Carp Hills

Carp Hills is a conservation area in Ottawa that covers a large expanse with rocky outcrops, open grasslands, wetlands, and forest sections scattered across the landscape. The terrain varies throughout, creating different natural environments where water, rock, and trees mix together in distinct ways.

The geological structure formed hundreds of millions of years ago from crystalline rock like granite and gneiss, which remains visible on the surface. The landscape was later shaped by ice age forces, and you can still see the marks of those ancient natural processes.

The area draws people who care about nature and want to help protect it, with volunteer groups regularly visible on the trails and around the landscape. You can sense a strong connection between residents and this land through the ongoing conservation work you encounter throughout the site.

The area has multiple marked trails and paths for walking, skiing, and other outdoor activities throughout the seasons. It is helpful to wear sturdy footwear and watch the weather, as the terrain is uneven and can be harder to navigate depending on the time of year.

The land hosts a remarkable variety of plants and animals, including many orchid species and different forest types of varying ages and heights. This mixture of different habitats makes it an especially rich place for nature observation.