Our Favourite Places to Paddleboard and kayak In & Around the City of

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that adventure doesn’t require a plane ticket. Some of the best experiences happen right in our own backyards. At Ottawa Valley Air Paddle, we’ve seen just how many families, couples, and solo explorers have embraced paddling as their go-to way to unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature.

Whether you're gliding across a quiet lake or paddling down a winding river, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding offer an incredible mix of freedom, fun, and fitness—and best of all, you don’t need a special license to get started. Just a bit of curiosity, a splash of courage, and you’re on your way. And when the summer sun is high and the water is calling, there’s truly no better place to be than right here in the Ottawa Valley.

At OVAP, we specialize in making paddling accessible, easy, and exciting. Our rental fleet has expanded to include not just inflatable SUPs, but also the foldable Oru Inlet—ideal for paddlers who need compact, portable gear that doesn’t sacrifice performance. Whether you’re heading out for a day trip or planning your next paddle-cation, we’ve got the gear and guidance to get you started.

💡 Safety first: Before you launch, make sure you’re prepared. Always wear a life jacket (PFD), carry a Transport Canada-approved safety kit, and check the weather conditions. Bring a charged phone in a waterproof case, paddle with a buddy whenever possible, and let someone know your route.

Many of our guests ask where to launch non-motorized watercraft around Ottawa and the Valley. We’ve got you covered with some of our favourite local spots—perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. From urban waterways to remote backcountry gems, there’s no shortage of places to dip your paddle.

Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more of our favourite paddling destinations soon.

Until then, plan your route, pack your safety gear, and get out there. Happy paddling!

*Be sure to click on anything I have linked in the blog for an exact location.

1. Dows Lake

One of the most popular places to launch a kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the city of Ottawa is Dow’s Lake—and for good reason. Centrally located and surrounded by scenic neighbourhoods like Little Italy, The Glebe, and the Dominion Arboretum, this calm and accessible body of water is a favourite for both casual paddlers and those looking for a full-day adventure.

You can easily launch your personal watercraft from the stairs beside the Dow’s Lake Pavilion, which remain a go-to access point. But new for 2025, there's an even easier option: a new universally accessible dock has been installed at Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Lakeside Avenue, right near street parking. This dock makes getting your gear into and out of the water faster and more convenient, and even includes Muskoka chairs, bike racks, and a swimming area—perfect for those who want to relax waterside after a paddle.

From Dow’s Lake, you can take your time paddling a relaxed loop around the lake, enjoying the views of moored boats, tree-lined shores, and city skylines. Or, for something more adventurous, follow the Rideau Canal in either direction:

Heading south, you’ll arrive at Hartwell Locks, a historic lock station and a beautiful destination in its own right. There are wooden docks here where you can launch or stop for a break—just be sure to avoid the blue line when the locks are open.
Heading north, you can follow the canal all the way downtown to Locks 1–8, passing under charming bridges like the Flora Footbridge, the Corktown Footbridge, and the Pretoria Bridge. Along the way, enjoy views of Lansdowne Park, historic architecture, and several green spaces. The paddle to downtown is just under 7 km, making it a rewarding and manageable full-day excursion.

There are also several other great places to launch along the way:

Patterson Creek offers a peaceful detour and a convenient dock near the skating chalet. The willow trees and stately homes here create a truly picturesque backdrop.
The Corktown Footbridge stairs, near Waverley Street on the west side of the canal, provide another access point for paddlers who want to get on the water closer to downtown.

For more inspiration or nighttime paddling experiences in this area, check out our Light at Night Tour and don’t miss our blog on 10 Reasons to Go Kayaking at Night.

Dow’s Lake is a perfect jumping-off point for those new to paddling or anyone looking for a scenic, centrally located route with plenty of flexibility. Whether you stay within the lake or venture out along the canal, you’ll find that this area has plenty to offer in terms of views, access, and variety.

2. Rideau Canal – A Waterway Full of Variety (and Surprises!)

The Rideau Canal offers a paddling experience unlike any other, with options for peaceful evening floats, daytime exploration, and longer, scenic journeys through Ottawa’s historic waterway. One of our favourite sections—and the route we use for our Light at Night Tour—is the calm, lock-free stretch between Patterson Creek and the Pretoria Bridge.

This area is ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, especially in the evening hours when the canal is beautifully lit, quiet, and free of motorized boat traffic. As the sun dips below the horizon, the city transforms. Landmarks like the Château Laurier, National Arts Centre, and Parliament Hill glow with architectural light, and the water reflects the sparkle of the skyline.

