Parks, Waterways and Beaches
Ottawa is green, clean, and beautiful—take advantage of the parks, pathways, or rivers, whether you like to go for walks or bicycle rides.
Parks
The Ottawa region has many popular spots for relaxation and recreation, from parks in the centre of downtown to the forest trails of Gatineau Park. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, a hike, or a scenic bike ride at one of these area parks:
- Confederation Park – relax in this urban oasis, located in the heart of downtown, or take in one of the many festivals in this park
- Major’s Hill Park – this downtown park offers spectacular views of many Ottawa landmarks
- Municipal park locations – enjoy one of the several municipal parks throughout the city
- Gatineau Park – this 361-square-kilometre conservation park is located just 15 minutes from downtown. With hundreds of kilometres of trails, forests with more than 50 species of trees, abundant wildlife and numerous crystal-clear lakes, you can take advantage of the spectacular views by hiking, swimming, cycling, skiing or picnicking.
- Points of interest – Calypso Ottawa
Beaches
Relax in the sand, swim in the water or play beach volleyball at one of Ottawa’s several beaches.
Municipal beaches – take in the sun at one of the four supervised City beaches, located along the banks of the Ottawa or Rideau Rivers
Beaches in Gatineau Park – a number of beaches on the wooded banks of the clear lakes in Gatineau Park. These beaches are a short drive away from the city centre.
Relax in the sand, swim in the water or play beach volleyball at one of Ottawa’s several beaches.
Municipal beaches – take in the sun at one of the four supervised City beaches, located along the banks of the Ottawa or Rideau Rivers
Beaches in Gatineau Park – a number of beaches on the wooded banks of the clear lakes in Gatineau Park. These beaches are a short drive away from the city centre.
Waterways
Ottawa boasts three major waterways: the Ottawa River, the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal. These waterways provide several opportunities for boating or cycling and walking on the adjoining pathways.
Rideau Canal – named an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, this outstanding example of a 19th century canal has many of the original structures and mechanisms still in place. Take a leisurely walk along the paths during the summer months, or enjoy the canal’s status as the world’s largest skating rink during the winter.
Ottawa boasts three major waterways: the Ottawa River, the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal. These waterways provide several opportunities for boating or cycling and walking on the adjoining pathways.
Rideau Canal – named an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, this outstanding example of a 19th century canal has many of the original structures and mechanisms still in place. Take a leisurely walk along the paths during the summer months, or enjoy the canal’s status as the world’s largest skating rink during the winter.