Make the Capital your cottage: 5 waterfront itineraries for summer

This summer, the downtown core is getting two brand-new free ways to enjoy the water—one on each side of the Ottawa River!  

On the Ontario side, the new East Wharf Dock offers space to relax, swim and take in the shoreline. It has seating areas, a viewing platform, and refreshing treats like ice cream, cold drinks, and assorted snacks from the on-site vendor.

Across the river, the new dock behind the Canadian Museum of History will soon deliver one of the most iconic views in the Capital, with Parliament Hill as the backdrop. Here, you'll be able to cool off in the water, settle into a Muskoka chair, and take it all in. Hungry? The nearby Maison Charron in Jacques-Cartier Park offers a stunning patio and excellent pizza.

Visit both swim docks by following the loop across Alexandra Bridge and back over the Chief William Commanda Bridge. Along the way, stop at Pangishimo Park and Tesasini Park near the Chaudières Bridge for more great river views.

For ultimate summer vibes, plan a picnic in Major’s Hill Park, or make sure to grab a drink on the patio at Tavern on the Hill. And don’t skip Kìwekì Point at sunset—it’s the best view in the city.

And for an even more memorable day on the water, head to the marina in Jacques‑Cartier Park, where Ottawa Boat Cruise and other operators offer scenic tours along the river.

Getting around: Bike rentals are available at the Maison du Vélo in Jacques-Cartier Park. You can also use the water taxi to connect your adventure across the river.

Your cottage day: swim at two new docks → ice cream → iconic views → riverside loop → sunset at Kìwekì Point 

Start your day with a bike ride along the Capital Pathway. Head to the NCC Bistro at Patterson Creek to grab a morning coffee and relax on their patio. On weekends, take advantage of NCC Weekend Bikedays and cruise along the car-free Queen Elizabeth Drive from Somerset to Fifth.

Continue your ride and head to the Dow’s Lake Dock to soak up the sun or jump in for a swim! This free, universally accessible swimming dock has seating areas and a launching pad for non-motorized boats.

Once you’ve dried off, the animated patio just across the pathway is calling. Grab a cold drink from Dominion City or a bite from GBurger. Have a seat at the picnic tables and watch the bikes go by, or play lawn games with your crew.

Next, take a stroll through the gardens at Commissioners Park, or head over to the Dow’s Lake Pavilion to rent a kayak, canoe, paddle board or pedal boat and explore the lake from the water.  

After your paddle, follow the multi-use pathway through the Arboretum, and along the Rideau Canal over to Hog's Back Park. Check out the impressive waterfalls, take in the views, and grab a snack at the Hog’s Back Grill before heading back.  

Your cottage day: bike ride → waterfront swim → patio drinks → paddle on the lake → waterfall views 

Head to the NCC River House for one of the Capital’s best urban waterfront experiences. This free, accessible swimming dock on the Ottawa River has two 25m lap lanes. Get your laps in or just lounge on the docks. Grab a morning coffee at the Café & Bistro, operated by Bytown Catering, on the upper level and watch the boats go by.

If you’re up for more, explore the east end during NCC Weekend Bikedays—the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway offers a scenic car-free route with river views along the way. Or rent a kayak from Escape Rentals, located 100m down the pathway, and check out River House from the water.

Wrap up your day by walking or biking over to Tavern on the Falls for drinks and a bite on a breezy patio overlooking the river and Rideau Falls. Pro tip: time visit for sunset—the views are worth it!

Your cottage day: morning swim → riverside coffee → kayak or car-free ride → sunset patio by the falls 

Start at the recently renewed Westboro Beach, where you’ll find new lookouts, a playground, a café, the Grand Pizzeria and Bar, and a sandy shoreline. Swim, relax, or simply enjoy the feeling of having your feet in the sand without leaving the city.

From there, hop on your bike and cruise along the Kichi Zībī Mīkan during NCC Weekend Bikedays—one of the best views you’ll find anywhere in the Capital. Stop in at the NCC Bistro at Remic Rapids to refuel and watch the river go by.  

If you’re up for more adventure, head to Bate Island and try river tubing with Ottawa Turbo Tubing. Then finish your day with a cold drink at Tavern on the Island, a patio that genuinely feels like the cottage.  

Your cottage day: beach time → river views by bike → bistro stop → river tubing → island patio 

To truly escape the city, head north to Gatineau Park. You’ll get real cottage vibes just a few minutes away from downtown Ottawa-Gatineau, with over 200 km of trails, six beaches, and plenty of ways to explore by bike, boat, or on foot.

Pick your adventure:

Option A – Take the free NCC shuttle 

Catch the free NCC shuttle from downtown Ottawa (on weekdays, from Montcalm) and hop on and off at the park's highlights: Mackenzie King Estate, Pink Lake and King Mountain are all along the route. Ride all the way to Camp Fortune, where you can hike or mountain bike the trails for a shot of adrenaline, then refuel with a snack before heading back. Or hop off at the Visitor Centre to rent a bike, ride to Meech Lake for a swim, and stop for tea at the newly reopened Maison O'Brien.

Option B – Start at Relais Plein Air 

One of the closest entry points to the park and reachable by public transit. Rent a bike at the Relais Plein Air, explore the trail network, and end your day with a bite at the café.

Option C – Make it a water day 

Bring your own paddle boat or rent one through Expeditions Wakefield at Philippe Lake. Explore the lake, relax on the beach, and let the day unfold at cottage pace. 

From swimming docks right in the city to sandy beaches, scenic pathways, and riverside patios, there are countless ways to enjoy the shorelines in Ottawa-Gatineau.

Use our interactive map to discover even more beaches, docks, patios, pathways and waterfront destinations across the Capital Region, then build your own summer escape close to home.

Make the Capital your cottage this summer. 

A few simple habits help create fun and safe experiences for everyone while enjoying the Capital’s shorelines:

• Plan ahead: Hours, access and amenities vary by location. Check details before you go.  
• Ride safely: While getting around on pathways and during Weekend Bikedays, travel at safe speeds, be cautious, don’t block the path, be predictable, be alert and be visible. Share the path.
• Swim smart: Only swim in designated areas and follow posted safety information. Conditions can change quickly. All docks are deep‑water and unsupervised; life jackets are recommended and may be available at select locations.
• Wear a life jacket on the water: Required for paddling and boating, and recommended at all docks.
• Beat the heat: Bring water, rest often, and seek shade during peak sun.
• Respect the space: Be mindful of others, leave spaces as you found them, dispose of trash properly, and only bring dogs where they’re allowed.