Great Canadian Hike : Trail Walks Ottawa

September 19, 2026

Walk begins at 10:30 AM

Prescott-Russell Trail

About the Walk

Join us at the Bourget Pavilion for a guided community walk along the scenic Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail. Starting from the Bourget Pavilion, we'll enjoy a relaxed 3 km out-and-back walk, travelling 1.5 km along the trail before returning.

We'll be joined by a special guest walk leader to lead the walk and help participants explore this section of the Trans Canada Trail, and log a few more kilometres together for the Great Canadian Hike Challenge. Our event booth will also be part of the Bourget Market, so stick around after the walk to browse local vendors, enjoy the community atmosphere, and spend the afternoon exploring the market.

Walk Details

3km group walk
Easy, accessible trail suitable for all abilities
Visit the event booth, meet community partners, and connect with fellow hikers

Walk Leaders

Dr. Owen Wiseman, Global Nature & Health Leader

Dr. Owen Wiseman, ND is an award-winning primary care provider and leading voice at the intersection of human health and nature. A member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Commission on Protected Areas Health & Well-being Specialist Group and a dedicated advocate with PaRx, Canada’s national nature prescription program, he works to advance nature as an essential part of public health. As a Director of NatureQuant and the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance, his work connects clinical care with environmental health, urban design, biodiversity, climate resilience and the broader systems that shape human health. Dr. Wiseman has spoken across Canada and around the world on nature prescriptions and the health and economic value of greener communities. His work also explores how emerging tools such as nature exposure metrics, urban heat mapping and health forecasting can help cities and decision-makers better measure the value of the places where people live, work and play.

Pascal Roy, Vice-president Prescott-Russel Recreational Trail Board of Directors

Pascal is a lifelong local resident who was born and still live at the same place 4 km away from the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail. As a child he remembered hearing the train going by daily on what was called the CP Ottawa-Montreal sub corridor. Pascal has worked most of his career in the Information Technology (IT) sector while at the same time managing his family’s farm. Presently, he is an Executive Professional at the Royal Canadian Mint. Pascal is dedicated to year-round outdoor activities on the trail to maintain his physical and mental health. He has volunteered for a decade and is currently serving as Vice-President for the Recreational Trail Corporation Board. Pascal is committed to building a sustainable future to the benefit of Trails in his community and user groups in the coming years.

Stacey Dakin, Chief Program Officer - Trans Canada Trail

Stacey brings more than 20 years of experience in social change, entrepreneurship, workforce development and social services to her role as Chief Program Officer for Trans Canada Trail. She applies her extensive expertise in community engagement, strategic planning, governance, and thought leadership to enhance Trans Canada Trail’s programs for all partners and trail users.

Fluent in French and English, Stacey is a recognized “systems entrepreneur” — someone who leverages an entrepreneurial mindset, deep curiosity, and the ability to build empowered teams to solve complex problems.