★★★★★ 4.8(481 reviews)8.3 km from hotel~17 min drive
Artificial lake with a pavilion offering boat rentals, plus a spring tulip display & ice in winter.
Dow's Lake is a favourite among active visitors to Ottawa, located 8.3 km from Adam's Airport Inn (17 minutes by car).
Ottawa is a four-season playground — cycling and kayaking in summer, skiing and snowshoeing in winter, with over 800 km of recreational pathways connecting the city.
Quick Info
Duration1–3 hours
CostFree to visit. Boat rentals $15–30 per hour (seasonal).
Best TimeMay for tulips (Canadian Tulip Festival). Summer weekday mornings for peaceful boat rentals. Winter for Rideau Canal skating access.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
17 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 17 minutes by car.
Why Guests Love This
Dow’s Lake is one of those places that rewards every season. In May, the surrounding gardens erupt with hundreds of thousands of tulips during the Canadian Tulip Festival. In summer, the Pavilion rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats for a quiet hour on the water. In winter, Dow’s Lake connects directly to the Rideau Canal Skateway — the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. Guests at Adam’s Airport Inn reach it in about 18 minutes, and the Pavilion offers food and drink year-round, making it a complete outing rather than just a stop along the way.
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.
When is the best time to see tulips at Dow’s Lake?
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.
Can I skate on the Rideau Canal from Dow’s Lake?
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.
Is there parking at Dow’s Lake?
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.
How do I get to Dow’s Lake from Ottawa Airport?
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.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 17 minutes from Dow's Lake. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.
