BEST OF OTTAWA 2020: Parks, Beaches & Trails

After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss #OLMBest every week!

Commissioners Park — Queen Elizabeth Dr. & Preston St.

Famously known as the site of the popular Canadian Tulip Festival, Commissioners Park is easily one of Ottawa's most scenic parks. With its winding paths, large green spaces and location on Dow's Lake, it is the perfect place for a run or to even just relax with a good book.
Photo Credit: OLM Staff

Hog's Back Park — 600 Hog’s Back Road

Hog's Back, located on the road of the same name, was opened in the 1950s and makes you feel like you've been transported out of the city completely! It features scenic hiking trails, picnic areas and even impressive waterfalls.
Photo Credit: National Capital Commission

Confederation Park — corner of Laurier Ave, W. & Elgin St.

Located in the heart of Downtown, Confederation is one of the city’s most popular and well-known parks. It mixes urban and natural vibes and is hme t beautiful sculptures and a grand fountain that is almost 200 years old! Many of the city’s popular festivals take place at the park like the Ottawa International Jazz Fest and Canada Day celebrations.
Photo Credit: National Capital Commission

Britannia Park and Beach — 2805 Carling Ave.

Brittania is a large city-owned park and consists of both a traditional park, with picnic areas and trails, and a sandy beach. It is a super popular spot during the summertime with visitors lounging on the beach or even grabbing a bite at the on-site burger joint Baja Burger Shack. The beach area will unfortunately be closed for construction this summer, but will be reopened for the 2021 season.
Photo Credit: OLM Staff

Vincent Massey Park — Heron Rd.

The spacious and scenic Vincent Massey Park is located in the Confederation Heights neighborhood and is renowned for its beautiful biking trails and large bandstand where you can find musicians performing under during the warmer months. The park also features a baseball diamond and barbecue pits making it perfect for large get-togethers and picnics.
Photo Credit: National Capital Commission

Andrew Haydon Park — 3169 Carling Ave.

Andrew Haydon Park is a city-owned park that will really help you get in touch with nature. There are two ponds in the park that are home to numerous species of water birds like Canada geese, ducks, and shorebirds. This park is also dog friendly–just make sure to keep your furry friend on a leash!
Photo Credit: Wikicommons

Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach — Riverside Dr.

Mooney’s Bay is one of the city’s most popular summer spots. Located right on the Rideau River, it features a full beach, picnic areas, play structures, bike paths and even a fitness area. The park is also home to a scenic bridge and beautiful willow trees that make it a popular choice for wedding photos.
Photo Credit: Michel Castagne via Wikipedia

Major's Hill Park — Rideau St.

Located in the heart of the city, with stunning views of the National Gallery, ByWard Market and Parliament, Major's Hill is a gem. It was Ottawa’s very first park, opened in 1826, and has gone on to become a hot spot for both locals and tourists alike. Its vast lawns are the perfect place to relax with a book or have a picnic. It is also one of the official sites of the Canadian Tulip Festival.
Photo Credit: OLM Staff

Lansdowne Park — 1525 Princess Patricia Way

Lansdowne Park offers you all you need for the perfect day out  – the park itself includes a vast lawn, a splash pad, skateboard park and play structures and is located right next to the plaza that offers tons of great shopping, entertainment and dining options. Lansdowne is one of the city’s busiest spots during the summer season!
Photo Credit: City of Ottawa

Dundonald Park — 516 Somerset St. W.

Dundonald Park, located in Centretown, is known for its vast green space and maple trees that are beautiful in the fall. The park als has an interesting history – it is where the RCMP monitored Soviet defector Igor Gouzenko’s apartment in 1945 while he was being hunted by Soviet embassy officials. Plaques in memory of this historic event are installed throughout the park.  
Photo Credit: Wikicommons