★★★★★ 4.7(768 reviews)26.2 km from hotel~52 min drive
This 457-hectare forested nature preserve offers hiking, mountain biking & more.
South March Highlands Conservation Forest is a scenic natural retreat in the Ottawa area, located 26.2 km from Adam's Airport Inn (52 minutes by car). With a 4.7-star rating from 768 visitors, it's consistently praised for its natural beauty and well-maintained trails.
Ottawa's parks are stunning in every season — vibrant fall foliage in October, pristine snow-covered trails in winter, and lush greenery from May through September. Pack layers and comfortable walking shoes.
Quick Info
Duration2–4 hours depending on trail selection
CostFree. No entrance fee, permit, or registration.
Best TimeOctober for fall colours on the ridge. Spring and summer for mountain biking. Avoid muddy spring thaw (late March–mid-April).
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
52 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take Highway 417 West — it's about 52 minutes by car. Free street parking.
Why Guests Love This
South March Highlands is the largest contiguous natural forest within Ottawa’s city limits — 457 hectares of Precambrian Shield terrain with rocky ridges, wetlands, and mature forest that feel genuinely wild. The trail network appeals to both hikers seeking quiet forest walks and mountain bikers looking for technical singletrack. At 30 minutes from Adam’s Airport Inn, it’s a half-day commitment, but guests who make the drive consistently rank it among their favourite Ottawa discoveries. The ridge-top lookouts over the surrounding canopy are worth the effort alone.
FamiliesNature Lovers
Details
AddressS March Highland Trails, Kanata, ON K2K 1X7, Canada
What trails are available at South March Highlands?
The forest offers over 50 km of interconnected trails ranging from flat wetland boardwalks to rocky ridge-top paths. Major routes include the Ridge Trail (moderate, 5 km), the Beaver Pond Loop (easy, 3 km), and the Summit Trail (challenging, 7 km round trip). Trail maps are posted at the main parking area.
Is South March Highlands good for mountain biking?
Excellent. The trail network includes dedicated singletrack with technical rock features, root sections, and moderate elevation changes. The forest is one of the most popular mountain biking destinations in the Ottawa area. Shared trails require yielding to hikers. Bring your own bike — no rentals on-site.
Are there any facilities at South March Highlands?
Minimal. There are no washrooms, water fountains, or concessions in the forest. A small gravel parking lot serves the main trailhead off South March Highlands Trail in Kanata. Bring everything you need, including water, snacks, and insect repellent in summer.
Is the South March Highlands forest safe for solo hiking?
Generally yes, during daylight hours. The trail network is well-used by local hikers and bikers. Cell reception is intermittent on the ridges and unreliable in the valleys. Carry a downloaded trail map, tell someone your plans, and stay on marked trails. The forest is large enough to get disoriented if you wander off-path.
How do I get to South March Highlands Conservation Forest from Ottawa Airport?
South March Highlands is approximately 30 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). From Adam’s Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal), drive west on Highway 417 toward Kanata, then exit at Terry Fox Drive and follow signs to the trailhead — about 30 minutes. Free gravel parking at the main entrance.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 52 minutes from South March Highlands Conservation Forest. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.
