Riverside Park

Located just south of downtown Ottawa you will find a quiet residential neighbourhood with tree lined streets surrounded by nature and parklands. Bound on the north by Brookfield Road, on the east by the Airport Parkway, on the south by the CN Rail tracks, and on the west by the Rideau River where you will find one of Ottawa’s most prominent beaches, Mooney’s Bay. The beach also offers a new Canada themed playground spreading over nearly one acre built in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday. It is the location of the Terry Fox Athletic faciliity. along with both Vincent Massey Park, Hog’s Back Park. that host a bevy of festivals. The beautiful Hog’s back waterfalls provide the perfect place to sit on the rocks on those lazy summer days. For you golfers, you will also find the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, which has hosted professional and amateur golf tournaments.

But what is makes this neighbourhood a hidden gem is that it is truly a nature lovers and out door enthusiast haven on the very edge of downtown. Within the vast lands that flank the rail line are endless miles of trials that take snowshoers, cross country skiers and dog walkers through forests and open meadows. Hidden on the banks of the river is a place dogs go to swim and play. Bring your kayak or canoe to the Rideau River for a day on the water or join the Ottawa Canoe Club. The pathway that begins just south of Mooney’s Bay connects to the extensive pathway system extending east to Petrie Island, west past Britannia Bay, along the Ottawa River. In fact you can enjoy a very scenic bike ride into the heart of the Byward market along the river and Rideau canal in only 30 min.

This and for many other reasons is why I chose Riverside Park to be the place I and Bear call home.