Our Light at Night Tour uses compact, LED-lit Oru Kayaks and offers a peaceful 5.5 km paddle perfect for date nights, group outings, or just a solo moment of calm. If you haven’t tried paddling at night before, check out our blog: 10 Reasons to Go Kayaking at Night for inspiration—you’ll never look at the water the same way again.

More to Explore: South from Hartwell to Long Island

If you’re looking to explore beyond the city core, start at Hartwell Locks. There’s a convenient dock and parking area here that makes for an easy launch. From Hartwell to Hog’s Back, the Rideau flows gently through scenic neighbourhoods with winding inlets and quiet corners—perfect for a casual afternoon paddle.

Feeling curious? Portage over the Hog’s Back Lock (or launch just below it at Mooney’s Bay Beach or Mooney’s Bay boat launch—both with dock access). From here, you’ll find Nesbitt Creek, a narrow, meandering waterway offering a hidden peek into lush backyards and high-end properties. It’s a secret spot for calm water and bird sightings.

Continue paddling south and you’ll pass under a train bridge, cruise by the Ramada Inn, and eventually arrive at Black Rapids Lock—a great place to stop for lunch or a break. The full stretch between Hog’s Back and Black Rapids is about 6.5 km, so plan accordingly.

Beyond Black Rapids, the canal opens up to Barrhaven and the Vimy Memorial Bridge—a modern architectural marvel worth seeing from underneath. You’ll get a whole new appreciation for its design while paddling beneath it.

Looking for a long-distance challenge? Keep going all the way to Long Island Locks in Manotick, adding another 8.3 km of winding river, farmland, and quiet shoreline to your adventure.

Recommended Access Points Along the Rideau:

Patterson Creek (for night paddles and inner-city peace)
Hartwell Locks (free parking and dock access)
Mooney’s Bay Beach or Boat Launch
Hog’s Back Lock (dock access on the upper level)
Black Rapids Lock (docks on both upper and lower levels)
Chapman Mills Conservation Area (excellent day paddle launch)

3. Rideau River

Rideau River

The north part of the Rideau River can also be accessed with a SUP or kayak, you just need to be mindful of the areas with rapids. If you are an extreme and advanced kayaker or paddleboarder, you might want to try this out, but I wouldn’t do it in an inflatable or fold-up kayak!

There is an easy spot to launch your watercraft at Stanley Dog Park in New Edinburgh. Just be careful not to go north from this spot. There are rapids and it is very dangerous due to fast-moving water from Rideau Falls. You can go south from here, but it gets rocky as you approach Strathcona Park. The rapids begin just after the park.

In the last few years, the city has installed paddling docks at Windsor Park, Brantwood Park (at Clegg Street), and most recently at Springhurst Park, making the stretch between Bank Street and the Queensway a lot more accessible than it used to be. These locations are great for launching hard-shell kayaks or paddleboards and provide better access for families and beginners looking to explore this central part of the river.

4. Lac Leamy

I had never been to Lac Leamy until a couple years ago and I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived. Not only does the lake offer a great walking path all the way around it, but it also has some amazing water for paddling! You can safely launch by the northwest parking lot at Lac Leamy or on the beach at Lake Leamy Park. Both places offer parking as well as cafes so you can stop and get lunch before or after. Parking costs $2 per half hour or a daily max of $10. Enjoy a leisurely paddle around this beautiful lake and then venture underneath the 2 bridges at the casino towards the man-made Lac de la Carrière - a former quarry that is now linked to Lac Leamy.

This area is extra special because of the unique rock formations from the quarry as well as the famous casino water fountain! These 2 lakes really are a paddler’s paradise. There are always lots of people out enjoying these waters. There is also a kiosk where you can rent boards and kayaks by the northwest parking lot. If you are looking for more adventure, Lac Leamy also flows into the Gatineau River which then turns into the Ottawa River. There are tons of possibilities from here!

5. Ottawa River

The Ottawa River is one of the most dynamic paddling routes in the region—rich in history, diverse in scenery, and filled with possibilities. Known as Kitchisippi, or “Great River,” by the Algonquin people, it has served as a transportation route for Indigenous peoples, a passage for explorers like Samuel de Champlain in 1613, and a highway for the lumber trade that helped shape Ottawa. Today, it continues to offer a unique paddling experience that combines natural beauty with cultural depth.

But this is no gentle stream. The Ottawa River is vast, unpredictable, and powerful. One day, it’s calm and glassy. The next, it’s stirred up by wind or current. That’s part of its charm—and its challenge. Whether you’re planning a short urban paddle or a multi-kilometre river journey, it’s important to match your route to your experience level, your gear, and the weather conditions.

