The NCC River House is a century-old heritage building that is universally accessible year-round. The house is located on the Ottawa River along the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway.
In all seasons, it features options to enjoy the shoreline. It also has food and beverage amenities. In summer, there is a free public dock to swim from and launch a kayak or canoe. In winter, you can ski, snowshoe, bike and walk on a multi-use winter trail that leads to the NCC River House.
The NCC River House is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
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Directions
Limited parking is available at P3 (15 to 20 spots, including accessible parking spaces) across from the NCC River House or at P4 (40 spots), east of the NCC River House, within a short walking distance along the Ottawa River Pathway. A drop-off lane is located along the parkway for universally accessible drop-offs.
The NCC River House is accessible via the Ottawa River Pathway along the Sir George-Étienne Cartier pathway.
- In summer, there are bike racks around the site on the upper and lower landscape, along the upper pathway, and along the shoreline.
- In winter, there are ski racks available at the entrance of the building, on the outdoor deck.
In summer, there are docking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis for canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized watercraft. Motorized watercraft are not permitted to dock at the NCC River House for now.
In summer, hop aboard an authentic, London-style double decker bus for a hop-on hop-off tour with Gray Line Tours from the NCC River House.
Swimming
In summer, the NCC River House boasts a free, accessible and enclosed swimming area with two 25-m swimming lanes. Swimming conditions may vary depending on river conditions, with a depth ranging from 1.5 m to 2.7 m (5 ft. to 9 ft.).
From June 5 to September 7, 2026, the swimming area is open from 7 am to sunset daily. Outside of the lifeguard supervised hours listed below, swimming is allowed at your own risk.
- Lifeguards are on duty on weekends and holidays, from 11 am to 7 pm.
- At certain times, for reasons beyond our control, the swimming area may be unsupervised during the indicated supervision hours.
- Maximum capacity is 125 swimmers, on a first-come, first-served basis.
- No reservations are accepted, and the area can fill up quickly. Visit at off-peak hours for the best experience.
- Always bring appropriate safety equipment for your comfort level, such as swim floats or lifejackets. Life jackets are available to borrow (43 in total), in sizes ranging from infant to XXL.
- 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.
Regular bacteriological testing is conducted by Ottawa Riverkeeper and the water quality at the NCC River House results are posted on the Swim Guide website.
Universally accessible change rooms are available on the lower level (level 1) and include:
- Showers
- Lockers (bring your own lock)
- A change table
Food and beverages
Year-round, the NCC River House features an outdoor patio with panoramic views of the Ottawa River. You can also enjoy a snack at the Café & Bistro, operated by Bytown Catering.
- 2026 Hours:
- May 1 to 31:
- Friday and Saturday, from 9 am to 8 pm
- Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm
- June 1 to September 7:
- Every day, from 9 am to 9 pm
- May 1 to 31:
- Menu: The seasonal menu features light fare such as sandwiches, soups, chili, grilled cheeses, salads, pizza, baked goods, pastries, ice cream, beer, wine, and hot and cold beverages.
Contact Bytown Catering directly for details.
Other water sports
In summer, you may launch your own small non-motorized boat (e.g. canoe or kayak) from the public dock.
Motorized watercrafts (boats or jet skis) are not permitted on the dock.
There are no on-site equipment rental services at the River House.
However, in summer, you can rent single and tandem kayaks, paddleboards and bikes right next to the NCC River House (350 m east of the lower trail). Book your equipment online or in person.
Hours of operation are weather dependent. Contact Escape Tours & Rentals directly for details.
Year-round, you may fish from the shoreline with a valid Ontario fishing licence. Fishing from the dock or close to the dock area is prohibited.
Ottawa Riverkeeper's Learning Lab
Curious minds of all ages can explore the river at Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Learning Lab, located on the lower level of the NCC River House. From spring to fall, this unique space offers educational opportunities to learn about the river’s wildlife, ecosystems and water quality.
Ottawa Riverkeeper: Hours of operation, special events and workshops
Room rentals
Year-round, the NCC River House ballroom is available for event bookings through Bytown Catering. The space can generally accommodate 150 to 200 people. Please contact Bytown Catering directly for details.
Accessibility
The NCC River House includes several universally accessible upgrades, including:
- elevator access to all three levels
- universally accessible pathways to the docks
- accessible washrooms
- accessible change rooms
- lift for the swim area
There are two universally accessible parking spaces available in P3, located 160 m from the NCC River House. There is also a drop-off lane along the parkway for universally accessible access, approximately 80 m from the building. Due to the site’s unique location on the Ottawa River, the drop-off lane is the shortest universally accessible route. There is no parking in the drop-off lane.
Additionally, a universally accessible pathway extends approximately 570 m from P4 to the base of the docks of the NCC River House.
Rules
- Smoking/vaping: Smoking/vaping is not permitted indoors, on the bridge, patios docks, and in the swim area.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs and pets are permitted on the shoreline but are not permitted at the NCC River House or on the docks.
- Food: Glassware is not permitted on the docks.
- Alcohol: You may drink items bought at the NCC River House on the patios or inside the building. No outside alcohol is permitted onsite, including in the landscaped areas. Alcohol is not permitted on the docks.
About the NCC River House
The NCC River House is a landmark asset in the NCC’s portfolio. Designed by architect C.P. Meredith, it was constructed between 1914 and 1925 for the Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (ONEC). For nearly a century, it has been a place for canoeing, boating and recreational activities along the Ottawa River.
In 2010, the boathouse was designated a recognized federal heritage building due to its longstanding links to the history of canoeing in Canada. Its architecture is a rare example of early boathouse design, and its unique setting on the river gives it special historical significance.
From 2019 to 2023, the River House revitalization project brought required repairs and upgrades to this heritage property to make it usable year-round. It now provides new opportunities for public access and shoreline animation.
Current tenants
Current tenants include: Bytown Catering, Ottawa Riverkeeper and Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (ONEC).