First-time e-biker hails no-sweat way to see downtown Ottawa

Article content

I was mildly surprised that not everyone in our group chose e-bikes: A pair of German tourists and the guide opted for regular bicycles, while myself and two others went for the electric upgrades.

Article content

Our guide, by the way, happened to be a well-known Ottawa resident: David Chernushenko, the former city councillor, author and noted bicycle advocate. He owns an e-bike, but left it at home in favour of the cardio boost of his regular bike.

Article content

Although it was a tour aimed at visitors, I signed up in part because I was curious about e-bikes. I saw it as a chance to try out the ride and handling of a pedal-assist model (which is not to be confused with the e-powered motorcycle dupes that are ripping around the paths these days.)

Article content

Naturally, I’m always up for a scenic ride on a beautiful day, too, and this was a stunner in every way. Sunshine, a light breeze and clear blue skies were with us on a journey that lasted about two hours, but only covered about 10 kilometres.

Article content

That was because we stopped at key spots on both sides of the Ottawa River, either to photograph a spectacular vista or to hear a snapshot of history from Chernushenko, who carried cue cards to make sure he had the facts right, a detail I appreciated.

Article content

Article content

Our points of interest included the National War Memorial, the Rideau Canal locks next to the Bytown Museum, Fairmont Château Laurier, Major’s Hill Park and the Corktown Footbridge. We crossed the interprovincial Alexandra Bridge and followed the pathway going behind the Canadian Museum of History, pausing to take in amazing views of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River and the National Gallery of Canada.

Article content

Continuing on the Quebec side, we were disappointed to find the restrooms at Maison Charron closed, but were assured the next facilities were only a few minutes away. Back to another interprovincial bridge, the Macdonald-Cartier, and we were soon marvelling at the grandeur of Rideau Falls.

Article content

The cool, shaded grounds of Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General, were one of the last stops of the tour, and a highlight. It’s a property steeped in history and dotted with commemorative trees, and I could have spent a few more hours in its quiet gardens.

Article content

But no. Another series of bridges, apparently known as the Minto Bridges, got us over the Rideau River and Green Island, followed by a final stretch that required a jaunt through Lowertown, the only part of the journey not on a bike path. Traffic was minimal in the residential neighbourhood, and Chernushenko was able to point out some of Ottawa’s earliest dwellings.

Article content

Article content

By the end of the bike ride, I was not dripping with sweat for a change. The e-bike definitely made it easier to get around, especially on the hills and long stretches, such as the interprovincial bridges. If it weren’t for the possibility of fire, I might purchase one.

Article content

I also admired the professionalism of Chernushenko, our guide, who was warm and personable in his storytelling, but also dedicated to safe group riding and not afraid to halt a vehicle if necessary. “It’s all about making eye contact with the driver,” he said afterwards.

Article content

While I wouldn’t hesitate to take an out-of-town visitor on a similar tour, I also found it rewarding as a longtime resident. I not only discovered some neat bike-path shortcuts and one or two new vantage points, but also refreshed my big-picture view of the city.

Article content

From the driver’s seat, residents know that getting around in Ottawa means dealing with a frustrating maze of traffic. On a bicycle, electric-assisted or not, I was reminded it can also be a fun-filled adventure through trees, along rivers, past historic sites and over (or under) a countless number of bridges.

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content