A Solid Guide to Mer Bleue in Ottawa That’s Literally a Walk in the Park
My story with Mer Bleue is a story of determination, lots of dynamic stretching, and complete overpreparation for what initially sounded like a trek built for the Canadian Special Ops.
There I was in my hiking boots, a bag full of trail mix, and a fire in my soul, eager to get this “hike” going. Then I noticed the smooth boardwalk and the laughter of toddlers passing me by.
It was nowhere near the sweat-drenched, uphill battle I was expecting, but instead of complaining, I took in the mesmerizing views of the bog.
It wasn’t a hardcore hike that you’d need a compass for, since you would have to try ridiculously hard to get lost. Still, I instantly fell in love with the place, which felt like a real-life Bob Ross painting.
I’d love to come back again soon, but I’ll leave the trekking poles at home this time.
Where is Mer Bleue?
Mer Bleue is located in the southeastern sector of Ottawa’s Greenbelt. The bog trail can be accessed via parking lot P22 at the end of Ridge Road.
How to Get to Mer Bleue
By Car: You can drive to Mer Bleue by locating Anderson Road in east Ottawa, then turning onto Ridge Road. Once at Ridge Road, drive to the east end until you arrive at the P22 parking area.
On Foot: The Mer Bleue Bog Trail is accessible on foot via the P22 parking lot at the end of Ridge Road.
Things to Do in Mer Bleue
Hike the boardwalk trail
– Media Credit: dnl_grmt
Mer Bleu is a beautiful sanctuary that’s popular among nature lovers, and the good news is, it’s easily accessible via its boardwalk trail.
The Mer Bleue Bog Trail is around 1.2 km long, with its trailhead located at the P22 parking area at the end of Ridge Road. We were actually glad that parking was not an issue, thanks to the amount of space.
The bog that surrounds the area is believed to be 7,700 years old, described best as a northern boreal landscape by the NCC. It’s one of the key highlights of the Ottawa Greenbelt, which explains its popularity.
While going through the trail, we noticed that the scenery changes quite drastically, from the initial asphalt path through trees, to the wooden boardwalk on a vast open field.
Some areas that go across the water have rails on them, essentially acting as a bridge. We didn’t hesitate to snap a few photos while passing through.
There are several benches placed along the entire trail for you to rest on, together with signs that tell you about the place.
The trail eventually loops back by going through some woods, before connecting with the path near the parking lot again.
Explore the longer trail route
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There’s more to Mer Bleue than just the main bog trail loop, since you can explore another longer route that connects to it called Trail 53.
Trail 53 starts at the P21 parking lot near the intersection of Ridge Road and Anderson Road. It leads to the south path that’s open all year long.
This extra trail is over 3 km long from the trailhead to the bog trail’s main picnic place. It goes through thick forests and well-maintained paths, although it can get muddy in some sections.
It’s generally considered an easy-to-moderate trail to hike on. We walked mostly on dirt, but the trail also alternated between grass and gravel.
The forest sometimes makes way for the open area of Mer Bleue, as if to give you a glimpse of what’s to come (if you haven’t explored the bog trail first).
Observe the flora and fauna
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The Mer Bleue bog trail is home to a unique ecosystem of both flora and fauna, leaving much to discover for visitors.
While you’re not going to see a very colorful garden, specific vegetations grow here as a result of the boreal landscape, such as Sphagnum mosses, Labrador tea, spruce trees, and various shrubs.
It’s also cool to see some carnivorous plants in the bog, which have adapted amazingly to the acidic soil under low-nutrient conditions.
Due to the surrounding marshes in the area, you can see animals like beavers, minks, and muskrats. You may even chance upon a white-tailed deer in the woodlands, or a spotted turtle near the waters.
We saw a couple of warblers and chickadees while on the boardwalk, which are two of the most common birds known to inhabit Mer Bleue.
Have a nice picnic
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Mer Bleue makes it easy to have a relaxing lunch with your family with its picnic shelter, which is located 100 m into the trail from the parking lot.
The shelter has several long tables and benches to accommodate a sizeable number of people, and it also gives a nice view of where the trail splits.
Whether you’re just starting your walk through the bog trail or finishing up, we think it’s a great place to hang out and enjoy your time with nature.
Alternatively, you can also make use of the unsheltered tables on the maintained grass if you prefer being out in the sun.
Where to Eat and Drink Near Mer Bleue
Shinka Sushi Bar
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Address: 2900 Sheffield Rd
Contact Number: +1 613-565-8998
Operating Hours:
- Sun – Thu: 11:30am – 9:00pm
- Fri – Sat: 11:30am – 10:00pm
Get a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine after your hike with Shinka Sushi Bar, a cozy restaurant serving the freshest rolls with a unique twist.
Their starter menu alone is already quite appetizing, with great selections of salmon and tuna. The Tuna Tempura Sashimi, in particular, is a nice and crispy way to begin your dining experience.
