5 Best Outdoor Adventures in Ottawa

Adrika Singh

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Outdoor Adventures in Ottawa

Best Outdoor Adventures in Ottawa: Ottawa is a city full of adventure and fun. Be it summer or winter there is always something to do outdoors like bungee jumping, ice-skating, and much more. Even if you are a ‘light adventure’ kind of person the city offers you ample parks and gardens to unwind and relax. In this blog, we are going to list 5 diverse outdoor adventures that students living in Ottawa should try. Whether you are an ardent thrill-seeker or a laidback adventurer, you are sure to find something that will appeal to your kind of adventure. So let’s dive in and learn more about these places!

Outdoor AdventureLocation
Camping in Gatineau Park33 Chem. Scott, Chelsea, QC J9B 1R5, Canada
Whitewater Rafting in Ottawa RiverOttawa River, Canada
Swimming in Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach2960 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON K1V 8N4, Canada
Skating on Rideau CanalOttawa, ON, Canada
Escaping into Nature at Fletcher Wildlife GardenNear 865, Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON K2C 3K1, Canada

1. Camping in Gatineau Park

Due to its proximity to the city centre, Gatineau Park offers a beautiful, quick escape from the city. The park is spread over an enormous 360 square kilometre area and has everything from lakes, rivers, and caves to rich biodiversity and waterfalls. This is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and with yourself and the place is preferred both by peaceful nature lovers to enthusiastic adventure souls. Camping here for a night will cost you around $50. The park has more than 200 campsites and before you make a reservation, you’ll need to pick a site that will suit your tastes.

Distance From Places of Interest

PlaceETA
Chelsea Shawarma & Pizza4 minutes drive
Le MELDO Resto-Traiteur7 minutes drive
Bistro Manchester4 minutes drive

How To Reach

If you are looking for some pocket-friendly student accommodations in Canada then you must read this blog: Top Cheapest Student Accommodation in Canada

2. Whitewater Rafting in Ottawa River

Embed from Getty Images

A lot of companies provide whitewater rafting trips in the Ottawa River. The river splits into different channels and you can opt for a difficulty level as per your comfort and experience level. No matter which difficulty level you pick, the wilderness of the river will leave you feeling pleasant and excited throughout your trip. People of different age groups take part in these rafting trips and it takes roughly 4-5 hours to complete one. The best time to go whitewater rafting would be fall as it will be less crowded and you’ll be able to enjoy it more.

Distance From Places of Interest

PlaceETA
Bears Den Lounge & Motel22 minutes drive
Santa Fe Restaurant22 minutes drive
Long Shot’s Sports Cafe23 minutes drive

How To Reach

3. Swimming in Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach

Located south of Downtown Ottawa, Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach is a riverfront recreational area and the perfect spot for summertime swimming. You’ll find a lot of people here taking part in water sports and strolling on the beach. There is a designated area for swimming supervised by lifeguards. You can rent volleyball nets, stand-up paddle boards, and canoes on the beach. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes located on the beach to fill your day and the area stays open from 5 AM to 11 PM.

Distance From Places of Interest

PlaceETA
Local Tavern6 minutes drive
Cora Breakfast and Lunch7 minutes drive
Cindy’s Restaurant8 minutes drive

How To Reach

If you are a bookworm looking for unique bookshops in Montreal then you must read this blog: 5 Must-Visit Bookshops in Montreal

4. Skating on Rideau Canal

Embed from Getty Images

Rideau Canal, the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Ottawa, is a 200 km long waterway that connects the city to Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River in Kingston. A lot of people gather at this landmark to skate in winter. If you are someone who likes skating then you must visit this area in Ottawa’s winter season from January to March. Skating here is free of cost and you have the complete 7.8 km stretch of the canal to yourself.

Distance From Places of Interest

PlaceETA
Sunset Grill4 minutes drive
Allô mon Coco8 minutes drive
Vietnamese Kitchen5 minutes drive

How To Reach

5. Escaping into Nature at Fletcher Wildlife Garden

Located near Dow’s Lake, Fletcher Wildlife Garden is a beautiful recreational area in the city of Ottawa. The garden is filled with an array of wildflowers and plants and abundant wildlife including butterflies, owls, songbirds, and owls to name a few. You’ll find lush green grass, ponds, and easy walking trails in this reserve. Whenever you feel like indulging in a light, laidback adventure kind of thing then this would be the perfect place for you. The garden is surrounded by several other green spaces like Canadensis Botanical Garden, Dominion Arboretum, and Ornamental Gardens, among several others.

Distance From Places of Interest

PlaceETA
Umbrella Bar4 minutes drive
La Roma4 minutes drive
Bento Sushi8 minutes drive

How To Reach

FAQs

What is the best time to go whitewater rafting in the Ottawa River?

The best time to go whitewater rafting in the Ottawa River is fall as there are fewer crowds and you get to see beautiful scenery and fall colours around the river.

What are some best outdoor adventures in Ottawa?

Some best outdoor adventures in Ottawa are whitewater rafting in the Ottawa River and camping in the Gatineau Park.

Which place in Ottawa is good for swimming?

Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach in Ottawa is a great place to swim.

This blog was all about some exciting outdoor adventures in Ottawa. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118. 

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5 Thrilling Outdoor Adventures in Canada

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