NNEA began as a small group in Ottawa with a singular vision: to make the beauty and benefits of nature accessible to all.
We recognised that barriers like transportation, unfamiliarity with the trails, and lack of experience keep many people — especially newcomers and students — from enjoying the outdoors.
Everything we do is volunteer-led and community-funded.
Our mission
We aim to remove barriers to outdoor recreation by providing essential access, resources and community support. Outdoor spaces should not be for a select few — they should welcome everyone, whatever their background or skill level.
Our vision and values
We picture a city where outdoor spaces are not only reachable but genuinely welcoming. Five values guide the work: inclusivity, community, safety, wellness and respect for the land.
Anyone. Our outings are designed for all skill levels, including people heading out on a trail for the very first time.
What if I do not have a car?+
We organise carpools and shared rides for our outings. Transportation is one of the biggest barriers to getting outdoors in Ottawa, so we plan around it.
How do I hear about new outings?+
Follow our social links or get in touch and we will make sure you hear about the next one.
Can I volunteer?+
Yes — we are entirely volunteer-run and always looking for outing leaders, drivers and helping hands. Send us a message and we will find you a spot.
Ready to explore with us?
Whether you want to hike, volunteer, or support the mission — there is a place for you.
Two ways to be part of this — give your time, or back it as a business.
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Volunteer with us
Join our community of outing leaders, event hosts, drivers, photographers and helping hands. No outdoor experience is needed — just some enthusiasm for helping other people get outside.
We work with organisations, cultural groups and businesses that share our aim of accessibility, community wellness and outdoor education. Partners help us reach further and do more.
What a sponsor gets
Your logo on the outings you back
A credit on every registration page for those outings
A mention to our community on Instagram and WhatsApp
Photos and videos from our outings, workshops and community events.
Hover to pause · tap any photo to enlarge
Support our mission
Donate
Every dollar removes one more barrier between someone and the outdoors.
Where your money goes
Help us keep the outdoors open to everyone
Your support covers transportation, volunteer training and community events.
Other ways to help
Volunteer as an outing leader · Offer your car for carpools · Help run a community event · Share our outings with your network
Make a donation
One thing worth knowing. On the last screen Zeffy asks for a tip of its own,
and fills in a suggested amount. It is optional — set it to 0 in the dropdown if
you would rather everything came to us. Either way your donation to NNEA is the amount you chose.
The donation form is not connected yet.
In the meantime, email
info@nnea.ca
and we will sort it out with you directly.
Get in touch
Contact us
Have a question about an outing, want to volunteer, or interested in partnering with us? We would love to hear from you.
