Originally named Colonel's Hill in honor of Colonel John By, the architect of the Canal Rideau, this park was renamed after By was replaced by a Major. The park offers a panoramic view of several major attractions, including Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, the Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery and Notre-Dame Basilica. It's also the location of Colonel By's original home, or at least its foundation, as well as a statue of the city's founding father. The park is located along MacKenzie Avenue, directly behind the Chateau Laurier Hotel. Visitors can enjoy picnicking at the park's well maintained picnic areas. Taking a walk amidst the lush greenery is not a bad idea either! Escape the hustle bustle of the city and enjoy some tranquil moments at this beautiful park.
Located on the grounds of Central Experimental Farm is the Dominion Arboretum. It houses a wide array of shrubs and plants as old as 1889. The arboretum is home to over 1,700 varieties of trees and bushes. It spans over 64.24 acres (26 hectares) and is home to the Ornamental Gardens where there is an annual showcase of plants, flowers and hedges.
Built between 1827 and 1832 without the aid of powered machinery, the Rideau Canal is one of Ottawa's oldest landmarks. The canal runs from the Ottawa River near Parliament Hill to Hog's Back Falls on the south end of the city. During the summer months, a wide range of vessels, including tour boats, glide along the waterway. Come winter, the canal is transformed into the "World's Longest Skating Rink" and is a hub of activity during Ottawa's Winterlude festival.
Hog's Back Falls, formally known as the Prince of Wales Falls, are artificially created waterfalls. Located on the Rideau River, the falls make for a perfect day trip. Just sitting by the falls, watching the beauty of it all and hearing the sound of the cascading water is sure to make your day. There is a snack bar nearby, making the riverbanks a great picnic spot. Navigate the many trails around the waterfall until you find a good vantage point. During winter, the river freezes, making the waterfalls look truly mesmerizing.
This large pavilion at the edge of the Canal Rideau's picturesque Dows Lake offers relaxation and recreation. Two restaurants with large patios offer casual food, drinks and a wonderful view, while a full-service marina offers fuel, pump out and slip rentals. In winter, the lake becomes part of the Canal Rideau skating rink and the pavilion rents a variety of winter sports equipment, including skates, sleighs and cross-country skis. During the summer, the marina rents canoes, paddleboats and inline skates.
Located on the fringes of the Chaudière Island, Chaudière Falls is a group of waterfalls flowing into the Ottawa River. These falls were discovered by Samuel de Champlain in the 17th Century and are named Chaudière, meaning 'Big Kettle', as the shape resembled that of a cauldron. The drop of the fall is 15 meters (49 feet), and the set stretches for 60 meters (200 feet). The force of this falling water is used to generate hydroelectric power.
Located on north side, Lac Phillipe is medium sized lake close to Gatineau Park. This lake is safe to take a dip in, and is guarded by lifeguards. Approximately a 50-minute drive away from Ottawa, this place is ideal for camping, kayoing, paddle-boats, canoeing and lots more. Enjoy a fun time with family in this great picnic spot.
Located in Kanata, the South March Highlands are a protected lush forested area that is thriving and growing every day. Open to the public throughout the year, this conservation forest is popular for a wide number of reasons including hiking, cycling, bird-watching, wildlife viewing, exercising and lots more. Stroll through the forest in silence and take in the spectacular untouched surroundings and then sit by the still Kizell Pond located in the interiors. If you are in need of a breath of fresh air and a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, the South March Highlands is the perfect sanctuary for you.
Originally named Colonel's Hill in honor of Colonel John By, the architect of the Canal Rideau, this park was renamed after By was replaced by a Major. The park offers a panoramic view of several major attractions, including Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, the Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery and Notre-Dame Basilica. It's also the location of Colonel By's original home, or at least its foundation, as well as a statue of the city's founding father. The park is located along MacKenzie Avenue, directly behind the Chateau Laurier Hotel. Visitors can enjoy picnicking at the park's well maintained picnic areas. Taking a walk amidst the lush greenery is not a bad idea either! Escape the hustle bustle of the city and enjoy some tranquil moments at this beautiful park.
Located on the grounds of Central Experimental Farm is the Dominion Arboretum. It houses a wide array of shrubs and plants as old as 1889. The arboretum is home to over 1,700 varieties of trees and bushes. It spans over 64.24 acres (26 hectares) and is home to the Ornamental Gardens where there is an annual showcase of plants, flowers and hedges.
With its rare beauty and outstanding architecture, the Maplelawn is a beautiful estate. Given the status of a National Historic Site, this mansion boasts of a walled garden that is well-maintained. For complete details, check website.
Located in Gatineau, the Jacques Cartier Park is an ideal park for kids in the area. Located very close to the National Gallery of Canada which is across the river, it was named after the French explorer Jacques Carter. Developed to preserve the various wildlife species native to Laurentian peaks, its topography features various coniferous and deciduous plantations like yellow birch, sugar maple and black spruce. Canada lynx, red fox, moose and porcupine, among few other animals, have made the national park their home. Additionally, over 100 migratory bird species visit the Jacques-Cartier National Park. This venue also offers to host a variety of events, music and dance shows, activities and entertainment for children.