Parks and Play

One of the city's largest green spaces (146 hectares), a mostly deciduous forest cut through by the Saint-Charles River, with a playground, skate area, picnic spots, fishing and a roller and bike trail. In winter you can walk the groomed trails, cross country ski on 8 km of trails and snowshoe. Open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; park access and parking are free at all times (only the separate Arbraska treetop course is paid).

A 27 hectare historic estate in Limoilou with trails through wild and landscaped areas and an arboretum of about 15,000 trees, shrubs and perennials. There is a playground, picnic spots and nature watching in summer, and groomed cross country ski trails (11 km), snowshoe trails and a skating trail in winter. Open year round from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; access and parking are free (only equipment rentals cost extra).

One of the great urban parks of the world, set on the cliffs above the St. Lawrence where the 1759 battle took place, with huge lawns, wooded paths, gardens, monuments and cannons. It is a lovely place to walk, picnic and relax right next to Old Québec. The park is open year round and free to enter; in winter the trails, sliding area and rink are also free (only equipment rentals cost extra).

A large open festival park beside the Canadian War Museum and the Ottawa River, with stunning views of Parliament and great sunsets over the water. It connects to downtown Ottawa and Gatineau by bike paths, including the Ottawa River Pathway, and is next to O-Train Pimisi Station. Free to enjoy year round; parking nearby is paid, so transit or biking is the easy free option.

A small riverside park along Kichi Zībī Mīkan, about four kilometres west of Parliament Hill, with picnic areas, rapids on the Ottawa River and beautiful sunsets. Washrooms are open year round, and in winter the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail passes through for walkers, skiers and snowshoers. The park is free to visit; parking has a two hour limit.

A huge collection of trees and shrubs on rolling lawns between Prince of Wales Drive and the Rideau Canal, part of the Central Experimental Farm, a working farm right in the city. Next door, the Ornamental Gardens are full of lilacs, roses and perennial beds in season. Admission is free and the grounds are open every day, year round.

A group of islands on the Ottawa River in Orléans with sandy beaches, a play structure, picnic tables and natural shoreline that is lovely to explore. In summer there are lifeguards and a canteen, and beach wheelchairs can be borrowed for free. The park is free to visit; parking is paid in summer (7 am to 6 pm), so consider cycling in or visiting off season.

A large nature park in Gatineau's Hull sector with a playground, picnic areas, volleyball courts and a network of paths for walking and biking, plus a beach in summer. The Voyageurs Pathway leads from here to the Màwandòseg Bridge and its lookout. The park is free and open year round, and its paths are used for skiing and snowshoeing in winter; parking is paid during the swimming season.

A riverside park in Gatineau's Hull sector, along the Ottawa River on rue Laurier, with wide lawns, picnic tables and some of the best views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa skyline. It is a great starting point for walks and bike rides on the riverside pathways. The park is free; parking is free for up to two hours in the northern lots.

A west end waterfront park on the Ottawa River with a sandy beach, play structures, picnic tables and barbecue pits, and lovely sunset views over the water. In summer there are lifeguards, a canteen and an accessible washroom, and beach wheelchairs can be borrowed for free. The park is free and parking is free too.

A big city park and sandy beach on the Rideau River, with play structures, picnic tables, barbecue pits and lots of open lawn. In summer there are lifeguards and a canteen, and beach wheelchairs can be borrowed for free. The park itself is free to use; note that parking is paid in summer, so consider coming by bike or transit.

A lakeside park on the Rideau Canal at Dow's Lake, famous for its huge tulip beds every May. Paved paths suitable for strollers and wheelchairs wind along the water, with benches and shady spots for a picnic. The park is free and open year round; the summer dock and patio are seasonal.