5 Must-Visit Lakes in Ottawa for a Weekend Getaway
Living in a big city can be quite overwhelming and overstimulating. Once in a while, I fall into the social media void, doomscrolling on my days off instead of (quite literally) going out to touch grass and unwind.
Ottawa has its fair share of green spaces, but they can get pretty packed, which can feel more like a headache than a breather. But over the years, I’ve discovered my little pockets of peace in the city—the lakes.
Sure, lakes can get busy in the summer, but they are big enough for everyone. It’s easy to find a quiet, tucked-away spot where you can picnic or dive into a good book.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best lakes in Ottawa for a weekend getaway. They’re near the city, easy to get to, and offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation and adventure.
Dow’s Lake
— Media credit: dows_lake
Website: https://www.dowslake.com/
Location: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Drive
Facilities: Restaurants, bar, washrooms, equipment rentals, and boat lunch
Opening hours: 24/7
Just 9 minutes from downtown Ottawa, you’ll find Dow’s Lake, a small manmade lake along the Rideau Canal. It’s a stone’s throw away from the city, making it the perfect destination for a much-needed getaway after an exhausting work week.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Dow’s Lake all year round. Summers call for kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing on the lake, while winters are meant for ice skating.
What I like the most about coming here is that there are restaurants and a bar right by the water. I don’t have to venture far to get a hefty meal and maybe a few drinks after spending a delightful time outdoors.
Pro Tip:
Without a car, the best way to get from Parliament Hill to Dow’s Lake is by bus. Just hop on line 85 in Lincoln Field, which comes every 15 minutes, and stop at the corner of Preston and Carling, a quick 6-minute walk away from the lake.
Pink Lake
— Media credit: itsme_razzle_dazzle
Opening hours: 24/7
Website: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/pink-lake
Location: Gatineau Park
Facilities: Lookout point, public washrooms, parking area, and handicap-accessible spots
Pink Lake is another popular destination for Ottawans, which is just 40 minutes away from the downtown area.
Due to the delicate ecosystem of this lake, you can’t really do any water sports—not even swimming. You should take it as the perfect opportunity to hike the Pink Lake Trail, a 2.3-km roundtrip trek that requires a bit of endurance and stamina.
If you’re hoping for a more relaxing time, look for a nice spot by the water, where you can picnic. Don’t forget to bring a blanket because there aren’t any picnic tables or benches around.
Pro Tip:
The best way to get in and out of Pink Lake is the free Gatineau shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes in the spring and summer. Cars are only allowed entry at certain hours of the day, and it’s hard to get a cab from the park.
Always check the shuttle service schedules before your trip as they will vary per season.
Meech Lake
— Media credit: ottawatourism
Location: Gatineau Park
Facilities: Toilets, change rooms, supervised beaches, boat launch, picnic areas, and parking area
Opening hours: 24/7
Nestled in Gatineau Park, Meech Lake is closest to downtown Ottawa, offering a wide range of fun outdoor activities. It has two lakeside beaches, O’Brien and Blanchet, where you can sunbathe and picnic.
Unlike Pink Lake, you can take a dip and do other water activities here. From June to September, which is swim season, lifeguards will patrol the beaches from 10 AM to 6 PM every day.
There are no rental services in the area, so you’ve got to bring your own kayak, paddleboard, or boat to enjoy the calm waters.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early in the morning to secure the best spot near the lake. You can also have the lake all to yourself before the crowds arrive.
Lac Deschenes
— Media credit: 40falkland
Facilities: Marina, overnight anchorages, sailing clubs
Opening hours: 24/7
Lac Deschenes, a large lake on the Ottawa River, is a vibrant hub for water activities, stunning views, and ample space for adventure. With facilities like boat launches, docks, and nearby marinas, it’s a popular spot for sailing, boating, and windsurfing.
Home to five sailing clubs, there are various adult training programs and youth camps you can join throughout the summer. The steady winds and open waters make it an excellent place for seasoned sailors and beginners to navigate the waves.
You can also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing in the calmer sections of the lake.
Pro Tip:
Join a sailing club so you can rent equipment for water activities. You don’t need to own a boat to become a club member.
Mud Lake
— Media credit: woodland_pirates
Website: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/mud-lake
Facilities: Parking, no washrooms
Opening hours: 24/7
Mud Lake, a peaceful oasis on the West End, is popular among nature enthusiasts, birders, and families who want to enjoy a peaceful walk in the forest. You’ll find one of the best hiking trails in Ottawa here, which is easy enough for children to accomplish.
What I like the most about this place is the incredible birdwatching opportunities. Thanks to the easy, well-marked trails circling the lake, there are plenty of spots to stop, observe, and learn about the wildlife.
Pro Tip:
Mud Lake is a fragile, ecologically important natural habitat so there are a bunch of rules you have to keep in mind.
For starters, you have to stay on the trails to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Don’t bring dogs and other pets because they are prohibited from entering this protected area.