Despite a rain-soaked start, improving weather allowed us to cycle the scenic Ottawa River Pathway from Westboro Beach. Trail closures shortened the ride, but changing skies, local landmarks, another ride, and generous hospitality from friends made for a memorable final day in Ottawa.
Tag Archives: cycle tourism
Ottawa 2026 – Day 3
Rain forced us to swap our long Gatineau Park ride for a shorter cycling tour of Ottawa, showcasing impressive bike infrastructure, protected intersections, the Chief William Commanda Bridge, and the Trillium Pathway. The day ended with Question Period on Parliament Hill, a meeting with MP Sonia Sidhu, and a birthday dinner in ByWard Market.
Ottawa 2026 – Day 1 and 2
Our trip to Ottawa began with a stop at David and Dayle’s water-access-only cottage before continuing east through Algonquin. After settling into our university residence, we explored Ottawa on foot, discovering protected cycling infrastructure, Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, heritage architecture, and unexpectedly affordable student-area dining ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with MP Sonia Sidhu.
Europe 2026 – Day 19 – Wroclaw to Berlin
An early train to Berlin, included a surprise police ID check near the German border. After arriving, we rented bikes when bike-share apps failed, explored Berlin’s architecture, cycling infrastructure, and war memorials, learned about the city’s distinctive groundwater pipes, and ended the day with a costly lesson about ordering bottled water instead of tap water.
Europe 2026 – Day 18 – Wroclaw
A day of solo sightseeing in Wrocław revealed everything from Poland’s new household survival guide to UNESCO-listed Centennial Hall, colourful housing, extensive cycling infrastructure, and riverfront scenery. Highlights included a university cable car, historic architecture, neon art, and complete streets before a final dinner with Alina ahead of Berlin.
Europe 2026 – Day 17 – Wroclaw
Wrocław’s layers of history unfolded throughout the day — from communist-era protest dwarves and martial law symbolism to restored churches, fortifications, and riverside promenades. Along the way, we enjoyed Michelin-reviewed breakfast, renowned ice cream, panoramic tower views, and stories from Alina’s childhood and longtime friend, Krystyna.
Europe 2026 – Day 16 – Wroclaw
A relaxed morning led to groceries and errands at a Carrefour-anchored mall. After eSIM delays, we rode a short local route past Park Mamuta and a striking Polish Soldiers’ Cemetery. As evening hunger set in, we opted for pierogies, feeling rested and ready for tomorrow’s Michelin-listed breakfast outing.
Europe 2026 – Day 15 – Wroclaw
After a late start, Alina and I cycled to an ethnographic exhibit of decorated eggs and palms, then met her friends. I explored Rynek, admired historic architecture and sculptures, and noted the city’s strong cycling and transit networks there
Europe 2026 – Day 13 – Haarlem – Amsterdam
The group set off together toward Haarlem, following a custom route to avoid a longer ride. After briefly losing two riders, we reunited near a wartime memorial. The day included windmills, and a visit to Haarlem’s historic centre, before returning to Amsterdam for an evening walking tour.
Europe 2026 – Day 12 – Keukenhof
We had a relaxed morning before traveling from Amsterdam to Keukenhof, where vast, colourful gardens drew heavy crowds. Despite limited time, we explored extensively, admired stunning displays, and appreciated the park’s organization before returning, with a brief preview of Haarlem.