Dow's Lake

Yes. The Dow’s Lake Pavilion rents kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and stand-up paddleboards from approximately May through October. Rates start around $15–30 per hour depending on the watercraft. No experience is necessary for paddleboats, making them popular with families and couples.

The Canadian Tulip Festival runs for approximately three weeks in May, with peak bloom typically in the second and third weeks. Dow’s Lake is one of the primary viewing locations, with hundreds of thousands of tulips in Commissioner’s Park along the waterfront. Weekday mornings offer the best photography conditions and smallest crowds.

Yes. Dow’s Lake is the western starting point of the Rideau Canal Skateway, which stretches 7.8 km to the National Arts Centre downtown. Skating is free and typically available from January through early March, depending on ice conditions. Skate rentals and BeaverTails pastries are available at the Pavilion and along the canal.

Yes. There is a parking lot at the Dow’s Lake Pavilion. During the Tulip Festival and on warm summer weekends, the lot fills early — arrive before 10 AM or consider parking at Carleton University (a 10-minute walk). On regular days, parking is generally available without difficulty.

Dow’s Lake is approximately 10 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). From Adam’s Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal), drive about 18 minutes via the Airport Parkway north to Carling Avenue. The Dow’s Lake Pavilion is at 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Parking available on-site.