and pathways naturally suited for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, walking and viewing nature. All trails are easily accessible from the many trailhead parking lots situated throughout the Greenbelt and are suitable for all skill levels.
Surrounding the National Capital Region
The Greenbelt surrounds a significant part of the cities of Ottawa, Gloucester and Nepean. The various Greenbelt sectors are accessible from major highways. You can pick up the Greenbelt All Seasons Trail Map ($) at the Capital Infocentre, opposite Parliament Hill. Many animals, from the tiny pygmy shrew to the majestic moose, can be found in the Greenbelt. Commonly seen species include beaver, chipmunk, fox, raccoon and deer. Chickadees in the Greenbelt are so accustomed to people that they'll eat right out of your hand! There's also a wild bird care centre in Stony Swamp.
In 1949, French urban planner Jacques Gréber introduced the Capital Greenbelt in his landmark master plan for the development of Canada's Capital Region. The Greenbelt, or "emerald necklace" as Gréber called it, was designed to prevent urban sprawl and to provide open space for the future development of farms, natural areas and government facilities.
The Greenbelt Today
Today, the Greenbelt's 200 square kilometre crescent of farms, forests, natural areas, recreational facilities and research complexes provide the capital with a rural landscape unequalled in any other North American city. The Greenbelt is home to more than 100 kilometres of hiking trails and pathways naturally suited for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, walking and viewing nature. All trails are easily accessible from the many trailhead parking lots situated throughout the Greenbelt and are suitable for all skill levels.
Surrounding the National Capital Region
The Greenbelt surrounds a significant part of the cities of Ottawa, Gloucester and Nepean. The various Greenbelt sectors are accessible from major highways. You can pick up the Greenbelt All Seasons Trail Map ($) at the Capital Infocentre, opposite Parliament Hill. Many animals, from the tiny pygmy shrew to the majestic moose, can be found in the Greenbelt. Commonly seen species include beaver, chipmunk, fox, raccoon and deer. Chickadees in the Greenbelt are so accustomed to people that they'll eat right out of your hand! There's also a wild bird care centre in Stony Swamp.
