Everyone needs a break from their laptop, smart phone, streaming service or zoom call.  A great way to clear the mind is to take a hike in nature.   

In this spirit, the Ottawa Public Library is offering a hiking series that will appeal to people of all abilities and ages.   

Hiking Basics in English, and Les bases de la randonnée in French, will be an introduction to the joys of hiking.  Listen to enthusiastic hikers and understand why people hike.  Learn hiking basics, safety tips, and ideas to make hiking an accessible activity for everyone.  For these two sessions, the Library is partnering with the Ottawa Club – Rideau Trail Association.   

Also in the series is a session on Hiking in and around Ottawa.  Join well-known local travel writer, Laura Byrne Paquet, to learn about great places for walks, short hikes, and longer excursions.  Discover paths, trails and destinations you can enjoy to get outside, experience nature, and see new places.   

Discover more about hiking is on the Ottawa Club – Rideau Trail Association website.  At your doorstep are the Greenbelt and Gatineau Park. The National Capital Commission website is a treasure trove of information if you are planning a hike in these areas. 

The Ottawa Public Library has a wide range of material on hiking with titles offering the ranging from destinations close to home to destinations far away.  Borrow Hiking Trails of Ottawa, the National Capital Region and Beyond to enjoy terrific hiking close to home.  Once international travel opens again, get ideas for a hiking holiday abroad by borrowing Great Hiking Trails of the World.   

 Look for interesting material on hiking in French as well, including Randonnée pedestre au Québec.   

As the library begins to re-open, more of these titles will be available for you to borrow!