( Photo: C.J. Roussakis )
1) The Far-reaching Footpath
Location: Carleton – Canal (towards downtown) – Hawthorne Bridge
Distance: 10 km
Conditions: Flat course, level, paved
Description: This is a longer waterfront run along the black, rustic fences encompassing Dow’s Lake, into Ottawa’s lush Landsdowne Park, over the illuminated Bank Street Bridge, and back around to return to campus in a flash. The canal is a visual paradise and the park’s newly blossoming grasses, saplings and shrubs highlight the terrace. There is also a washroom facility along the path.
Pros: It’s a simple route that’s easy to follow. The path is well lit by streetlights at night. The waterfront and bridge perspectives are scenic, and designated sidewalks allow for a simplistic and smooth track for joggers accustomed to more extensive distances.
Cons: The course is relatively popular, causing noise pollution and traffic conflicts between bikers, roller bladers and pedestrians.
2) The Uphill Undertaking
Location: Carleton – Canal (towards Hogsback) – Mooney’s Bay – Rideau River
Distance: 7 km
Conditions: Uphill slope, winding, unpaved
Descrition: The path begins at Colonel By Drive and advances towards Hogsback to Mooney’s Bay Park. This park occupies a shady bank on the historic Rideau Canal. It is witness to a parade of recreational boats cruising between Kingston and Ottawa, as sandy beaches and fishing offer other distractions for joggers. The path continues through Vincent Massey Park’s rolling meadows, open vistas and hills through green brush, along Bronson and back to Carleton.
Pros: The trail through Vincent Massey Park is a quiet, adventurous experience for joggers who want to unite with nature and its scenery.
Cons: A less simplistic course through rougher terrain and dirt roads, this lengthy walkway is recommended for advanced joggers. The narrow path creates traffic conflicts between bikers, roller bladers and pedestrians, and is not well lit during evening hours.
3) A Farmer’s Footpath
Location: Carleton – Morningside Lane – NCC Scenic Drive – Carling
Distance: 5.5 km
Conditions: Sometimes uphill slope, winding, sometimes paved
Description: Joggers begin the trail by crossing Hartwell Locks over the canal, and twist through the Experimental Farm, a lush oasis of grain-filled fields, barnyard animals and spectacular gardens. This path is recommended for joggers with experience travelling uphill.
Pros: The Experimental Farm is quiet, particularly on weekends, and traffic with other civilians is rare. The farm is a beautiful, natural historic site that is both an educational and fitness landscape.
Cons: The route is less simplistic, and while most of the path is paved, much of the terrain is uneven. Portions of the trail are not lit during evening hours.
4) An Amateur Amble
Location: Carleton – Dow’s Lake
Distance: 3.5 km
Conditions: Flat, level, paved
Description: Crossing the canal and heading north, the path advances to Queen Elizabeth Drive, around the path surrounding Dow’s Lake, and back. In May, the park near the lake, Commissioner’s Park, is the main site of the tulip displays for the annual Tulip Festival. Boat displays, fireworks and busker entertainment also take place there. The path is short, uninterrupted and an excellent start for novice joggers.
Pros: This is a flat run by the waterfront, the path is quiet, especially by the lake.
Cons: The crossing at Bronson Avenue can be busy and disruptive, and the course can be simplistic and mundane for advanced joggers.