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Dows Lake Pavilion
Dows Lake Pavilion: Ottawa’s waterfront haven for kayaking, skating, and serene strolls.
4.6
Business
$$
Dows Lake Pavilion: Ottawa’s waterfront haven for kayaking, skating, and serene strolls.
Located on Dows Lake in Ottawa, Dows Lake Pavilion is a scenic marina and park offering easy waterfront strolls and seasonal rentals. In summer, kayaks are available; in winter, skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway is popular. Rentals are quick and simple—waivers signed, life vests provided, a $20 deposit with ID, and no reservations needed. The venue is well-maintained and praised for peaceful surroundings, tulips in spring, and sunset views.
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Hourly rentals of solo and tandem kayaks and canoes for peaceful paddling on Dows Lake, with life vests provided.
Winter skate rentals for enjoying the Rideau Canal Skateway, with equipment for all ages and skill levels.
Fun and easy pedal boat rentals for groups and families to explore the lake at a leisurely pace.
Access to beautiful park areas with tulip gardens and waterfront views, perfect for picnics and relaxation.
Support for outdoor events and activities, leveraging the pavilion's scenic location for gatherings and tours.
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Overall rating
Moments in Motion
A beautiful spot in Ottawa with a special place in my own story. This was the first place I ever went fishing in Canada, and it’s where I caught my first sunfish — a small moment, but one I’ve never forgotten. The pavilion area is peaceful, easy to walk around, and always feels welcoming, whether you’re here for a quiet morning by the water or just enjoying the view. A simple, memorable place that stays with you. Stopped by this evening and took a walk along the Rideau Canal Skateway — all 6.8 km of it open. Standing on the ice and watching people quietly skating by gave the pavilion a completely different feeling from summertime. The calm, open space, the soft sound of blades on ice, and the winter light made the whole area feel peaceful in a way you only get in Ottawa’s colder months. A simple moment, but a beautiful contrast to the busy, warm‑weather scene here.
zahra vy
We came early in the afternoon. No reservations needed or wait in line. For group rent, only 1 ID 💳(not including healthcard) was taken and we all paid together. The rent prices are per hour + taxes. They accept both card and cash. We wanted to try the pedal boat but the staff recommended that the boats were currently not at their best. We decided to rent a tandem kayaks and a solo kayak. 🛶 We signed a waiver📃, given a life vest each and then shown to our kayaks in a matter of minutes. No tutorial given, we just paddled away. 🙉😭👌🏼 _________ Despite the hot weather🌤☀️, there was breeze once you got on the water. Very peaceful activity. Kayaking was easier than expected but did not expect to get very wet 😭💦💦 Maybe because it was our first time, our legs were wet from the occasional splashing. Definitely plan extra clothes and proper foot wear. 👖👙👟
Riya Shah
Dows Lake is such a beautiful spot in Ottawa! Whether you're out for a walk, renting a kayak is super convenient , or just grabbing a bite to eat with a view, it’s always a great experience. The scenery is stunning—especially in the spring with all the tulips or during sunset. Everything is well-maintained, and the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing.
Nicholas
Review is related to kayak/canoe rentals The process of renting a kayak was very quick and no reservations were required. A $20 and an ID card are required as a deposit. Prices for the rentals match those on the website, and are paid at the conclusion of your paddling. We intended to use canoes but they had mentioned that due to weather conditions they were unavailable. However, you can see by the pictures the water was very calm. Make sure to take a peek in your kayak before entering as twice we were almost seated in a kayak that had been flooded with water at the bottom. The staff was very friendly and helped find a better kayak. Overall it hits the goal of offering a way to paddle out on the water in the city. Just make sure to call in to confirm the equipment you want is available.
Aditi Kulkarni
Very scenic and peaceful. They rent kayaks during summer and skates during winter time for skating. It’s a great picnic spot with beautiful flower gardens and trees. Must visit when in Ottawa.
