Launch of National Capital Commission’s Weekend Bikedays, presented by Nokia
Enjoy car-free parkways all day, every weekend!
In 2021, the Nokia Sunday Bikedays program is expanding to NCC Weekend Bikedays, presented by Nokia! Starting this weekend, and running until October 11, the NCC will offer car-free parkways to the public for longer periods, over an extended season, running all weekend, morning and afternoon.
The National Capital Commission says Ottawa outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy 20 km of scenic parkways in the heart of Ottawa, that are open exclusively for active use.
Whether you’re biking, walking, running or skating, this program is for you.
Since 1970, the NCC has hosted Sunday Bikedays, allowing cyclists to experience the Capital’s scenic parkways car-free. But this year it will expand across the weekends. It’s a great way for residents and visitors to enjoy seeing the Capital Region from a different perspective and in a fun and environmentally friendly way.
The program has been replicated in many other cities around the globe.
As the purpose of the open parkways will be to provide space for exercise, the free bike clinics, water stations and Young Entrepreneurs Program will not be offered this year.
The NCC gives a big thank you to our partners and sponsors, Nokia, Claridge Homes, PIPSC and ServicePlus, for helping us expand this offering!
Here is the full program schedule for 2021 provided by the National Capital Commission.
Ottawa Weekend Bikedays in 2021 locations and hours
In 2021, the program will run from May 1 to October 11 (Thanksgiving), inclusively.
Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway
Both westbound lanes of the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, located on the south side of the Ottawa River just west of the downtown core, from Vimy Place to Carling Avenue.
- Length: 9 kilometres
- Hours: 8 am to 4 pm
Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway
Both lanes of the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, running along the south side of the Ottawa River, just east of the downtown core, between the Aviation Parkway and St. Joseph Boulevard in Orléans.
- Length: 8 kilometres
- Hours: 8 am to 4 pm
Queen Elizabeth Driveway
Both lanes of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, located on the west side of the Rideau Canal, from Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street.
- Length: 2.4 kilometres
- Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Bonus: From May 3 to June 30, this section of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be open exclusively for active users seven days a week, from 8 am to 8 pm.
Other Locations
Colonel By Drive
From July 2 to September 6, Colonel By Drive will be open for active use only, from Daly Avenue to Canal Woods Terrace.
- Length: 5 kilometres
- Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park has its own pilot project. The Park’s parkways are open exclusively for active use most of the time, except on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays after 1 pm.
Gatineau Park Parkways Schedule
Temporary closure of Champlain Lookout
Champlain Lookout, and a section of the Champlain Parkway between Champlain Lookout and the Étienne Brulé Lookout is closed to all users until May 28, 2021.
Safety first
The open roads 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 road.
As always, be COVID-safe, and follow directives from local and provincial public health authorities.
SOURCE National Capital Commission
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