The 10 Best Skate Parks in Ottawa Where You Can Perfect Your Tricks
When I was a kid, I spent countless afternoons at my local skatepark, perfecting simple tricks with the help of older skaters. Cheering each other on, regardless of skill level, the community truly made the experience unforgettable.
Throughout Ottawa, you can find a wide variety of skateparks with the same tight-knit community. If there isn’t a skatepark near you, we’ll help you find the right one.
In this guide, I’ll show you around the best skateparks in Ottawa to shred in style.
1. Charlie Bowins Skatepark
— Media credit: charliebowinsforever
Location: 435 Bronson Avenue
Operating hours:
Mon-Fri, 8 AM to 10 PM
Sat, 8 AM to 8 AM
Sun, 9 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +16135641070
Amenities: Playground, dog park, and outdoor skating rink
Charlie Bowins Skatepark is the first purpose-built outdoor skatepark in downtown Ottawa, dedicated to a beloved instructor. It’s a meaningful area to a lot of locals, so it’s a great place to frequent if you’re looking for a tight-knit skating community.
Although it’s beginner-friendly, it has a wide range of obstacles that will keep even experienced skaters on their toes. Its diverse sections, which include flat banks, rails, ledges, manual pads, and quarter pipes, cater to every style and skill level.
Pro Tip:
There are no public restrooms at McNabb Park, where this skating facility is located. You can, however, go to the McNabb Community Center right next door to use the restroom.
2. Lansdowne Skatepark
— Media credit: sk8.wreathen
Website: https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/recreation-facilities/facility-listing/lansdowne-park
Location: 1525 Princess Patricia Way
Operating hours:
Fri, 4 PM to 9 PM
Sat, 10 AM to 9 PM
Sun, 10 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +16135802429
Amenities: On-site parking, washrooms, outdoor skating rink, skate sharpening and rental services
Another popular spot downtown is at Lansdowne Park. It’s an outdoor concrete skatepark—smooth and well-maintained, so there’s no need to worry about broken shards of glass or trash.
Since it’s quite small, it only has a few beginner-friendly obstacles, such as ramps, rails, and ledges. This makes it an ideal place to learn and hone the basics, which is why you’ll often see newbies of all ages practicing here.
Pro Tip:
The skatepark’s opening hours will vary greatly per week, depending on the availability of staff. You can check their website for updates on their weekly schedule.
3. Vanier Skatepark
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Website: https://ottawa.ca/en/residents/recreation-and-parks/parks-and-green-space
Location: 400 N River Rd
Operating hours: Daily 5 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +16135802400
Amenities: On-site parking, playground, and off-leash dog area
Located in Riverain Park, right along the Rideau River, Vanier Skatepark has unbeatable views and vibes. It’s one of the newer outdoor skateparks in Ottawa, so the concrete is still smooth and crack-free.
If you’re looking for a quiet, less crowded area to skate, this is a great spot. It doesn’t get as packed as other skateparks on our list—and the view of the river is the cherry on top.
Pro Tip:
Sometimes, the Ottawa Skateboard Association holds free lessons here. You can follow their socials for any announcements.
4. Richcraft Skatepark
— Media credit: mat_lavigne_
Location: 4101 Innovation Drive
Operating hours: 24 hours
Phone: +16135809696
Amenities: On-site parking, restrooms, and lights
Richcraft is a 10,000-square-meter skatepark in Kanata packed with all sorts of fun obstacles, including ramps, hips, gaps, and rails. With plenty of space, you can do your own thing without getting in someone else’s way.
What makes it stand out is its multi-level bowl, which you hardly see around Ottawa’s skateparks. Its shallow end is 5 feet while the deep end is 7 feet, large enough for you to catch maximum air.
Pro Tip:
You’ll find restrooms at the Richcraft Recreation Complex next door. However, they are open only during business hours.
5. Legacy Skatepark
— Media credit: ottawaskate
Location: 101 Centerpoint Drive
Operating hours: 24 hours
Amenities: Plaza area, large parking lot, and park benches
Legacy is the oldest concrete skatepark in Ottawa, but it’s still a popular spot. Skaters of all ages and skill levels frequent this park because it’s conveniently located next to a bus stop, making it very accessible from anywhere in the city.