There are no lock systems along the Ottawa River, so if you’re planning to paddle between separate river sections, you’ll need to portage around dams or plan your trips as separate outings. And as always: wear your PFD, carry a Transport Canada-approved safety kit, paddle within your limits, and let someone know where you’re going.

Below are some of our favourite places to explore along the Ottawa River, starting in the heart of downtown and moving outward.

Downtown Launch: The Ottawa River East

One of the most iconic places to begin your journey is right downtown at the base of the Rideau Canal Locks 1–8. There’s a long stretch of docking at the bottom of the locks where tour boats like Capital Cruises depart. Paddlers can also launch from here—just be prepared to carry your kayak or paddleboard down a lot of stairs.

Want to skip the stairs? Head across the river to Port de plaisance Jacques-Cartier – Marina de Hull. This marina on the Gatineau side offers a gentle, accessible boat launch and free parking. From here, you can easily explore both the Ontario and Quebec shorelines.

⚠️ Heading west from the locks, be mindful of the light rapids between Parliament Hill and the Portage Bridge. These aren’t suitable for all watercraft—especially folding kayaks like the Oru Lake or basic inflatables (like the Intex). But if you’re in a capable touring or hardshell kayak and have some experience, the section is safely passable in normal conditions up until the Portage Bridge.

Heading east, you’ll pass beneath the Alexandra Bridge and glide by the Ottawa Rowing Club, the Earnscliffe National Historic Site, the Rideau Falls, and the Prime Minister’s Official Residence at 24 Sussex. This area is both historic and serene, offering a truly unique look at the capital.

A particularly interesting side route is Décharge du Lac Leamy, a quiet canal that winds past the ruins of the Ville de Vanier, a former cruise ship notorious for its illegal craps games. It’s a spot teeming with plant and fish life, and its slow-moving waters provide a break from the river’s current. You'll pass under a walking bridge and the Boulevard Fournier bridge before reaching Lac Leamy itself.

Another option is Ruisseau de la Brasserie, a narrow creek connecting the Ottawa River to the far side of Lac Leamy. This picturesque route takes you past Parc Desjardins and under five separate bridges—offering an immersive blend of nature and urban exploration.

Petrie Island

Located in Ottawa’s east end, Petrie Island is an ideal destination for beginner paddlers. It features a wide, sandy beach with multiple places to launch your kayak or paddleboard. Parking is currently free until pay machines are installed.

Once on the water, head west around the island. There’s an opening that leads you into a maze of calm inlets and winding canals, perfect for a relaxed paddle. Wildlife is abundant, and the sunsets here are unforgettable. If you’re craving a bit more speed, you can even rent a jet ski from Jet Ski Ottawa, which operates right on the island.

Back out on the main Ottawa River, you can head east for as long as your stamina allows. It’s possible to paddle as far as Hawkesbury, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.

Constance Bay

West of downtown, Constance Bay offers a lovely day-trip option. This friendly riverside town features a wide, sandy beach that’s great for swimming and launching watercraft. Once on the water, head west and stay close to the shoreline as you enter Buckham’s Bay, a sheltered area dotted with waterfront homes and cottages. The water here is usually calm, making it a perfect stretch for a peaceful, scenic paddle.

Fitzroy Harbour

Another western gem, Fitzroy Harbour is a beautiful place to paddle and explore. Launch from Fitzroy Beach, located inside Fitzroy Provincial Park (note that a $12.25 day-use fee applies). Docks at this location make launching easy.

From here, you can paddle around Kedey’s Island and Alexandra Island, taking in the natural beauty and quiet surroundings. However, steer well clear of the Chat Falls Generating Station to the west—this area has strong currents and is not safe for paddlers.

Let the Journey Continue

From the quiet backchannels of the Rideau Canal to the wide waters of the Ottawa River, this blog highlights some of our favourite places to paddle in and around the city of Ottawa. Whether you're looking for a beginner-friendly launch, a scenic urban route, or a full-day river adventure, there's something here for every paddler—and we hope this guide helps you plan your next great outing.

Of course, the waterways are always changing. New docks are installed, access points improve, and sometimes hidden gems are discovered by fellow paddlers just like you. If we missed a spot you love—or if you notice a new launch that’s worth adding—please let us know. We’re always updating this list and love hearing from our community.

At Ottawa Valley Air Paddle, our mission is to make it easy for you to connect with nature, explore new places, and paddle with confidence. Whether you're joining us for a guided experience, gearing up with the right equipment, or simply using our resources to plan your own trip, we're proud to be part of your journey.

Stay safe, stay curious, and we’ll see you out on the water!

Our Favourite Places to Paddleboard and Kayak In & Around the City of Ottawa