Log Driver's Waltz
Ottawa Valley-outaouais
BikEpacking
“Bikepacking for all."
The Log Driver's Waltz is an 800 kilometre, multi-day cycling route that traverses a large variety of terrain in the Ottawa Valley and Outaouais regions of Ontario and Quebec and passes through Ottawa, Canada's national capital, with its World Heritage Site the Rideau Canal. Come and find yourself immersed in the endless network of lonely backcountry gravel and dirt roads, forested paths and charming towns. It's easy to see why the national capital region has emerged as a bikepacking hot spot.
The Log Driver's Waltz and our other routes were created to encourage people to explore this region by bicycle. It is about multiple opportunities for adventure and exploration. Riders are encouraged to explore these routes individually, as pairs or in small groups. We hope that there is a route in our collection that will inspire you to get outside and ride!
Bikepacking is a forever sport. We love it and hope that you do, or will, too!
The Log Driver's Waltz and our other routes were created to encourage people to explore this region by bicycle. It is about multiple opportunities for adventure and exploration. Riders are encouraged to explore these routes individually, as pairs or in small groups. We hope that there is a route in our collection that will inspire you to get outside and ride!
Bikepacking is a forever sport. We love it and hope that you do, or will, too!
Beautiful...
“I really appreciated riding on both sides of the river in Gatineau and Ottawa. As well in the city of Ottawa, so many places I didn’t know existed. What a beautiful city.”
Yves Poirier, 2022 Grand Depart, 3d 10h 49 min
... and challenging!
"I like climbing, and coming from British Columbia, I do a lot of it. But the climbs on the Log Driver's Waltz route just hit differently. They are steep, relentless and simply drained my energy in a way that I wasn't prepared for. I totally underestimated how difficult this route is and have a new appreciation for how challenging bikepacking can be."
Cory Ostertag, Squamish BC, 2d 1h 43min
Current FKT and 2022 Grand Depart Overall Fastest Time
“I really appreciated riding on both sides of the river in Gatineau and Ottawa. As well in the city of Ottawa, so many places I didn’t know existed. What a beautiful city.”
Yves Poirier, 2022 Grand Depart, 3d 10h 49 min
... and challenging!
"I like climbing, and coming from British Columbia, I do a lot of it. But the climbs on the Log Driver's Waltz route just hit differently. They are steep, relentless and simply drained my energy in a way that I wasn't prepared for. I totally underestimated how difficult this route is and have a new appreciation for how challenging bikepacking can be."
Cory Ostertag, Squamish BC, 2d 1h 43min
Current FKT and 2022 Grand Depart Overall Fastest Time
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2023 Route Updates and Detours:
1. Km 539.5: In order to avoid some new pavement the route has been rerouted towards Lac Poisson Blanc. This has added about 5 km and a few metres of elevation to the route.
2. Km 653: Lac Phillippe Campground is under renovation for the summer season of 2023. There is no camping here.
The NCC has not indicated roads or trails in the area will be closed, but detours or/and closures should be expected.
3. Km 685: Etienne Brûlé Lookout is closed until at least July 15. Reroute is in place.
4. Km 479: Possible paving of the Veloroute des Draveurs scheduled for 2022 starting at Kazubazua (~km 479) and going to Gracefield. There may be construction in that area, so be prepared to detour around it.
Please join the Facebook Group: Log Driver's Waltz Bikepacking: Tips, planning, training, gear and advice facebook.com/groups/631261405014463 to share route updates with other riders.
<-We have created Route Elevation Profiles with elevation, distance, services, important landmarks and communities to assist riders with gauging the relative difficulty of various sections of the route.
The elevation gain and loss plays a significant role in determining how much effort and time the route or a section of the route will take. Print them out or download onto your phone for quick reference during the ride.
If you are interested in creating your own profiles for a route of your own or just are curious how we did this please see these instructions for creating your own profiles
The elevation gain and loss plays a significant role in determining how much effort and time the route or a section of the route will take. Print them out or download onto your phone for quick reference during the ride.
If you are interested in creating your own profiles for a route of your own or just are curious how we did this please see these instructions for creating your own profiles
Log Driver's Waltz- Counter Clockwise Edition; To do the route "backwards" you may use this file to navigate.
The <<LDW Rewind<<
Riders seeking an extra challenge can attempt the "LDW Rewind" which is 1600 km long and has an elevation gain of ~19 000 metres. Riders will ride the route clockwise and on their arrival at Almonte they will turn around and ride it counter clockwise "Rewinding" the route as they go.
To our knowledge this has not yet been done.
<<Rewind<< riders should follow the "rules" on self support as laid out for the Grand Depart.
Who will be the first?
Riders seeking an extra challenge can attempt the "LDW Rewind" which is 1600 km long and has an elevation gain of ~19 000 metres. Riders will ride the route clockwise and on their arrival at Almonte they will turn around and ride it counter clockwise "Rewinding" the route as they go.
To our knowledge this has not yet been done.
<<Rewind<< riders should follow the "rules" on self support as laid out for the Grand Depart.
Who will be the first?
Disclaimer
The content of this website is purely for informational purposes and is intended as a reference guide.
These routes are suggested routes only. These routes incorporate multi-use trails, off-road trails and on-road riding. All cyclists are responsible for their own safety, must use both trails and streets with caution and do so at their own risk. Always wear the proper safety gear when cycling, ride sensibly and abide by all laws. Each route should be evaluated by each individual cyclist based on their level of experience, comfort level in cycling on trails and roads, weather conditions, time of day, and any road obstacles. The Log Driver’s Waltz and all others involved in the development of these routes do not assume any liability whatsoever for cyclists using this information and travelling upon these routes.
Covid-19
It is your responsibility to:
Leave No Trace
The Log Driver's Waltz encourages riders to follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Remember you are a visitor and your actions will reflect on others.
The content of this website is purely for informational purposes and is intended as a reference guide.
These routes are suggested routes only. These routes incorporate multi-use trails, off-road trails and on-road riding. All cyclists are responsible for their own safety, must use both trails and streets with caution and do so at their own risk. Always wear the proper safety gear when cycling, ride sensibly and abide by all laws. Each route should be evaluated by each individual cyclist based on their level of experience, comfort level in cycling on trails and roads, weather conditions, time of day, and any road obstacles. The Log Driver’s Waltz and all others involved in the development of these routes do not assume any liability whatsoever for cyclists using this information and travelling upon these routes.
Covid-19
It is your responsibility to:
- Educate yourself about current health guidelines and requirements in all applicable health units/regions in both provinces and follow them.
- Modify your plans to meet health directives if the situation changes.
- Be respectful of the people you encounter in the areas you are riding through.
- Always make your safety and the safety of others your priority.
Leave No Trace
The Log Driver's Waltz encourages riders to follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Remember you are a visitor and your actions will reflect on others.
Social Media Feeds:
For updates and related bikepacking content, please consider following us on Facebook & Instagram: @thelogdriverswaltz
Please join our Facebook Group Log Driver's Waltz Bikepacking: Tips, planning, training, gear and advice
For updates and related bikepacking content, please consider following us on Facebook & Instagram: @thelogdriverswaltz
Please join our Facebook Group Log Driver's Waltz Bikepacking: Tips, planning, training, gear and advice
Donations and Support:
If you enjoyed the Log Driver's Waltz or our other routes, please consider helping us cover the costs of developing and maintaining the route files and website. Thanks!
If you enjoyed the Log Driver's Waltz or our other routes, please consider helping us cover the costs of developing and maintaining the route files and website. Thanks!
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Please tell your friends all about your experience on the Log Driver's Waltz and encourage them to try it! Thanks!