10 Scenic Getaway Spots to Kayak Ottawa
Source: Pexels
The capital of Canada, Ottawa, is one of the best places for kayak Ottawa exploits in its ever-beautiful topography. Given its engaging bodies of water, greenery and modern city, Ottawa leverages non-motorized water sports for all its visitors from seasoned to novice.
Starting from calm still-water lakes to slowly flowing rivers, all of the places guarantee a particular kind of adventure with amazing views and beautiful memories. So, take hold of your paddle and let’s see the most fascinating places for kayaking in Ottawa!
DISCLAIMER: Before traveling to a kayak location, ensure that the location still allows for kayaking and make yourself aware of any rules and regulations in place.
Why Bother Kayaking Ottawa?
Outdoor adventurers have a favorite destination in Ottawa region where water activities abound in natural beauty. There are many lakes, streams, and canals that present perfect sites for kayaking, ottawa, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and also fishing activities. Parks, walking paths, and historical places are all scattered around the cities, making Ottawa and its surrounding regions a perfect place not only for indoor but also outdoor activities, which is a bonus to kayaking lovers.
5 Recommended Ottawa Kayaking Venues
Are you prepared to take your first step toward an Ottawa kayaking experience? These are the five excellent places you have to check out within the city.
1. Dow's Lake
In the heart of Ottawa, there is also a place very much loved by those who wish to paddle – Dow's Lake. It offers incredible views of the neighboring areas of Little Italy, The Glebe, and the Dominion Arboretum.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Flat body of water lake
- Skill Level: Basic
- Launching Point: Led stairs beside Dow’s Lake Pavilion
- Amenities: Rentals, restaurants, parking
- Unique Features: Connect to Rideau Canal for a longer paddle session
2. Rideau Canal and Rideau River
The Rideau Canal and Rideau River have equally a terrific supply of spots, which contain well more than a few terrific stretches to paddle with launch starting from downtown Ottawa to a point going south to Manotick.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Calm canal and gentle river
- Skill Level: Basic to intermediate
- Launching Points: Multiple (Hartwell locks, Patterson Creek, Mooney's Bay)
- Amenities: Rentals, parks, locks, beaches
- Unique Features: Paddle in urban scenic, historic locks, and islands.
3. Lac Leamy
Lac Leamy in Gatineau is simply a kayaker's delight paddling destination just next to the river from Ottawa. This gorgeous lake is linked with the unusual Lac de la Carriere, an ex-pit.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Quiet lake
- Skill Level: Basic Beginners
- Launching Points: Northwest parking lot or Lake Leamy Park beach area
- Amenities: Rentals, cafes, walking paths, parking lot
- Unique Features: A drained quarry with odd landscapes and a casino fountain.
4. Ottawa River
The enticing Ottawa River also affords various paddling locations, but care should be taken on the open nature of the water, especially among less experienced paddlers.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Open water, which can be rough sometimes.
- Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced.
- Launching Points: Britannia Beach, Westboro Beach, downtown locks.
- Amenities: Rentals, restaurants, beaches, historical places.
- Unique Features: Combined urban and nature paddling with islands and rapids for adventure.
5. Meech Lake
Meech Lake in Gatineau Park is a tranquil retreat for outdoor enthusiasts located just 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa. The lake is surrounded by Gatineau Park's dense forests, offering beautiful scenic views perfect for paddlers, swimmers, and hikers. Whether you're looking for a calm paddle or a serene spot to relax, Meech Lake delivers an unforgettable nature experience.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Clear, calm freshwater lake
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Launching Points: Blanchet Beach (south end) or O'Brien Beach (north end)
- Amenities: Picnic areas, parking, washrooms, and nearby hiking trails
- Unique Features: Beautiful fall foliage, secluded atmosphere, access to historical ruins from the Carbide Willson ruins, and proximity to some of Gatineau Park's best hiking trails, including the Waterfall Trail.
5 Must-Try Kayak Excursions Near Ottawa
Want to get out of the city for a while? These five kayak ottawa tours around this capital provide fabulous summertime paddling opportunities:
1. Ottawa Valley
- Overview: Picturesque region with beautiful lakes and rivers and cute small towns.
