HomeBate Island
Situated in the middle of the Ottawa River, Bate Island is the perfect location to catch some of the city’s best sunsets, with a beautiful view of both the Ontario and Quebec sides. This park, just off the Champlain Bridge, is easily accessible by car or via the NCC bike path. For the outdoorsy types, Bate Island is a popular summertime spot for fly and shore fishing, with fast water flowing downstream from the southern end of the Champlain Bridge and quieter waters at the east end of the island. The smooth river currents help make this park a great location to launch canoes and kayaks. In the winter, the looping one-way road leading to the island allows visitors to remain in the warmth of their vehicle while admiring the glistening, winter city landscape.
Location
Ottawa River, off Champlain Bridge
Services
Parking, recreational pathway, picnic tables
Brébeuf Park
The monument in this park was erected in 1926 to mark the 300th anniversary of the Jesuit Father Jean de Brébeuf’s passing through the region. The statue of the missionary has one arm outstretched, holding a crucifix in his hand, with the other hand holding his paddle for support as he steps out of his canoe for the portage. In this same park, the National Capital Commission has also placed a large rock, on which two crossed bronze paddles are mounted to mark the “second portage” that was made at this location in the early colonial days.
Location
Bégin Street, Gatineau (Hull sector)
Services
Benches
Commissioners Park
In the spring, Commissioners Park is home to the Capital’s most dazzling display of over 300,000 tulips. During the Canadian Tulip Festival and the Tulip Legacy Exhibit held here each spring, winding pathways will lead you through an explosion of colour in the gardens of Commissioners Park. Throughout the summer months, the tulips are replaced by thousands of annual flowers, making the summer a wonderful time to take a quiet break in the park with the beautiful views of Dows Lake in the background.
Location
Corner of Preston Street and Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa
Services
Public parking ($) in front of the Dows Lake Pavilion at Preston Street and Queen Elizabeth Drive. Restaurant, washrooms and facilities available at Dows Lake Pavilion
Confederation Park
As one of the Capital’s main event parks, Confederation Park is the site of special activities associated with events such as Winterlude, the Canada Day celebrations and the Ottawa International Jazz Festival. During non-event times, Confederation Park is an urban oasis where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy downtown core.
Location
Corner of Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue, Ottawa
Services
Universal access, benches, water fountains
Garden of the Provinces and Territories
This patriotic park is the epitome of all that is Canadian. A graceful green space accessible to all, the Garden of the Provinces and Territories is decorated with the flower emblem and coat of arms of each of the ten provinces and three territories. The focal points of this park are two beautiful fountains, their unique design a representation of the five Great Lakes and Canada’s vast forests. Located right across from Library and Archives Canada, this park is shielded by lush trees, making it a beautiful and relaxing stop to inspire visitors with an appreciation for our country’s unity. Dramatic lighting highlights the proud emblems after dusk. During the Canadian Tulip Festival, visitors can also enjoy a beautiful backdrop of bright flowers.
Location
Wellington Street at Bay Street, Ottawa
Services
Benches, universal access
Hog’s Back Park
This park overlooks the spectacular Hog’s Back Falls on the Rideau River. Hog’s Back Park is an urban nature park, surrounded by history. This park is an ideal location for a quiet afternoon picnic, or a quick five-minute stop to treat yourself to the site’s natural beauty.
Location
Riverside Drive at Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa
Services
Concession, picnic tables, free parking and washrooms
Jacques-Cartier Park
As one of the Capital’s main event parks, Jacques-Cartier Park is the site of national events and festivities, such as the Canada Day celebrations and Winterlude — when it is transformed into a winter wonderland known as the Snowflake Kingdom. Jacques-Cartier Park offers one of the best views of the Ottawa River and Rideau Falls. In the park, at the end of Laurier Street, there is a cycling centre called the Maison du vélo, which provides information and bicycle rentals for the Capital Pathway users. From here, one can travel toward the urban core or head for the natural beauty of Leamy Lake and beyond to Gatineau Park.
Location
Laurier Street, Gatineau (Hull sector)
Services
Parking ($), recreational pathways, Hull Marina, public dock and sightseeing boat cruises, universal access
Leamy Lake Park
The park and beach areas offer a variety of recreational activities and events — all in one contained area. The northern section of the park is an exceptional site for bird watching, where you may catch a glimpse of any one of more than 30 species. Leamy Lake is part of a navigational waterway from the Gatineau River to the Casino du Lac-Leamy. Leamy Lake and the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers surround this 174-hectare (430-acre) park.
Location
Fournier Boulevard, Gatineau (Hull sector), watch for the Leamy Lake Park entrance sign on your left (before Lady Aberdeen Bridge to Gatineau)
Services
Universal access, parking ($), washrooms, supervised beach, recreational pathways, picnic area and tables, food concession, barbecue pits, two volleyball courts, navigation channel
LeBreton Festival Site
This 3.6-hectare site south of the Canadian War Museum, will be the largest developed outdoor festival site in the Capital — a place to celebrate Canadians’ talents. It will host events and celebrations, with a capacity of 20,000 to 40,000 people. It is expected to be fully open in 2007.
