★★★★★ 4.7(1,874 reviews)10.2 km from hotel~20 min drive
Easygoing riverfront park with paths, benches, clusters of shade trees & a seasonal splash pad.
Strathcona Park is one of Ottawa's most beloved green spaces, located 10.2 km from Adam's Airport Inn (20 minutes by car). With a 4.7-star rating from 1,874 visitors, it's consistently praised for its natural beauty and well-maintained trails.
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.
Quick Info
Duration1–2 hours
CostFree. Open daily 5 AM–11 PM.
Best TimeSummer evenings for river views and the splash pad. Autumn mornings for foliage along the Rideau River.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
20 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 20 minutes by car. Free parking lot.
Why Guests Love This
Strathcona Park is Sandy Hill’s riverfront gathering place — a generous stretch of mature shade trees, walking paths, and benches overlooking the Rideau River. The seasonal splash pad makes it a magnet for families with young children in summer, while the shaded paths appeal to walkers and joggers year-round. It’s an 18-minute drive from Adam’s Airport Inn, and its location in the residential Sandy Hill neighbourhood means it’s quieter than the downtown parks while still being a short walk from the University of Ottawa and Rideau Street.
The park features walking paths, benches, clusters of mature shade trees, a seasonal splash pad for children, and open grassy areas for picnics and informal sports. Washroom facilities are available near the splash pad during summer months. The park is well-lit in the evening hours.
Is the splash pad at Strathcona Park free?
Yes. The splash pad operates from mid-June through Labour Day at no charge. It’s designed for children under 10 and features ground-level water jets and spray features. No standing water means no drowning risk for toddlers. Bring towels and a change of clothes.
Can I walk or jog along the river at Strathcona Park?
Yes. Paved paths run through the park along the Rideau River, connecting north to the Cummings Bridge area and south toward the University of Ottawa campus. The flat terrain suits all fitness levels. A comfortable loop through the park and adjacent streets takes 20–30 minutes.
Is Strathcona Park safe to visit in the evening?
The park is open until 11 PM and has pathway lighting. Summer evenings are lively with families using the splash pad and walkers on the paths. Like any urban park, exercise normal awareness after dark. The surrounding Sandy Hill neighbourhood is residential and generally quiet.
How do I get to Strathcona Park from Ottawa Airport?
Strathcona Park is approximately 13 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). From Adam’s Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal), drive north via the Airport Parkway to Highway 417, exit at Nicholas Street, and continue east into Sandy Hill — about 18 minutes. Free street parking is available on Range Road and surrounding streets.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 20 minutes from Strathcona Park. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.
