Ottawa is the majestic capital city of Canada, defined by the confluence of the Ottawa, Rideau, and Gatineau rivers. The city is known for extensive green spaces, including the Capital Pathway network, Gatineau Park, and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the summer, the Rideau Canal’s banks become a lush, green corridor for outdoor enthusiasts, while in winter, it transforms into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink — a true symbol of the city’s active, year-round spirit.

Originally founded as a rugged lumber settlement called Bytown, Ottawa has evolved into a political and cultural center without losing its approachable, welcoming feel. The skyline is dominated by the stunning Gothic Revival architecture of Parliament Hill, which is Canada’s political center and celebrates Canadian democracy, heritage, and unity. The city offers a unique blend of grand national history and local flavor. There is no better place to experience that local flavor than at ByWard Market. ByWard Market is one of Canada’s oldest public markets where artisans, restaurants, and specialty shops attract over 50,000 visitors per weekend during the June-October peak season to enjoy shopping, cuisine, galleries, urban art, a year-round farmers’ market, nightlife and cafes.

Ottawa is a premier destination for anyone who loves the outdoors, making it the perfect host for GFNY. Plan extra days to explore the charm of the various neighborhoods, take a boat across the river, or explore Ottawa by bike on some of the 800km (500 miles) of urban and rural pathways. GFNY athletes will experience a race that balances the elegance of the historic capital city with the scenic nature, making it an unforgettable experience.

Race week activities, the start, the finish and the post-race activities all take place aside the Richcraft Recreation Complex, in the Kanata North tech hub. The course travels on rural roads in the Kanata neighborhood and offers GFNY riders a fully closed-to-cars cycling route, with start-to-finish timing, two aid stations for the medium route and four aid stations for the long route riders.

The course is relatively flat, with many gentle inclines, which will provide a fast race but the undulation will split the pelotons. With a flat and fast start, the urban landscape quickly disappears between sharp, technical turns that take you rapidly into scenic, wooded rural areas.

Upon reaching Marchurst Road, you’ll cover 7km of a straight road on a false flat. The course has some turns, but also longer straight sections, providing ideal conditions to work with a group and enjoy the fully closed-to-cars route with ample stationary police and police on motorbikes.

Before reaching the u-turn at the far north portion of the course, there is a 3km climb with 50m ascent and a max grade of 4.5%. After a right-hand U-turn there is a short descent. 

At Fifth Line Road, you climb and descend a ridge near Constance Lake. Being so close to the river, crosswinds are almost a guarantee. Stick to a group, draft, and conserve your energy.

Once you return to March Road, near the start, the race splits. While the Medium Course diverts toward the finish line, those on the Long Course begin their second loop. This is where the energy management from the first lap makes the difference. The second loop will provide a different experience from the first: the dynamic of the group you’ve formed in the second group, plus the 60km of distance raced will add to the challenge.

At the end of the loop, make a left onto Wild Acre Ln and prepare for the final sprint to the finish line at the Richcraft Recreation Complex. Awaiting you at the finish line will be medals, a finish line aid station, a post-race meal, music, festivities and the awards ceremony. Hang out and celebrate your day and achievements with friends, clubmates and family.

LONG COURSE IS A COMPETITION: Only the finishers of the long course are eligible for category rankings and Overall and Podium awards. If you want to race and be ranked in your category, you must complete the long course. Top 20% of finishers in each age group earn a spot in the Qualifier Corral at every GFNY World event.

MEDIUM COURSE IS NOT A COMPETITION: The riders of the medium course will be provided their start-to-finish time, but will not be ranked by finish time. All finish times will be listed in alphabetical order.

GFNY Ottawa 2026 serves as the GFNY North American Championship.