A band of protected wetlands and woodlands surrounds the capital on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, and here you can find ideal hiking areas. At Stony Swamp Conservation Area (tel. 613/239-5000) in the region's west end are 39km (24 miles) of trails, including the Old Quarry Trail, the Jack Pine Nature Trail, and the Sasparilla Trail. It's also good for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Regional maps are available from the Capital InfoCentre downtown at 14 Metcalfe St. Gatineau Park (tel. 819/827-2020) has a network of hiking trails through its 35,000-hectare (86,500-acre) preserve. West of the city in Kanata, Riverfront Park (tel. 613/592-4281) has nature trails along the Ottawa River. On the Québec side in Luskville, a trail leads to Luskville Falls from the Chemin de Hôtel de Ville. The Rideau Trail, running from Ottawa to Kingston, is the area's major serious hiking trail.