Location
Booth Street at Vimy Place, Ottawa
Major’s Hill Park
The special mystique associated with Major’s Hill Park is rooted in a romantic ambiance of tranquility, created by its stately trees, rolling lawns and winding pathways. The park has many historical interpretative panels and offers some of the best vantage points in all of Ottawa. Wonderful views of the Rideau Canal locks, the Ottawa River and the Parliament Buildings can be seen from here. Today, as one of the NCC’s main event parks, Major’s Hill Park is home to festivals such as Winterlude, the Canada Day celebrations and the Canadian Tulip Festival. During times when events are not taking place on site, you can take a quiet time out from the excitement of the nearby ByWard Market, or have lunch in the park between visits to the local museums and galleries.
Location
Mackenzie Avenue, Ottawa, behind the Fairmont Château Laurier and across from the Embassy of the United States of America
Services
Pedestrian pathways, drinking water, electricity, public washrooms, lookout, parking on nearby streets
Mud Lake / Britannia Conservation Area
A patch of wilderness in the middle of an urban setting, Mud Lake is an amazing area of forest and wetlands. Located in Ottawa’s west end, Mud Lake is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, with raccoons, frogs, turtles and foxes, to name but a few. This ecologically significant urban natural landscape is also prime birding territory, with thousands of birdwatchers coming each year to observe hundreds of different species. A walk through this easy-to-access urban jungle provides an exciting escape from city life.
Location
At the end of Cassels Street, along the Ottawa River
Services
Recreational pathway
Nepean Point and the Astrolabe Theatre
This site offers a magnificent panoramic view of Parliament Hill and the core of Canada’s Capital Region. The key feature on the site is the Astrolabe Theatre, which seats approximately 700 people, and offers the beautiful backdrop of the Parliament Buildings. The Astrolabe has been host to various events and productions throughout the years, including the Carnival of Cultures.
Location
St. Patrick Street in Ottawa, behind the National Gallery of Canada
Services
Drinking water, electricity, public washrooms, amphitheatre, artists’ cabin, lookout, parking on nearby streets, universal access
Remic Rapids Park
This beautiful park along the Ottawa River Parkway caters to all, with a wide range of things to see and do. The scenic location offers a spectacular view of the Ottawa River and the rapids. This view is enhanced by spectacular rock sculptures, created by local artist John Ceprano. Fans of the great outdoors can also find many species of birds, fish and plants. For families, Remic Rapids Park offers picnic facilities and ample parking space.
Location
East of Champlain Bridge, off Ottawa River Parkway
Services
Picnic facilities, benches, recreational pathway, parking, lookout
Rideau Falls Park
The park provides an impressive view of the twin curtains of water that gave the falls its name, and the site where the Ottawa River meets the Rideau River. This site features several commemorations, including the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion Monument, the Commonwealth Air Force Memorial and the National Artillery Monument.
Location
50 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, approximately a 25-minute walk from Parliament Hill and a three-minute walk from Rideau Hall
Services
Washrooms, lookout
Rockcliffe Park and the Rockeries
Within the park, discover the Rockcliffe Pavilion and the spectacular lookouts, which can be accessed from the pathways, the parkway or by tour bus. The pavilion and surrounding area has turned into a popular location for outdoor weddings. The Rockcliffe Rockeries has literally hundreds of thousands of daffodil bulbs. The best time to view this display is the month of May, when flowering trees provide a burst of spring colour that complements the daffodils.
Location
Rockcliffe Parkway, between Princess Avenue and Acacia Avenue, Ottawa
Services
Parking, pathways, water fountain; two lookouts (Gatineau and Governor’s Bay); picnic area and tables, washrooms
Victoria Island
With a rich history and scenic location, Victoria Island has a lot to offer. At the foot of the Chaudière Falls, visitors can enjoy a fantastic view of the Ottawa River, the Parliament Buildings and the Gatineau Hills. Also known as Turtle Island, this location has strong Aboriginal roots, and celebrates this culture all summer with the authentic recreation of an Aboriginal village. In the summer, visitors can enjoy Aboriginal food, dancing and many other activities. For the more daring individuals, rock climbing is also an option at the Vertical Reality climbing gym.
Location
Ottawa River, off Chaudière Bridge for motorists, off Portage Bridge and Chaudière Bridge for pedestrians
Services
Picnic facilities, benches, parking, concessions and entertainment during the summer
Vincent Massey Park
Vincent Massey Park is a great site for community gatherings, company picnics and family reunions, as well as a good starting point to discover the Capital Pathway network. The park has quiet wooded walking paths, rolling meadows, scenic vistas, open grassy areas for playing sports, and picnic tables, as well as all the amenities for having an enjoyable picnic, large or small.
Location
Riverside Drive at Heron Road, Ottawa.
Services
Picnic areas, parking ($), washrooms, pathways, water fountains, bandstand, two softball diamonds, electrical hook-ups, barbecue pits, universal access
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