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The trails leading into the Mer Bleue Bog are just too close to home to pass up. We really are lucky to have so much green space right in Ottawa, and I was reminded of that walking through the Mer Bleue Bog.
It was one of those days where you just know you’re going to want to be outdoors, and so I threw together my pack in the morning before leaving the house. Within five minutes of leaving work, I was at the trailhead for the route to the boardwalk- can’t beat that for a commute!
Normally when I post these trip reports, I title them an 8.5K hike, and you might have noticed that I called this one a walk. To me, a hike needs to be somewhat challenging physically. It doesn’t need to have massive inclines, be super technical, and be uphill both ways, but it should be a little bit of work.
The trails leading to the boardwalk are not that, but they get you a nice stroll in the woods. I did the longer route first and (I hate to say it!) I was actually feeling a little underwhelmed by it. But then I got to the boardwalk- this area of Ottawa is incredibly cool, and very unique. I really loved the boardwalk and checking out the different plants, as well as the fall colors. I was very surprised, and very happy with how this walk ended up. Totally worth it. AND I saw a deer on the way back, which is always fun.
The Mer Bleue Boardwalk showing off some beautiful fall colors.
Getting There
There are two parking lots that can be used to access the boardwalk. Wanting to walk the longer route, I stopped at P21 just off of Anderson Road. The intersection is Anderson Road and Ridge Road, and you can use these coordinates to get there: 45.392287, -75.551073.
Parking is free here, and there’s an accessible washroom and picnic table available right at the trailhead. There’s only one washroom, and I used it to get changed. It was awesome how much room there was.
When I walked the shorter route, I parked at parking lot P22. I got there by continuing down Ridge Road until it basically ended at the parking lot. At this parking lot, there are washrooms available as well. You can use these coordinates to get there: 45.395130, -75.513425.
I don’t know about you guys, but I absolutely love aspen (and birch) trees.
The Route
When I left the parking lot I entered the woods to the south of the lot, and walked alongside Anderson road for the first little while. I could hear the cars driving by, and I wasn’t really getting the normal “in the woods” feeling of peace and quiet. Fortunately, the trail veered away from the road for most of my trip, and things got a little more peaceful. This trail alternates between forest and more open, grassy fields as it travels towards the Mer Bleue Bog.
Forest along Trail 53.
The footing on the trail also changed as I walked along, from gravel, to dirt, to grass, and back again at times. The trail is really well maintained, and any area that looked like they might get wet at different times of the year had mini boardwalks built overtop of them.
After walking for about 3.6 kilometres, I connected with the shorter path to the boardwalk. In this spot, there are a lot of picnic tables, as well as a garbage disposal unit. It would make for a great spot to have lunch on a sunny day.
From P22, the route is much shorter. In order to reach the section of the path where it splits, I walked only 0.1 kilometres. When I walked the shorter route, I chose to head to my left at this split and travel the boardwalk clockwise.
Great spot for lunch near the boardwalk.
The Boardwalk
I had been able to see part of the boardwalk as I walked through the woods towards it, and so I headed to my right because it looked pretty cool and I wanted to get on it right away. The landscape changes so much in the heart of the bog that it really is amazing to see.
View early on along the boardwalk.
The boardwalk itself was super sturdy for the entire length of it. In areas where the water was deeper, there were rails up, but in areas where we were travelling over firmer ground, there was just the pathway through the bog. There were also panels along the boardwalk that gave you some information about the area.
The views change quickly along the boardwalk.
I walked the entire loop of the boardwalk, and was back to the picnic tables (where the trail had split) in just 1.3 kilometres.
Such a cool place.
Getting Home
I returned the way I had come, and headed back towards P21. I could have chosen to head north across Ridge Road and finish the loop on trail 53, but I’ve heard that it’s even less scenic on that section of the trail. As I walked, the sun began to set. That was a really good reminder that no matter how easy a walk or a hike in the woods seems, it’s always best to be prepared for a trip to run long. In my hiking pack I keep a headlamp, but I didn’t have it with me that day, and I think in the future I’ll bring it along.
I was back to the parking lot soon enough though. I was able to finish this walk in two hours, and covered a total of 8.5 kilometres.
When I walked the shorter route, the loop on the boardwalk was of course still 1.3 kilometres, so by the time I arrived back at the parking lot I had walked for 1.5 kilometres in total. Walking the shorter loop took me only half an hour.
I think the Mer Bleue Boardwalk trails are a fantastic spot for young families, those just starting to get outdoors, or anyone wanting to get into trail running (or just have a nice jog through the woods). The shorter loop also makes for a really beautiful walk after work.
Nice little spot to relax near the boardwalk.
The Mer Bleue Bog is a really unique spot in Ottawa, and we’re lucky to have it!
I hope this trip report has enough info to get you there too. Let me know in the comments, or share and tag a friend to start planning your next adventure!
Map and Elevation Gain
My map of the longer route to the bog.
Elevation change on the longer route to the bog. Don’t be fooled, there’s almost no elevation change at all!
My map of the shorter route to the bog.
Gear I Brought
- Running shoes
- Workout clothes
- Hydration pack
- Sunglasses
- Bug Lotion
- Olympus TG-4 Waterproof Digital Camera
- Cell phone
- Tick Removal Tool
I’m a bird photographer and I don’t drive. Are there lots of opportunities for bird photos? variety? and more importantly, I take transit. I’ve attempted to figure out a route there that doesn’t include much walking (I have a new knee and I’d rather save my limited walking for the destination itself lol). I can’t see that there are any bus stops any where close by. Do you happen to know if any busses go near there?
Hi,
I think it would be a great place to photograph birds! Plus there are benches along the boardwalk, so if sitting and resting helps your knee feel better, you’d be in luck.
I think the closest bus stop would be on Innes, close to Anderson road. Unfortunately, that’s still 10 kilometres away.
Have you ever heard of the Rideau Trail Association? They arrange lots of outings for hikes around Ottawa where people meet and then drive together. I signed up to get emails from them about what’s going on- maybe you could keep an eye out for one of those trips so you don’t have to worry about the bus?
Sorry I can’t be more helpful!