★★★★★ 4.4(4,000 reviews)8.0 km from hotel~14 min drive
Connected to the Rideau Canal, Dow's Lake is one of Ottawa's most scenic year-round destinations. In summer, rent paddleboats and kayaks from the pavilion. In May, it's the epicentre of the Canadian Tulip Festival with over a million blooms in Commissioners Park. In winter, it marks the southern end of the Rideau Canal Skateway.
Dow's Lake Pavilion is one of Ottawa's most beloved green spaces, located 8.0 km from Adam's Airport Inn (14 minutes by car).
Ottawa's parks are stunning in every season — vibrant fall foliage in October, pristine snow-covered trails in winter, and lush greenery from May through September. Pack layers and comfortable walking shoes.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
14 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 14 minutes by car. Paid parking lot.
Why Guests Love This
Dows Lake Pavilion is four destinations in one, changing completely with the seasons. Summer guests rent kayaks and paddleboats to explore the lake. May visitors walk through a million tulips at the adjacent Commissioners Park during the Canadian Tulip Festival. Winter transforms the pavilion into the southern gateway of the Rideau Canal Skateway — the world’s longest skating rink. The on-site restaurant and café mean you never need to leave the waterfront. At 18 minutes from Adam’s Airport Inn, it’s one of the most rewarding half-day outings in Ottawa.
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Details
Address1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7, Canada
From late May through early October, the pavilion rents kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and stand-up paddleboards by the hour. Pricing starts around $15–20 per hour for a single kayak. No experience is required for paddleboats, and life jackets are provided for all watercraft.
Can I skate on the Rideau Canal from Dows Lake?
Yes. Dows Lake marks the southern end of the Rideau Canal Skateway, which stretches 7.8 km north to the Ottawa Locks near Parliament Hill. The pavilion offers skate rentals, warming areas, and the iconic BeaverTails pastry stand. The skateway is typically open from mid-January through early March, weather permitting.
Is there a restaurant at Dows Lake Pavilion?
Yes. The pavilion houses a year-round restaurant with lakefront patio dining in summer and a heated interior in winter. The menu features Canadian pub fare — burgers, fish and chips, and poutine. There is also a seasonal café and ice cream counter. No reservation needed for most visits.
Is Dows Lake Pavilion family-friendly?
Very much so. Paddleboats are the easiest watercraft for families with young children, the paths around the lake are stroller-friendly, and the splash pad area near Commissioners Park entertains toddlers in summer. Winter skating on the canal is suitable for all ages, with beginner-friendly flat ice near the pavilion.
How do I get to Dows Lake Pavilion from Ottawa Airport?
Dows Lake Pavilion is approximately 12 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). From Adam’s Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal), drive north on the Airport Parkway, then follow Queen Elizabeth Driveway to the pavilion — about 18 minutes. Paid parking is available on-site and fills early during the Tulip Festival and peak summer weekends.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 14 minutes from Dow's Lake Pavilion. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.