Hiking Groups in Ottawa
- Posted on
- By Customer Submission: Meg K of Adventure Report
- Posted in Customer Submissions, Groups/Clubs
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Getting outside can be intimidating if you’re not used to it, or if you don’t have friends who enjoy the outdoors. Fortunately in Ottawa, there are tons of cool groups who are all about getting outdoors, and will be happy to bring you along! If you’re up for something new, connect with one of these groups and you’ll be exploring the outdoors in no time.
Adventure Report is a group that puts on hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor adventure trips like paddleboarding through Event Brite.
Activities: Hiking, backpacking, other outdoor activities.
Location: Around Ottawa, Algonquin Provincial Park, other areas.
Carpooling Available: No.
Children/Youth Allowed: No.
Cost of Membership: Free.
Ottawa-Gatineau Adventurers is a Meetup group that organizes hikes and other outdoor and wilderness activities. All skill levels are welcome to join.
Activities: Hiking, backpacking, cycling, paddling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and canoeing.
Location: Around Ottawa, Gatineau Park area.
Carpooling Available: Yes.
Children/Youth Allowed: No.
Cost of Membership: Free.
Nordic Walk Fit organizes daily walking class outings for all fitness levels and regularly plans half day to full day hiking excursions throughout provincial parks in East Ontario/West Quebec.
Activities: Walking, hiking, snowshoeing.
Location: Around Ottawa, Gatineau Park, Calabogie, Arnprior, South March Highlands, NCC Greenbelt.
Carpooling Available: No.
Children/Youth Allowed: No.
Cost of Membership: Free; drop-in hikes are $25.
Ottawa Hike to Heal is a Meetup group that aims to spend time in the forest while overcoming anxiety. Beginners are welcome, hikes are usually around 5 km and the pace is leisurely.
Activities: Walking and hiking.
Location: Around Ottawa.
Carpooling Available: Yes.
Children/Youth Allowed: N/A.
Cost of Membership: Free.
City of Ottawa Active Living Club
The Active Living Club promotes outdoor activities in a group setting for adults aged 50+ and seniors. Activities include cycling and hiking in spring, summer, and fall, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
Activities: Hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing.
Location: Trails around Ottawa and Gatineau.
Carpooling Available: No.
Children/Youth Allowed: No.
Cost of Membership: $172.50 or $155.50 (65+) per year.
Ottawa Time Out Hiking Club is a hiking club for members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans community. Hiking season runs May to October, and in the winter, they switch to snowshoes.
Activities: Hiking, snowshoeing.
Location: Mostly parks in Eastern Ontario and West Quebec ranging from nearby Gatineau Park to as far as the Adirondack Mountains in New York state.
Carpooling Available: Yes.
Children/Youth Allowed: N/A.
Cost of Membership: Free.
Hiking FAQs
What is the purpose of a hiking group?
Hiking groups bring together people in the same area who share a passion for hiking and the outdoors, and those who are new and would like to make like-minded friends.
A hiking group lets you meet people of all ages and walks of life that you might not normally spend time with, while developing skills and being out in nature. With a group, you’re more likely to stick to hiking regularly, try new trails, and get out of your comfort zone. You’ll also reduce stress and develop a deeper connection to nature.
Hiking in groups also lets you hike in more challenging and remote areas while having safety in numbers and experience.
Probably one of the best reasons to join a hiking group is that you don’t need to do any planning! Most groups will plan the hike, including meet location and carpooling, meaning all you have to do is show up and start hiking.
What are the roles in a hiking group?
When a group goes on a hike, there are key roles that help keep everyone safe:
- Leader: The leader usually knows the hike well, guides the hike, and stays at the front of the group.
- Sweeper: The hiker stays at the back of the group to ensure no one gets left behind. They may also keep a count of the hikers at every rest stop.
- Navigator: This group member helps with route planning and navigation, especially on longer or more advanced hikes or backpacking trips.
- Safety Officer: This hiker knows emergency first aid. They’re usually responsible for carrying first aid supplies and bear spray, as well as managing emergency situations. They might carry a transponder or satellite phone for backpacking trips in the wilderness.
What is the Big 4 in hiking?
The "Big 4" in day hiking refers to the four essentials hikers should have on them during hikes. While this term is often used more commonly for backpacking, a similar concept applies to day hiking:
1. Navigation: This includes maps, compass, GPS device, or a smartphone with a reliable offline mapping app. Knowing where you are and where you're going is crucial for safety.
2. Hydration: Carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout your hike, and consider a water filtration system or purification tablets if you're hiking in areas where you can refill from natural water sources.
3. Food: High-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, and other lightweight, non-perishable food items are important to keep your energy levels up.
4. Protection: This includes appropriate clothing for the weather conditions (like rain gear or extra layers), sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), and a basic first aid kit. It's also wise to have a multi-tool or knife, a fire starter, and emergency shelter (like a space blanket or a bivy sack) for unexpected situations.
Having these essentials will make sure you’re prepared on a day hike.
Are you going overnight backpacking?
The "Big 4" in overnight backpacking refers to the four key pieces of gear that are essential for a successful and comfortable backpacking trip.
1. Backpack: You’ll need this to carry all your gear. It needs to fit you well, be comfortable, and have enough capacity to hold everything you’ll need for an overnight backpacking trip, including food and water. Look for a backpack with a proper fit, good suspension system, and the right capacity (typically 50-70 litres for most backpackers).
2. Tent: You’ll want a lightweight backpacking tent, something durable and reliable. Make sure you test it out and know how to set it up before starting your trip.
3. Sleeping pad: Something lightweight, but big enough that you’ll actually sleep. Test it out the night before you leave to make sure it doesn’t have any leaks.
4. Sleeping bag: You’ll want a light and compact sleeping bag meant for backpacking trips. Get one rated warm enough for the season.
Make sure you have these bases covered (at minimum) for any overnight hiking trip.
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Please add to your list of Ottawa Hiking Groups the City of Ottawa Active Living Club. T
he Active Living Club promotes outdoor activities in a group setting for older adults aged 50+ and seniors. Activities include cycling, hiking in spring, summer and fall. In the winter, we offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Our leaders will take you all over the Ottawa and Gatineau area to enjoy the trails, pathways, and landscape our region has to offer. Please note, this program is not an instructional program and participants must provide their own transportation to the starting locations. Schedules are e-mailed to the participants after registration. End times vary. Active Living Club Annual Membership has its privileges!
Membership
Access to all seasonal activities, including Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter activities within a one-year cycle for $172.50 or $155.50 (65+). Register at the City of Ottawa Recreation facilities and then participate in any of the individual activities at no extra cost!
For more info please contact us at [email protected] (link sends e-mail) or 613-247-4883.