Built with street and transition-style elements, from open-ended bowls and rails to quarter pipes and stairs, the park gives you plenty of opportunity to explore your creativity.
With 18,300 square feet of space, it’s one of the biggest parks in Ottawa. Here, you can practice comfortably even on a busy day.
Pro Tip:
Before coming here, put on some sunscreen and bring water to stay hydrated because there are no shaded areas.
6. Treehouse Mike Skatepark
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Location: 51 Berrigan Drive
Operating hours: Daily 5 AM to 11 PM
Amenities: Park benches and shaded areas
Treehouse Mike Skatepark is named after the late base jumper, Mike Racicot, who started the campaign for a proper neighborhood skatepark. Needless to say, the skating community in the area is tight-knit, so it’s a great place to pick up a few tricks.
At this skatepark, the obstacles are varied, offering something for everyone. From smooth concrete bowls to stair sets, transition skaters and street skaters alike can shred all day long.
Pro Tip:
Mornings are the best time to visit if you prefer a quieter atmosphere to practice, as the park tends to get busy in the afternoons and evenings.
7. Greenboro Skatepark
— Media credit: gunsglorious
Location: 3142 Conroy Rd
Operating hours: 24 hours
Phone: +16132474894
The Greenboro Skatepark is covered in a flat, smooth asphalt surface, promising smooth rides and fun times. It can get a little slippery when it’s wet, so it might best to wait for everything to dry up.
Since the park only has a few components, which include quarter pipes, rails, and a ledge, it attracts a small crowd. You won’t have a lot of competition.
What I do like about this park is that it has ample shade. Whether you’re doing tricks on the ramps or just cruising around, you can have fun without burning in the sun.
Pro Tip:
The park is right next to the Conroy/Railway bus stop, so it’s accessible through public transit. You’ll find bus lines 40, 644, and 649 along this route.
8. Walter Baker Skatepark
— Media credit: xavier_frantz
Location: 100 Charlie Rogers Place, Kanata
Operating hours: 24 hours
Amenities: On-site parking
In Walter Baker Park, you’ll find a small skatepark next to Kinsmen Field. Although it has enough space, its obstacles are miniature, from its open-ended bowl and ramps to its pyramids and hubbas.
Everything is made out of concrete with a few steel rails around. Unfortunately, some areas are already cracked with bits of moss growing out of them.
Still, I added it to the list because it’s a decent spot to skate in, especially for beginners. You can do basic tricks and have fun without a huge crowd around.
Pro Tip:
Next to the skatepark, there are only about two parking spaces. However, you can find more parking spots across the street.
9. Manotick Skatepark
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Location: 5572 Dr Leach Drive
Operating hours: 24 hours
Amenities: On-site parking, basketball courts, and play area
After a much-needed makeover, Manotick Skatepark now has a smooth, concrete finish without those pesky cracks that send skaters flying. Gone are the flimsy ramps with holes in random places.
Boasting a modern, thoughtfully constructed layout, the skatepark caters to a range of skating styles. It has a street course with bowl corners, banks, rails, ramps, and smooth transitions in between.
Whether you’re working on grinds, flips, or airs, Manotick has something to keep you engaged.
Pro Tip:
There’s limited parking next to the skatepark. You’ll find more spots right in front of the Manotick Community Center.
10. Greely Village Skatepark
— Media credit: greelyskatepark
Location: 7292 Parkway Road
Operating hours: Daily 6 AM to 12 AM
Amenities: On-site parking and picnic tables
Designed with banks, stair sets, rails, and ledges, Greely Village Skatepark is a go-to for street-style skaters. Even though it’s small, its obstacles can keep things fun and challenging for you.
The highlight of this park is its smooth, well-maintained surface, which will certainly motivate you to skate here often. There isn’t much shade around, but there are picnic benches nearby where you can rest between sessions.
Pro Tip:
It’s best to come here late in the afternoon to avoid the hot sun and the crowds.