🇨🇦 Ottawa Cycling & Hiking Adventure

🚇 The metro accepts Presto — a bit pricier than Toronto, but still convenient. 🏠 Stayed at the Westin for two nights — highly recommend! 🛏️ The room was spacious, clean, and modern. The front desk was super friendly, and the location was perfect for getting around. They also rent bikes 🚲 — just $10 for 4 hours (donated to children’s care!). 🚲 We cycled south along the Rideau Canal — dedicated bike paths make it safe and enjoyable. Ottawa has great cycling infrastructure! 1️⃣ First stop: Xing Fu Tang 🧋 Their bubble tea is amazing — the boba is delicious! Also tried the matcha coconut slush with coconut jelly — so refreshing 🥥💚. 2️⃣ Then explored The Glebe neighborhood 🏡 Chilled at Great Lawn (there was an event with live performances 🎶). Found a Montreal-style smoked meat sandwich at Boccato — not as good as the original, but hits the spot! Also discovered cute cafés and grabbed bagels at Kettlemans — blueberry > garlic 🥯. 3️⃣ Ended at Dow’s Lake Peninsula 🌸 So peaceful! The park nearby was full of flowers — perfect for relaxing and taking it all in. On the way back, we passed through Little Italy and Chinatown (which was packed due to a food festival 🥢). ⛰️ On day 3, we crossed into Quebec for hiking! Took a free shuttle (like a school field trip 🚐) from Parc Pindigen (near Primisi East Station). 🍎 Pro tip: Bring snacks and water! The shuttle runs on weekends — we called ahead to confirm (check the NCC website for details). 1️⃣ Pink Lake 💖 An easy lakeside trail. Fun fact: the lake has two layers — living water on top, still water below — with separate ecosystems! 🌊🔬 2️⃣ King Mountain 🍂 A more challenging hike with rewarding views! Saw some early fall colours and passed serious-looking cyclists 🚵‍♂️. #Gatineau #Quebec #Ottawa #Hiking #PinkLake #GatineauPark #ShuttleService #ExploreCanada #CyclingOttawa