Best Picnic Spots in Ottawa

Ottawa has excellent picnic parks along its three rivers and canal. Before you pack the cooler, know the rules.

Rules to Know

BBQ Rules (City of Ottawa)

• Propane and natural gas BBQs are allowed in designated areas (where fixed BBQ pits exist) without a permit
• Charcoal, hardwood, and wood pellets are not allowed in any City of Ottawa park
• To use your own propane BBQ in a non-designated area, you need a park permit (613-580-2595)
• BBQs must be at least 5 metres from any structure

Alcohol

• NCC (federal) parks: Alcohol is not permitted. This includes Major's Hill Park, Confederation Park, Hog's Back, Vincent Massey Park, Jacques-Cartier Park, and all NCC green spaces.
• City of Ottawa parks: A pilot project in 2025 allowed alcohol at 8 specific parks (Brewer, Lansdowne, Minto, McNabb, Queenswood Ridge, Riverain, Strathcona, Champlain). A report on extending the program is expected in 2026. None of the parks below were in the pilot.

Best Parks with BBQ Pits

Vincent Massey Park

Ottawa's premier picnic park — 28.9 hectares of wooded paths and meadows along the Rideau River. Two covered shelters with electrical hook-ups make it the best choice for group gatherings.

• BBQ pits: Yes (designated)
• Shelters: 2 covered shelters
• Washrooms: May to mid-October
• Parking: Paid — $1/30 min, max$8/day
• Dogs: Not allowed
• Reservations: Picnic areas bookable May–September through Caltrio (613-733-7704)

Andrew Haydon Park

A riverside park with Ottawa River sunset views, splash pad, playground, and a bandshell for summer concerts. Free parking but fills fast on weekends.

• BBQ pits: Yes
• Washrooms: Yes
• Parking: Free
• Dogs: Allowed
• Hours: 5 AM–11 PM

Hog's Back Falls

Picnic with the sound of rushing water — Hog's Back Falls has tables and BBQ pits near the dramatic falls where the Rideau River drops. A shaded gazebo and the seasonal Hog's Back Grill concession add to the appeal.

• BBQ pits: Yes
• Shelters: Shaded gazebo
• Washrooms: May to mid-October
• Parking: Free

Britannia Beach

Britannia Beach on the Ottawa River has picnic tables, pavilions, and BBQ pits alongside a sandy supervised beach. Lifeguards noon to 7 PM in summer. Volleyball net rentals available.

• BBQ pits: Yes (propane only — no charcoal)
• Shelters: Picnic pavilions
• Washrooms: Yes, plus change rooms and showers
• Parking: Free

Mooney's Bay

Mooney's Bay has a sandy Rideau River beach, BBQ pits, playground, volleyball courts, and a seasonal licensed bar area.

• BBQ pits: Yes (propane only)
• Washrooms: Yes, plus changing rooms
• Parking: Paid — $1/30 min

Petrie Island

Petrie Island in Orleans has approximately 40 picnic tables in a shaded area near two sandy Ottawa River beaches. Nature & Interpretation Centre on site.

• BBQ pits: Yes (propane only)
• Shelters: Pavilion area
• Washrooms: Yes (10:30 AM–9 PM)
• Parking: $2/5 hrs

Gatineau Park — Lac Philippe

Gatineau Park is the rare exception where charcoal BBQs are available — at Breton Beach and Parent Beach (Lac Philippe), plus 7 other designated picnic areas. Charcoal BBQs are banned when fire danger is "Very High" or "Extreme."

• Shelters: Day shelters at Philippe, Renaud, and Parent Beach
• Washrooms: Yes, plus change rooms at beaches
• Parking: Paid — $2.75/30 min, max$15/day (mid-June to September)
• Dogs: Not allowed in picnic areas
• ~30 min from downtown

Best Parks for a Blanket Picnic

Major's Hill Park

Major's Hill Park has rolling lawns with views of Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal locks, and the Ottawa River. Seasonal Tavern on the Hill serves food and drinks from the historic Header House. Picnic tables available, but the lawns are the real draw.

• Washrooms: May to October
• Parking: Paid (nearby ByWard Market or National Gallery)
• Dogs: Allowed

Commissioners Park / Dow's Lake

Commissioners Park along Dow's Lake is famous for over 300,000 tulips in May. Waterfront Muskoka chairs, a seasonal NCC Summer Zone with food vendors, and pathways along the Rideau Canal.

• Parking: Paid (Champagne lot, 855 Carling Avenue)

Dominion Arboretum

The Dominion Arboretum — Canada's oldest arboretum (1889) — is a 26-hectare garden with mature tree canopy and views over Dow's Lake. No formal picnic tables — bring a blanket. Adjacent Ornamental Gardens have rose, rock, and perennial collections.

• Parking: Free
• Admission: Free, dawn to dusk

Jacques-Cartier Park

Jacques-Cartier Park on the Gatineau side offers views back across the Ottawa River to Parliament Hill and Rideau Falls. Picnic tables in the northern sector, plus the seasonal Maison Charron Terrasse for food and drinks.

• Parking: Free 2-hour parking at three locations (7 AM–10 PM)

Confederation Park

Confederation Park is a shaded downtown oasis on Elgin Street with the Colonel By memorial fountain, mature trees, and a seasonal NCC Bistro. Benches throughout — no formal picnic tables. Steps from the National War Memorial.

• Parking: Nearest paid parking at City Hall Garage

At a Glance

Tips

• Best for groups with BBQ: Vincent Massey Park (reservable shelters with power) and Andrew Haydon Park (free parking).
• Best for a romantic blanket picnic: Commissioners Park at sunset along Dow's Lake, or Major's Hill Park with Parliament Hill views.
• Charcoal BBQ is only available in Gatineau Park. All City of Ottawa parks are propane-only.
• No alcohol at any of these parks. Check if the City of Ottawa extends its pilot program in 2026.
• Best free parking + BBQ combo: Andrew Haydon Park, Hog's Back Falls, and Britannia Beach.