I live in Ottawa and am a daily cycling commuter. Ottawa has a very good path system for recreational rides. I advise a bike rental at Cyco's--good rates. (Your hosts can advise you on location) They supply a helmet--but it would be wiser to bring your own. There are 2 cycling clubs here--and I suppose if you are a keen sport for road rides of greater intensity, they can take you on for one of their pre scheduled turn outs.......Weather wise will not be predictable. For example--it rained all July this year--and now August is extremely muggy. Come September, it will be cooler, of course, but you may only need a light jacket for day time jaunts..........The rules of the road apply--and since Oz drives/rides on the opposite side of the road, this also applies to the cycle paths. This might take you a few days to adjust to. Law wise, a bicycle MUST have a bell, and minimally something reflective on the frame, for night riding. A helmet is not legally required for persons over the age of 18--but it is in the best interest of your travel insurance company to use one..........The city is quite viewable from a touring cyclist's point of view, and does have some very pleasant venues... .I also advise having a lock for your bicycle, for ANY time you stop and wander off to visit the sights--as a precaution.................There was a terrible cycling accident here last month--and now the local paper suggests a minor 'war' between cars and cyclists and pedestrians--rules of the road, path sharing, right of way and courtesy issues. These are actually not new problems--only brought to everyone's attention because of 5 cyclists mowed down by an SUV.........I think you will enjoy your stay and enjoy the sights. Please enjoy your visit when you arrive!

JLD