Just steps away from scenic Dow’s Lake, Commissioners Park is a lush, vibrant oasis in the heart of Ottawa. With winding paths, mature trees and stunning views of the waterfront, Commissioners Park is known for vibrant tulip displays in spring and colourful blooms in summer.
It’s the perfect spot to stroll, relax and enjoy the lakeside all year round.
On this page
Visiting Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake
Commissioners Park is located at the corner of Preston Street and Queen Elizabeth Driveway in Ottawa. The area is conveniently located within walking distance from transit and cycling paths.
Facilities
- Parking: See the City of Ottawa’s parking map for parking information.
- Washrooms: In summer, washrooms are available at the Dow’s Lake Pavilion. There is also a seasonal, universally accessible, portable washroom available on the shoreline near the dock.
How to get there
- Public transportation: Dow’s Lake is served by bus routes along Bronson Avenue and Carling Avenue, as well as Line 2 of the O-Train.
- Active use: NCC multi-use pathways and City of Ottawa cycling lanes also serve the area.
Accessibility
The park features paved pathways that are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are many shaded spots and benches for taking breaks.
Animated patio at Dow's Lake
The animated patio at Dow's Lake offers an animated space with offerings from a local restaurant and a brewery. It is a welcoming place to relax, soak in the river landscape and participate in summer activities.
Dominion City and Gburger are back for the 2026 season!
Hours of operation (weather dependent):
- Thursday and Friday, 3 pm to 9 pm
- Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm
- Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm
Recreational dock
The Dow’s Lake dock is located near Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Lakeside Avenue. It is a space for swimming, relaxing by the water, and launching non-motorized watercraft.
The dock It is universally accessible and features Muskoka chairs and bike racks. A universally accessible portable washroom is available nearby.
The Dow’s Lake dock project was the winner of the 2025 Brownie Award in the REFOCUS category.
In 2026, the water testing program starts on June 1.
The NCC has conducted robust testing within the swim area at Dow’s Lake to characterize water quality. The Ottawa Riverkeeper regularly tests water for E. coli. Results can be found on Swim Guide.
During the 2025 season, all 67 water samples collected from the Dow’s Lake dock swimming area passed testing. Complete results are available for download through the Ottawa Riverkeeper Open Data portal.
Like all waterbodies, conditions at Dow’s Lake can change with the weather. We don’t recommend swimming after heavy rainfall or during adverse weather conditions.
To establish the new swim area, the NCC also commissioned a third party to test water for more than 140 additional parameters, such as metals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and petroleum hydrocarbons. To date, these tests have shown concentrations below detection limits or below human health thresholds, consistent with other swim locations.
- Always bring appropriate safety equipment for your comfort level, such as swim floats or lifejackets.
- Swim with a friend or shoreline watcher and keep children younger than 14 within arm’s reach.
- Stay aware of your surroundings. Evaluate water and weather conditions prior to swimming, and don’t jump in or dive into unknown conditions.
- Swimming is not recommended after heavy rains (greater than 20 mm in the past 24 to 48 hours) or during adverse weather.
- Swimming is also not recommended after dark or in low-light conditions.
- Do not swim if you are intoxicated or feeling unwell.
- Towel off thoroughly or shower when you get home.
Equipment rentals
In summer, you can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and pedalboats at the Dow's Lake Marina.
Hours of operation are weather dependent. Contact the Dow's Lake Marina directly for details.
About Commissioners Park
Commissioners Park extends over 8.95 hectares. It was built from the 1920s to the 1950s on the site of a former lumberyard owned by J.R. Booth, an eminent Capital builder and magnate of the lumber industry.
Dow’s Lake is a vibrant, urban ecosystem that is home to nearly 30 species of fish, including pike, walleye, bass and muskellunge.
