Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Ottawa

"On the banks of the Rideau Canal at the mouth of the Ottawa River sits Major’s Hill Park. A downtown based urban green space, Major’s Hill Park is situated among several of the most notable buildings in Ottawa, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, the U.S. Embassy, and the Byward Market."

"Major’s Hill Park is a big name in Ottawa, known as the park by the Parliament Buildings. This calm green space is close to the ByWard market and many museums and galleries and offers some fantastic lookout spots where you can see the Ottawa River and the Ottawa Locks.Address: 25 Range Rd, OttawaWebsite"

"Seek out opportunities to frame the building using the nature around the park. Keep your eyes open for sculptures and art installations as well!"

"One of my favourite places for an afternoon stroll is in the Dominion Arboretum. The arboretum is a beautiful oasis in the middle of Ottawa, about 10 minutes from the downtown. I like to park at the top and walk a 3.3k loop around the outer edge of the park, but you can also access the Arboretum beginning from Dow’s Lake or Carleton University at the locks."

"Established back in 1889, these 64-acres of rolling land showcases a large plant collection of 4000 species. The Dominion Arboretum is Canada’s oldest arboretum with 1000 tree species, several microclimates, and wonderful panoramic views.Address: Arboretum, OttawaWebsite"

"Just beyond, you can bike through the Dominion Arboretum and the Experimental Farm, where many species of trees colour the landscape. A jewel of nature near the city centre!"

"Located not too far from downtown are a series of man-made waterfalls on the Rideau Canal, good for long-exposure experimentation and high-speed photography."

"Situated on the banks of the Ottawa River, Jacques Cartier Park becomes the outdoor venue for many events and festivals throughout the year. Canada Day celebrations take place here, as does Winterlude (Bal de Neige), when the park is transformed into a snow playground. The park is also home to two historic buildings, including Maison Charron, which was built by Philemon Wright in the early 19th century and now serves as a cultural education center during the summer."

"Located just on the other side of the Quebec/Ottawa border, the Jacques Cartier Park is great for cycling, nature watching at Leamy Lake, and simply enjoying the beauty of this celebrated city park.Address: 285 Laurier St, GatineauWebsite"

"And great place for families and people of all ages, Lansdowne Park is located on the Queen Elizabeth Parkway side of the multi-use event and retail space called Lansdowne. Here you will find an accessible kids play space, a skate park, a water fountain, basketball courts, and lots of green space for a game of ultimate or for spreading a blanket and having a picnic. If you visit on a weekend, pop into the Aberdeen Pavilion and stock up on local produce at the year-round farmer's market.Photo: City of Ottawa"

"The Lansdowne Park hosts many shops and restaurants, a movie theatre and a stadium. There's so much activity to engage in guaranteeing that you will enjoy your visit to the park. The park is spacious and well manicured, and you can go biking on the canals or take a nature walk."

"Head to Lansdowne where you’ll find CRAFT Beer Market among many other great restaurants and businesses. CRAFT Beer Market offers tasty food as well as 100 craft beers on tap. Ask to try some of Ottawa’s quality craft beer options."

"If cycling to your picnic spot is your goal, Parc des Cèdres in the Aylmer sector of Gatineau should be high on your list. You can bike there from downtown Ottawa and Hull via the scenic Voyageurs Pathway along the Ottawa River, and you can reward yourself with a swim on the beach, too. Showers, change rooms, washrooms, a snack bar, beach volleyball courts, a bike repair station and children’s play structures are among the park’s many amenities."

"Meech Lake is the city’s nearest lake and it is a great getaway. Home to not just one, but two beautiful beaches, O’Brien and Blanchet respectively, it’s an ideal summer spot for swimming, picnics, beach volleyball and more. As a special pilot project, open water swimming is also permitted at Meech Lake.Photo: WikiCommons"

"Image Source Easily one of the best Ottawa nightclubs, the City At Night is a modern and sophisticated place where you can party till the late hours. The sleek and hip vibe of this place offers you with a great deal of enjoyment. Even though the club is not very spacious, the small corners offer a much more intimate atmosphere and experience to everyone around."

"City At Night is a modern night club in Ottawa where you can party till all night. This club isn’t very spacious however it presents a very intimate atmosphere for everyone who visits the club. The funky lights in the club set the mood right for a fun-filled party night."

"Have only been able to get delivery because of COVID but will absolutely be visiting in person soon!. Such great value and our go-to for take out lately!"

"This park is in the New Edinburgh neighborhood close to the Rideau Falls. One distinguishing feature of this park is the white Minto bridge, built in 1900, which actually consists of three bridges that cross the Rideau river. The park is pretty large and is used mainly for walks and bike rides by the Rideau river bank."

"Pine Grove is a large forest area in Ottawa’s Greenbelt, the most ecologically diverse section of eastern Ontario. Its 11mi (18km) of trails invite hikers and horseback riders on a journey through this important wildlife habitat, home to species such as the wood thrush and black-billed cuckoo. Highlights include a self-guided forestry interpretive trail, and tree-identification arboretum, where you can learn about everything from cedar groves to old pine plantations."

"This one is an amazing park in the Nepean neighborhood in the West end. It faces the Ottawa river, and has three ponds: two big ones and a small one connected by cute wooden bridges. Canada geese relax in the ponds with their goslings in the spring and summer."

"Andrew Hayden Park is a small and walkable loop located along the water. It’s a great spot for a picnic, and favourite hang out for Canada geese. You can also venture out along the Ottawa River path towards Britannia Beach."