Skip to content
Light at Night Trip Planning Guide
Joining us for Light at Night Kayaking or Kaleidoscope Kayaking on the Rideau Canal? We cannot wait to welcome you! This guide covers everything you need to know before you arrive — where to meet us, where to park, where to stay, where to eat, and what to do if you are making a day or weekend out of your visit to Ottawa.
We send a full tour information package by email before your event. This guide is a companion to that — a little extra help planning the fun parts around your paddle.
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. This gives us time to check everyone in, confirm waivers, fit gear, and review safety information before we get on the water. You do not need to print your receipt — we will have your booking on file.
On the morning of your tour, we will send a weather update by email. Please check your inbox on the day. If anything changes due to weather, email is how we will reach you.
Where we launch
Both tours operate on the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa.
Your confirmation email will include the exact meeting location and any final details specific to your tour date.
Parking nearby
Parking in downtown Ottawa can vary depending on the day, time, events, and construction. We recommend giving yourself a little extra time to find a spot.
City of Ottawa paid parking map
The best starting point for finding current parking options near Patterson Creek, Bank Street, Elgin Street, and the surrounding downtown area. The interactive map shows municipal lots and paid street parking. Street parking along Queen Elizabeth Driveway and nearby side streets is often the closest option to the launch site.
Distance to launch: Varies — some street spots are under 500 m (5 to 6 min walk).
Glebe Parking Garage
Located at 170 Second Avenue near Bank Street, the Glebe Parking Garage is a reliable option if you are planning to have dinner in the Glebe before your paddle. It puts you within easy walking distance of Bank Street restaurants and the canal pathway.
Distance to launch: approx. 1.0 km — about 12 min on foot or 2 min by Uber.
Glebe Parking Garage — 170 Second Avenue
Street parking is also available in some surrounding neighbourhoods — the Glebe, Centretown, and the Golden Triangle. Read posted signs carefully, as rules vary by street, time of day, and whether events are on nearby.
Where to stay
If you are coming in from out of town, staying in one of these areas puts you close to the canal and makes the evening easy.
Centretown
A practical and convenient choice close to restaurants, coffee shops, and downtown attractions. Walking distance to the canal.
- The Business Inn and Suites — 180 MacLaren Street (approx. 1.5 km · 18 min walk · 4 min Uber)
- Cartier Place Suite Hotel — 180 Cooper Street (approx. 1.6 km · 19 min walk · 4 min Uber)
-
The Metcalfe Hotel — 123 Metcalfe Street (approx. 1.9 km · 23 min walk · 5 min Uber)
The Metcalfe Hotel
Elgin Street and the Golden Triangle
Close to the Rideau Canal, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and a great stretch of restaurants. A good fit if you want to park once and explore on foot all evening.
- Lord Elgin Hotel — 100 Elgin Street (approx. 2.2 km · 27 min walk · 5 min Uber)
-
reStays Luxury Boutique Hotel — 101 Queen Street (approx. 3.5 km · 30 min walk · 10 min Uber)
Lord Elgin
Parliament Hill and the downtown core
Best if your trip includes Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre, Confederation Park, Sparks Street, or the ByWard Market. A little further from the launch site but very central for exploring.
- Fairmont Chateau Laurier — 1 Rideau Street (approx. 3.0 km · 35 min walk · 7 min Uber)
-
The Westin Ottawa — 11 Colonel By Drive (approx. 3.0 km · 37 min walk · 7 min Uber)
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Book directly with your preferred hotel and confirm parking availability, check-in time, and walking distance to the canal before your stay. Ottawa can get busy during festival season and summer weekends — booking ahead is always a good idea.
Airbnb options nearby
Prefer an Airbnb? The Glebe and Centretown have some lovely options within easy reach of the launch site.
The Loft Downtown — Entire loft
A stylish downtown loft, centrally located and well suited for guests who want to be close to the canal, Elgin Street, and the Golden Triangle.
Glebe Century Home — Entire home
A charming whole-home option in the Glebe — ideal for guests who want to be right in the neighbourhood closest to the launch. Great for couples or small groups.
Distance to launch: approx. 1.0 km — about 12 min on foot or 2 min by Uber.
The Heart of Ottawa — Private room
A private room in the heart of the city — a great budget-friendly option for solo travellers or anyone who just needs a comfortable place to rest between Ottawa adventures.
Bright Clean Single Home — Entire home
A bright, full home rental that works well for families or small groups looking for a little more space and a home-away-from-home feel during their Ottawa visit.
Search Airbnb for The Glebe, Centretown, or The Golden Triangle for the best proximity to Patterson Creek. For a slightly livelier base with easy Uber access, Sandy Hill and Old Ottawa South are also worth exploring. Browse all Airbnb options in the Glebe
Where to eat before your paddle
We recommend eating before your tour, especially for an evening paddle. Try to time dinner so you are not rushing straight from the table to the water — a comfortable hour between dinner and launch is ideal. Click the titles for more information.
Right at the launch site
NCC Patterson Creek Park Bistro
You cannot get closer than this. The NCC bistro is located right inside Patterson Creek Park, steps from where we launch. A great option if you want to grab a bite, enjoy the park, and walk straight to your kayak. Open seasonally.
On-site — 1 min walk.
The Glebe — our top pick
The Glebe is the neighbourhood closest to Patterson Creek and has the best concentration of restaurants for a pre-paddle dinner. Bank Street is the main drag, with plenty of options at every price point. Approx. 1.0 km from the launch — about 12 min on foot or 2 min by Uber.
Lansdowne Park
Located in the Glebe, Lansdowne is a great destination if you want to make an afternoon of it before your tour. Multiple restaurants, outdoor space, and a great atmosphere — especially on Sunday mornings when the farmers market runs from 9am to 3pm. Approx. 1.4 km from the launch — about 16 min on foot or 3 min by Uber.
Elgin Street
A lively downtown dining strip close to the canal, the Golden Triangle, and the Canadian Museum of Nature. Easy Uber access from most downtown hotels. Approx. 1.6 km from the launch — about 20 min on foot or 4 min by Uber.
Things to do nearby
If you are making a day or weekend of your visit, the area around the Rideau Canal has plenty to offer. Here are some of our favourite nearby stops — many of which are free or low cost. Click the titles for more information.
Ottawa has no shortage of things to see and do. For a full list of attractions, events, and visitor guides, check out Ottawa Tourism at ottawatourism.ca — an excellent resource for planning your visit.
What to bring
We will send a full packing list with your tour information package, but here is a helpful overview to get you started.
What to bring on tour night:
We provide the kayak, paddle, PFD, and all tour safety gear. You just need to show up ready to paddle.
Questions before your tour?
Just reply to your confirmation email or reach us at tours@ovap.ca. We are happy to help you plan your visit and make sure your evening on the canal is smooth, memorable, and easy from the moment you arrive.
Ready to book?
Join us for Light at Night Kayaking — all-summer evening paddles on the Rideau Canal — or Kaleidoscope Kayaking for the Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy fireworks experience.
Both tours sell out every year. If you are on the fence, book sooner rather than later.
Book Light at Night Book Kaleidoscope Kayaking
