Capital BIXI Takes Ottawa: Pedal into the Past!

The Capital BIXI bike share program has officially hit the streets of Canada's Capital Region. With 10 stations set up around downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, residents, visitors, and workers have even more opportunities to explore all that our nation's capital has to offer, including many historic places conveniently located along the BIXI bike route! The Capital BIXI service is a new, fun way to appreciate the Ottawa region which is overflowing with a rich history represented in over 150 historic places. Cruise through the celebrated Confederation Square, pass by the magnificent Parliament Buildings or ride along the world-renowned Rideau Canal, all the while taking the time to visit historic places that make these remarkable sites come to life.

The NCC, along with its partners, the City of Ottawa and Ville de Gatineau held a successful trial period for the BIXI service in 2009. On May 18 2011, the NCC officially launched the Capital BIXI bike share service to provide an alternative mode of transportation, promoting fitness as well as a greener national capital. The Capital BIXI service is a program managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC), a Crown corporation responsible for all federal lands and infrastructure in the national Capital Region, and implemented by the Public Bike System Company (PBSC), which has now extended its popular bike sharing program to three continents. After originating in Montréal, PBSC has recently launched similar services in London (UK), Melbourne (AU), Minneapolis, Washington and Arlington (USA), Toronto and now, Canada's capital as well.

The 10 BIXI bike stations are located at various hot spots within Ottawa and Gatineau connecting the many historic places in the region. Two stations are located in the trendy Byward Market - a Heritage Conservation District and the perfect place to relax and grab a snack! There is also a station in the heart of Confederation Square, a meaningful and important reference point of downtown Ottawa as well as a hub of historic places. A tour around our nation's capital would not be complete without a pit stop on Parliament Hill which is easily accessible to cyclists. If dinner and drinks in the Market runs a little later than planned and you have tickets to one of the spectacular shows at the National Arts Centre National Historic Site of Canada, don't fret- just hop on a BIXI bike and you'll be sure to make it in time! All of the BIXI stations located in the Capital Region form a route that is filled with some of Canada's most significant historic places; avoid crowds and give yourself a personalized historic BIXI bike tour!

The BIXI program strives to promote greener, healthier and more revitalized cities worldwide. It was designed to complement the public transit system as an alternative option with more ecological benefits. Not to mention, it's fun and easy to use! The BIXI service started in Montréal in 2009 and has become very popular worldwide, encouraging physical fitness and a practical way to travel in busy downtown areas avoiding such stresses as traffic and parking. Not only an environmentally conscious program, the Capital BIXI service is also economical. Opting for a BIXI bike eliminates the stress of vehicle costs, gas prices and it's a real time saver. A 24-hour pass can be purchased for $5 or a 72-hour pass for $12, as well as monthly ($28) and yearly ($78) passes. Once you have purchased an access to the Capital BIXI service, you can take out a bike as often as you like within 30 minutes, with no additional charge! The BIXI stations in the Capital Region are located close enough so that the user can return the bike to the next closest station within 30 minutes and continue on their route.

The BIXI bike share program has inspired a very enthusiastic and supportive following among its users as it promotes physical fitness, environmental awareness and reinventing urban cores. Take full advantage of Ottawa's reputation as one of the top 15 bike friendly cities in the world by renting a BIXI bike and cruising alongside the scenic Ottawa River to view Rideau Hall, a National Historic Site and home to our Governor General. The Capital Region is home to over 230 km in famous recreational pathways which provide the perfect way to get around the city, so get out and give the Capital BIXI bike share program a test ride by enjoying a day filled with the Capital Region's special historic places!

Below you will find a map outlining a route connecting the 10 BIXI stations in the national Capital Region, as well as 12 of Ottawa and Gatineau's finest historic places located along the way.