- Water Type: River, lake
- Skill level: Novice to expert
- Launching points: Multiple (Madawaska River, Bonnechere River)
- Amenities: Rentals, campgrounds, lodges
- Unique features: Colder weather paddling in fall coloration, fishing
2. Muskrat Lake, Cobden
- Overview: Quiet and calm lake situated within the beautiful Ottawa Valley, good for relaxed strokes and a lake swim.
- Water Type: Quiet lake water
- Skill Level: Suitable for beginners
- Launching Point: Cobden Beach Park
- Amenities: Beach, park, tables and BBQ area
- Unique Features: Wetland, wild animals and fishing
Source: Unsplash
3. Algonquin Provincial Park
- Overview: Iconic wildness park with more than 2000 lakes and 1200km of rivers and canals all in it.
- Water Type: Lake, river
- Skill Level: Beginner to advanced
- Launching Points: Multiple (Canoe Lake, Lake Opeongo, Smoke Lake)
- Amenities: Campgrounds, backcountry camping, lodges, rentals
- Unique Features: Wilderness canoeing, wilderness portaging, nature observation
4. Mattawa River
- Overview: Historic river route used by Indigenous people and voyageurs, now a Canadian Heritage River
- Water Type: River with some sections having rapids
- Skill Level: Moderate to hard
- Launching Points: Multiple (Mattawa, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park)
- Amenities: Camping sites, lodges, rental services
- Unique Features: Beautiful gorges, waterfalls, and historical locations.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
5. Temagami
- Overview: Isolated and untouched area containing multiples of lakes connected by rivers and old large trees.
- Water Type: Lakes and rivers
- Skill Level: Moderate to hard
- Launching Point: Multiple (Lake “Temagami” access point, Finlayson Point provincial park)
- Amenities: Camping facilities, lodges, rentals, and equipment.
- Unique Features: Rustic lake canoeing, island canoeing, and angling covers.
Source: Freepik
Best Places for Kayak Rentals in Ottawa
Are you in the market for Walter’s kayak or a paddle board anywhere in the city of Ottawa? Check out these top spots for more otters, why not:
Escape Tours & Rentals
- Location: Ottawa River downtown
- Rentals: SUPS, Kayaks, Bikes
- Pricing: 25$/hr and up for kayaks
- Other services: Sunset Kayak Tours
Riverview Mobile Kayak Rental
- Location: Couriers to 10 or more launch points within Ottawa
- Rentals: Kayaks ,SUps
- Pricing: 45-60 dollars per person less than 3hours
- Other services: Beginners welcome, spotting of different bird species
Ottawa Valley Canoe and Kayak
- Location: Beachburg, ON
- Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, paddle-boards
- Pricing: Half-day, full-day/multi-day and multi-days
- Other services: Rentals, instructions and guided journeys
Pro tip: Even if you only have a SUP board but would like to give kayaking a try, iROCKER SUP Kayak Conversion Kit will allow you to pedal your paddle just like a kayak with a pedal and an extra kayak seat.
Your Ottawa Kayaking Journey Awaits
If you’re a fan of kayaking, you won’t be disappointed as Ottawa has lots of opportunities related to this activity regardless of skill level. From city style fun, to countryside trips, this place has it all.
In order to truly appreciate the flexibility of the sport, one should think of purchasing an inflatable paddle board from iROCKER. It is a fulfilling activity and in most cases requires a portable kayak that folds in a wheeled bag for transport and storage purposes. With your own iROCKER inflatable kayak, you can embark on a kayak around Ottawa whenever you wish. Today is the day when the planning of your Ottawa kayaking trip begins!
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Ottawa?
The most appropriate time in which to plan a visit to Ottawa is in the summer season (June-August) when the weather is warm and a lot of music festivals are taking place. A favorite of many would-be fall (September to November) since the city also has its diversity as it begins to blossom with rich fall colors.
Is Ottawa safe for tourists?
Yes, tourists won’t have most issues regarding safety in Ottawa, for instance, few reports of crime occur in this city and people are welcoming.
