Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest

Located in the southwest end of Ottawa, the Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest sector of the Greenbelt boasts the largest parcels of quality farmland in Canada’s Capital Region.

It is an important conservation area which has a unique natural feature: Ottawa’s only inland sand dune complex.

• In nature, please follow the principles of outdoor ethics. The sand dunes are home to an extremely sensitive ecosystem: please stay outside the enclosed areas.
• From April 15 to November 30, leashed dogs and other pets are permitted on trails 31 and 32. Year-round, they are permitted on the Greenbelt Pathway West.

• Parking: Free, year-round parking at P14 and P15.
• Washrooms: Outhouse at P15 and washrooms inside the Nepean Sportsplex Centre.
• Picnic area: Unsheltered picnic area by Trail 32.

The trails in the Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest sector do not meet universal accessibility standards.

Nature trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

With 6.4 kilometres of trails, the Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest sector offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Access to all trails is free.

The trails feature many loops, allowing for shorter or longer outings. 

• Trail 31 provides great shade for walks, and can be accessed from parking lot P14.
• Trail 32 features both sand dunes and forest, and can be accessed from parking lot P15.

The sand dunes of Pinhey Forest

It’s quite an unexpected surprise to enter the forest only to be met with sand dunes! The vegetation in Pinhey Forest was established on old postglacial sand dunes. This unique ecosystem is home to a number of plant and animal species that can live only in well-drained, open areas with exposed, fine-grained sand.

Greenbelt farms abound

This sector of the Greenbelt features farms galore. From pick-your-own to farm stores and year-round activities, this is an ideal area to visit a Greenbelt farm, and take home fresh, local produce for your dining pleasure.

Restoring the sand dunes at Pinhey Forest

Pinhey Forest is named after the man who donated the land in 1948, with the intention that it be used to demonstrate land conservation practices. Since 2011, the NCC has been working to restore this 10,000-year-old sand dune ecosystem.

Boating on the Rideau Canal and picnicking at the Black Rapids Lockstation

The world-famous Rideau Canal passes through the Greenbelt, and is a popular spot for boating. Black Rapids is a peaceful oasis which offers a beautiful park-like setting with large trees and verdant lawns — ideal for picnics.

The Black Rapids Lockstation, which is run by Parks Canada, is located by Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest. The launch is suitable only for small watercraft, because the shoreline access point is shallow and narrow.

Scenic bike rides

Cyclists can also access Black Rapids on the Rideau Canal from the Greenbelt Pathway West, which follows Black Rapids Creek.