You can experiment with the taste of different sashimi available, such as the Suzuki Seabass, Ora King Salmon, and Hamachi Yellow Tail. They’re all so fresh and delicately cut to perfection.
Of course, you also can’t go wrong with the classic maki, which mostly comes in 8-piece platters. We loved the Kumo-Gai and its combination of Snow Crab, Smoked Salmon, and Unagi eel.
It’s great to see that they can make any item on the menu gluten-free, including the soy sauce.
Blackburn Arms Pub Restaurant
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Address: 2586 Innes Rd, Gloucester
Contact Number: +1 613-830-4829
Operating Hours:
- Sat – Thu: 10:00am to 1:00am
- Fri: 10:00am – 2:00am
Blackburn Arms is the place to be for a warm pub atmosphere and an assortment of tasty food and drinks.
It’s a reasonable distance from Mer Bleue, and the ambiance is very welcoming before you even get your food.
The delicious appetizers could easily fill you up if you’re not watching your portions. I quite like their golden brown Chicken Breast fillets that I almost ended up eating all for myself.
Luckily, I still had space for their Classic Burger Royale, which was perfectly seasoned and very juicy. It’s also nice that it can come with either fries, soup, or their house salad.
Since we came on a Saturday, we took advantage of their Sangria Saturday special, which cuts the price of their Sangria in half.
Laziz Broast & Mix Grill
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Address: 1900 Innes Rd, Gloucester
Contact Number: +1 613-746-6111
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11:00am – 9:00pm
- Sat: 2:00pm – 10:00pm
- Sun: 2:00pm – 9:00pm
Just a few kilometers from the Mer Bleue trail is Laziz, a halal restaurant that’s dedicated to serving international cuisine with love.
Their menu is a fusion of Mediterranean and North American food, focusing mostly on grilled and broasted dishes with unique spices.
You can get beautifully marinated dishes like Tandoori Kabab, Beef Shami, and Chicken Souvlaki, which are all served with aromatic basmati rice and salad sides.
We were in a group of 4 when we first visited, so the Family Kabab Platter was perfect. It had mouthwatering skewers of Beef Tikka, Chicken Kabab, and Beef Shami that tasted very savory and meaty.
Some honorable mentions include the coleslaw and the naan bread. The two of them are a favorite among loyal customers, and they make perfect sides for anything you order.
Where to Stay Near Mer Bleue
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa East
– Media Credit: hieottawaorleans
Address: 500 Brisebois Cres
Contact Number: +1 613-824-8444
Holiday Inn Express in East Ottawa is often praised for its clean guest rooms and superb customer service, making it a top choice for accommodation.
The hotel has recently undergone renovation for its facilities, which we recommend you make the best of. The spaces are even more welcoming and brighter than before.
Whether you choose the standard rooms or the suite, you will get very comfortable beds that are quite plush. The overall room design is nice and spacious, with carpeted floors that feel good on the feet.
There are so many amenities around that it’s hard to believe it’s just a 3-star hotel. The breakfast lounge alone is beautiful and cozy, serving anything from sausages and crispy bacon to fruits and cereal.
Then there’s the heated indoor swimming pool, the 24/7 fitness center (which is equipped to the brim), and meeting rooms for getting down to business.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa
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Address: 100 Coventry Rd
Contact Number: +1 613-741-2300
At the heart of Ottawa is Hampton Inn, a 3-star hotel offering many conveniences and amenities in one great package.
The hotel is proudly built by Hilton. You’re in for something world-class, even at its price point. We think it has a specific charm that no other accommodation can copy.
There’s a ton of floor space to roam about, even with the gigantic bed. The wood used for the bed frame and tables feels very high-quality and premium.
We loved how they integrated the living area into the bedroom with a nice sofa and a pretty sizable HDTV. Everything looks intimate, making it a great choice for couples on vacation.
A stay in this hotel comes with free hot breakfast, free Wifi, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and pet-friendly guestrooms.
Adam’s Airport Inn
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Address: 2721 Bank St
Contact Number: +1 800-261-5835
While this seems like a weird entry if you don’t have a flight, Adam’s Airport Inn’s very high ratings and proximity to Mer Bleue are difficult to pass over.
Unlike towering hotel rooms, the Inn evokes a sense of home with its classic designs, wooden furnishings, and the freedom to open the windows and let some fresh air in.
Its traditional aesthetic is accompanied by meticulously maintained amenities, such as the comfortable beds, the cushioned seating, and a flatscreen TV, which adds a touch of modernity.
Every stay allows you to indulge in its complimentary breakfast. We’re quite fond of their freshly baked pastries, as well as the variety of meat dishes that they cook perfectly.
Surprisingly, it also has a fitness center within its facilities, which is perfect for when you ate a bit too lavishly at the breakfast buffet.