GFNY announces

GFNY Ottawa – Canada
September 13, 2026

The Course

Race week activities, the start, the finish and the post-race activities all take place aside the Richcraft Recreation Complex, in the Katana North tech hub. The course travels on rural roads in the Katana neighborhood and offers GFNY riders a fully closed-to-cars cycling route, with start-to-finish timing, two aid stations for the medium route and four aid stations for the long route riders.

The course is relatively flat, with many gentle inclines, which will provide a fast race but the undulation will split the pelotons. With a flat and fast start, the urban landscape quickly disappears between sharp, technical turns that take you rapidly into scenic, wooded rural areas.

Upon reaching Marchurst Road, you’ll cover 7km of a straight road on a false flat. The course has some turns, but also longer straight sections, providing ideal conditions to work with a group and enjoy the fully closed-to-cars route with ample stationary police and police on motorbikes.

Before reaching the u-turn at the far north portion of the course, there is a 3km climb with 50m ascent and a max grade of 4.5%. After a right-hand U-turn there is a short descent.

At Fifth Line Road, you climb and descend a ridge near Constance Lake. Being so close to the river, crosswinds are almost a guarantee. Stick to a group, draft, and conserve your energy.

Once you return to March Road, near the start, the race splits. While the Medium Course diverts toward the finish line, those on the Long Course begin their second loop. This is where the energy management from the first lap makes the difference. The second loop will provide a different experience from the first: the dynamic of the group you’ve formed in the second group, plus the 60km of distance raced will add to the challenge.

At the end of the loop, make a left onto Wild Acre Ln and prepare for the final sprint to the finish line at the Richcraft Recreation Complex. Awaiting you at the finish line will be medals, a finish line aid station, a post-race meal, music, festivities and the awards ceremony. Hang out and celebrate your day and achievements with friends, clubmates and family.

Long Route – 118.3 km / 784 m+

Medium Route – 66.5 km / 456 m+

About Ottawa

 

Ottawa is the majestic capital city of Canada, defined by the confluence of the Ottawa, Rideau, and Gatineau rivers. The city is known for extensive green spaces, including the Capital Pathway network, Gatineau Park, and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the summer, the Rideau Canal’s banks become a lush, green corridor for outdoor enthusiasts, while in winter, it transforms into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink — a true symbol of the city’s active, year-round spirit.

Originally founded as a rugged lumber settlement called Bytown, Ottawa has evolved into a political and cultural center without losing its approachable, welcoming feel. The skyline is dominated by the stunning Gothic Revival architecture of Parliament Hill, which is Canada’s political center and celebrates Canadian democracy, heritage, and unity. The city offers a unique blend of grand national history and local flavor. There is no better place to experience that local flavor than at ByWard Market. ByWard Market is one of Canada’s oldest public markets where artisans, restaurants, and specialty shops attract over 50,000 visitors per weekend during the June-October peak season to enjoy shopping, cuisine, galleries, urban art, a year-round farmers’ market, nightlife and cafes.

Ottawa is a premier destination for anyone who loves the outdoors, making it the perfect host for GFNY. Plan extra days to explore the charm of the various neighborhoods, take a boat across the river, or explore Ottawa by bike on some of the 800km (500 miles) of urban and rural pathways. GFNY athletes will experience a race that balances the elegance of the historic capital city with the scenic nature, making it an unforgettable experience.

 

Getting Here

By plane:

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is located just 15 minutes from downtown and 25 minutes from Kanata, where GFNY’s race week activities take place. Ottawa Airport offers daily non-stop flights from major cities across Canada, the United States, and a select number of international connections. The main airlines that operate at YOW are: Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, and United Airlines.

For more international options, Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is only 2 hours away by car or shuttle and serves as a major global hub. There are more than 30 global airlines that operate at YUL, including American Airlines, Aeromexico, Air France, Avianca, British Airways, Copa, Delta, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar, Swiss, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, and others.

By train:

VIA Rail offers frequent and comfortable service to the Ottawa Train Station from major cities like Toronto and Montréal. The station is centrally located and well-connected to the city’s light rail (LRT) and bus network.

By car:

Ottawa is easily accessible via several major highways:

• From Montréal: 2 hours via Highway 417
• From Toronto: 4.5 hours via Highway 401 and 416
• From the U.S. Border: 1 hour from the New York State border crossings (Ogdensburg or Thousand Islands)

Car rental:

All major car rental agencies have offices both at Ottawa and Montreal airports.