Parks and Play

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.

A leafy downtown park at Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue, right beside the Rideau Canal, with mature trees, a memorial fountain honouring Colonel By and several monuments, including the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. It is a pleasant place to sit or stroll, and it hosts big free gatherings such as Winterlude and Canada Day. The park is free to visit year round.

Ottawa's oldest park sits on a hill between the National Gallery of Canada and the Château Laurier, with wide lawns and great views over the Rideau Canal locks, Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River. It is a favourite spot for a picnic and one of the best places to see tulips in spring, with history panels along the paths. The park is free and open year round; seasonal washrooms run from May to October.

A hidden garden park near the Humber River, known for its formal gardens, stone pathways, spring fed pools, streams and mature trees. It sits next to the ecologically significant Lambton Woods, so look out for migrating birds, butterflies and hummingbirds. Free and open year round.

A beautiful city garden park with perennials and roses on the uplands, and wildflowers, rhododendrons and a large rockery down in the Wilket Creek valley. It sits next to the Toronto Botanical Garden and links to ravine trails. Entry to the gardens is free; note that the main parking lot is paid.