Pride Hike 2026: Manitou Mountain Trail

Join Out at Camp for our annual Pride Hike as we head to Calabogie for a beautiful day on the Manitou Mountain Trail.

This year’s hike will take us through forested trails, rocky Canadian Shield terrain, and scenic lookout points, including views from the Manitou Mountain area and nearby Eagles Nest. It’s a chance to celebrate Pride outdoors, spend the day with community, and enjoy one of the region’s most rewarding trail experiences.

Participants will travel together by bus from T’s Pub in Ottawa to the Barrett Chute Trailhead in Calabogie, where we’ll begin our group hike. The route is expected to be approximately 8–9 km and will take around 3 hours to complete, depending on group pace, trail conditions, and time spent at the lookouts.

This is a moderately challenging hike with uneven terrain, roots, rocks, inclines, and sections that may require careful footing. While no advanced hiking experience is required, participants should be comfortable walking for several hours on natural trails.

Out at Camp volunteers will be present throughout the event, including hike leads, sweeps, junction ushers, and support volunteers to help keep the group moving safely and together. Volunteers will also complete a reconnaissance hike before the event to become familiar with the route, identify any potential hazards, and help prepare for a safe and well-organized group hike. During the hike, volunteers will be stationed at key trail junctions to help direct participants along the correct route.

After the hike, participants will gather for a picnic and refreshments before departing back to Ottawa.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
• Trail: Manitou Mountain Trail
• Trailhead: Barrett Chute Trailhead, Calabogie
• Distance: Approximately 8–9 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Estimated hike time: Approximately 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Bus departure: 9:30 am from T’s Pub, Ottawa
• Return time: Approximately 3:30 pm at T’s Pub, Ottawa
• Transportation: Bus transportation provided and required
• Age requirement: 18+

What to Expect

• A scenic group hike through the Manitou Mountain trail system
• Beautiful forested sections, rocky terrain, and lookout views
• A welcoming and inclusive community atmosphere
• Bus transportation to and from the trailhead
• Volunteer hike leads, sweeps, and support volunteers throughout the day
• A volunteer reconnaissance hike completed in advance to help prepare for the route
• A picnic and refreshments after the hike before returning to Ottawa
• Time to connect, take photos, and enjoy Pride in the outdoors

What to Bring

Please come prepared for a full day outdoors. We recommend bringing:

• Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners
• At least 1.5–2 litres of water
• Snacks for the trail
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• A small backpack
• Any personal medications you may need
• A rain jacket or light layer, depending on the forecast

Important Transportation Information

Participants must travel with the group by bus. There are no alternative transportation arrangements available for this event.

The bus will depart from T’s Pub in Ottawa at 9:30 am and return to T’s Pub at approximately 3:30 pm. Please plan to arrive early enough to check in and board before departure.

Important Notes

This is a hiking event on natural terrain. Trails may include rocks, roots, mud, inclines, and uneven surfaces. Participants are responsible for assessing whether the hike is appropriate for their own fitness, comfort level, and mobility needs.

There is no overnight stay for this event.

Further details, including final participant instructions and any weather-related updates, will be sent to registered participants closer to the event date.

Come celebrate Pride with us on the trail, surrounded by community, forest, and some of the best views in the region.