Ready for Your Water Activities? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Ottawa is a city that’s surrounded by several bodies of water, such as the Ottawa River or Rideau Canal, making it one of the best cities for water activities. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know before you dive right in!

Best Places for Paddle Activities near Ottawa

The best places for paddle activities like canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking near Ottawa are the Ottawa River, Rideau Canal, Dow’s Lake, Gatineau Park, Britannia Beach, Jacques-Cartier Park, Leamy Lake, and Petrie Island.

Take a look at the table below for a quick overview of these spots:

Ottawa River

You don’t have to go far for this one because Ottawa River is just 9 mins. away from downtown Ottawa. It runs along the length of the city and offers kayakers and canoers more than enough room for all their paddling needs.

For beginners who aren’t that confident about their current skills, it’s recommended to stick more closely to the part of the river that’s still close enough to the shore. If you want something more challenging, feel free to go further upstream. 

Rideau Canal

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal stretches at a length of 7.8 km. It’s the world’s biggest skating rink during winter, but it becomes a canoer and kayaker’s paradise once the ice has melted during the warmer seasons.

It’s one of the best places for paddlers of any skill and experience level, thanks to its calm waters. Moreover, it’s a great location for photo opportunities, too, since you can get views of the city’s coasts and the surrounding natural scenery.

Dow’s Lake

Dow’s Lake is a man-made lake and is conveniently just 8 mins. away from downtown Ottawa. 

Because it’s not a naturally-formed lake, its waters are very serene, which makes it very beginner-friendly, no matter your strength level and stamina. 

Even cooler, it actually connects to the Rideau Canal, so if you feel like trying out some new scenery, feel free to just paddle right on over there.

Gatineau Park

Located just across a river and situated 18 mins. away from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau is home to several lakes that are favorite kayaking and canoeing hotspots. 

With how large the park is, you definitely won’t run out of space for any of your paddle activities.

Admission to the park itself is free, but certain trails and locations within the park have entrance fees, so be sure to bring some extra cash with you to access these points. 

Britannia Beach

Britannia Beach is located just 16 mins. away from the downtown area and, as you can expect, is an ideal location for paddlers thanks to its many amenities. 

Aside from ample space for those who prefer to stay on shore to lay down picnic mats and chairs, it even has public changing rooms and food shops. 

So even if you get hungry while out on the water, you can easily head back to shore and grab a bite to eat.

Jacques-Cartier Park

Situated just across the river from Ottawa is Jacques-Cartier Park, and what it offers are stunning views of the city, especially Parliament Hill, as you paddle along the water. 

It’s located just 7 mins. away from downtown, perfect for a quick canoeing or kayaking trip.

The water here is calm enough for even beginner paddlers, but those with more skill and experience can find enjoyment in paddling along this location. 

Leamy Lake

Leamy Lake is just 10 mins. away from downtown Ottawa and is a popular destination for all kinds of outdoor activities. Aside from land-based sports like running and biking, it’s also a great spot for paddlers, regardless of their experience level.

Because its waters are normally very calm, it’s an ideal location if you just want a relaxing day out.

Petrie Island

Tucked within the suburbs of Ottawa, just 22 mins. away from downtown, Petrie Island is situated along the area of Orleans. 

Located a small distance away from the city,  it’s an ideal location for kayakers and canoers who want to get away from the concrete jungle.

At the same time, it’s not too far away either, making it easy to travel to and still get back into the city even after a whole day of enjoying the water.

Where to Rent Kayaks, Stand-up Paddle Boards, and Canoes in Ottawa

You can rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and canoes at Dow’s Lake, Escape Rentals, Ottawa Marina East/Petrie Island, Gatineau Park, and Rideau Tours. 

You may refer to the table below for more info on these rental services:

Guide to Stand-up Paddleboarding in Ottawa

Stand-up paddle boarding is another fun paddle activity aside from canoeing and kayaking that you can easily do in Ottawa, thanks to its many bodies of water. 

It’s a unique sport that requires a lot of skill, too, because you have to keep your balance as you stand up straight on your board and paddle along the water. 

Before you jump in the water, here’s everything you need to remember:

• Always wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or a life jacket with a whistle.
• Aside from a PFD and whistle, carry on board a floating throw rope.
• Persons under 16 are prohibited from wearing inflatable PFDs.
• Take note of the current season and wear appropriate clothing, especially during colder months.
• Remember and watch closely for signs of the effects of cold water (shivering, loss of coordination, slowing down, numb hands and feet).
• Never go into the water if you are intoxicated.
• Paddle with a partner or a group and stay close to the shore.
• Always inform someone else about where you’re going and when you’ll be home from your trip.
• Check weather forecasts and conditions to ensure your own safety.
• Avoid potential hazards and risks like tidal currents, fog, and strong winds, and return to shore.
• If the weather begins to show signs of worsening, paddle closer to shore and leave the water immediately, especially if lightning or thunder becomes present.

Tips for Kayaking in Rideau Canal

Kayaking or any other type of paddling activity along the length of the Rideau Canal is sure to be a fun and relaxing adventure. 

Here are some things you should keep in mind before your next kayaking trip to the Rideau Canal to ensure your safety:

• Plan your route beforehand. With a whopping 202 kilometers in length with over 1100 kilometers of shoreline, it’s easier if you know your route and destination.
• Never go into the water intoxicated. Doing so will unnecessarily put your own life in danger.
• Stay away from shipping lanes because it can get you in trouble with law enforcement.
• Always make sure your life jacket or PFD is properly fastened and fitted. PFDs that don’t properly fit will have you fined $200, and missing PFDs per person will have you fined $100 each.
• Always have a ‘sound-signaling device’ with you (ex. whistle).
• If you’re kayaking at night or during situations where visibility is difficult (ex. fog), make sure you have with you a watertight flashlight.
• You must have a buoyant heaving line at least 15m long, but if you’re a sit-on-top kayaker wearing a PFD, you won’t be required to carry one.
• You must carry a bailer or manual bilge pump, but if your boat can’t hold enough water to capsize accidentally or you’re wearing a PFD, it’s not required.
• Although it’s not required, bring along a magnetic compass with you to help with navigating, especially if you can’t see navigation marks easily along your route.