Strathcona Park image

Strathcona Park

Tourist attraction Park

Easygoing riverfront park with paths, benches, clusters of shade trees & a seasonal splash pad. People often mention park, beautiful, play, benches, river, water, kids, Rideau, trees, nice,


Address

25 Range Rd, Ottawa, ON K1N 8J3, Canada

Website

ottawa.ca

Contact

+1 613-580-2595

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 5 AM to 11 PM
  • Saturday: 5 AM to 11 PM
  • Sunday: 5 AM to 11 PM
  • Monday: 5 AM to 11 PM
  • Tuesday: 5 AM to 11 PM
  • Wednesday: 5 AM to 11 PM
  • Thursday: 5 AM to 11 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (50) beautiful (21) play (18) benches (15) river (14) water (14) kids (13) Rideau (13) trees (12) nice (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Yodaman S. 2 years ago on Google • 804 reviews
    I have never much ventured into Strathcona Park but it’s very enjoyable when I do ☺️ It has ample space and benches to laze about and take in the views. The river adds to the charm and of course those crazy geese and ducks are there to entertain you. 😆👍
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adrian A. 11 months ago on Google
    Great park. Kids always love going here.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Photography by E. 9 months ago on Google • 29 reviews
    The grounds are beautiful, I love the ruins and the mature trees and water views. The reason it’s 3 stars is from a family with young kids perspective.The play structure for kids is really small, the slide is steep and fully metal and isn’t as safe as it could be.The wading pool isn’t in use, and the washroom building is old, locked and clearly not maintained. Considering it’s one of the only large city parks in this area, it should have a washroom and updated play structure for families with young kids. It’s a great spot for a photoshoot and for adults but not the best one for families with young kids. There is plenty of space for picnics, you can bring your own stuff and set up. The kids mostly played by the ruins, but we had to leave the park 3 times to use the restrooms and drive to a cafe - and didn’t find parking when we came back every time, so would have to wait. Something to be aware of.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Zee M. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park with nice bridge and balls . Nice trail in the city, nice river quiet neighborhood.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cyrus H. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this park. Very big and very beautiful. Nice path to walk along and look at the River, along with the pedestrian bridge free of traffic to cross the River. Lots of birds group in the shallow parts of the water too so bird watchers come here often. Beyond all that there is play grounds, a pool, and lots of benches and tables to enjoy the beautiful quiet and scenic Ottawa park.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James C. 6 months ago on Google • 419 reviews
    This is a lovely park where one can play baseball, stroll next to the Rideau River, or see a play. (During a visit in August, I saw a very enjoyable production of The Miser, an outdoor show by Odyssey Theatre as part of their Theatre Under the Stars summer series). On a subsequent visit during the day, I took the time to observe Strathcona's Folly, a great sculpture that looks like ancient ruins (see photos below). This piece, which uses real pieces from Ottawa's architectural history, is aimed at letting the public reflect on the passage of time and cycle of life.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 kazumi m. 1 year ago on Google • 173 reviews
    Nice little park in the middle of the city where you can relax and watch nice sunset. I visited during the day but felt sunset must be amazing to watch. free parking available but gets filled pretty qucik. uottawa I just 1km away. ppl can even balance stones when the water in canal is low(which is now). you can also bring lunch or grab a bite with friends in here. must visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Elza Zaza B. 4 months ago on Google • 683 reviews
    A park beside the Rideau canal, has playground, benches and tables and lovely treed, nice place to do walking

  • 5/5 Tina Levasseur h. 5 months ago on Google • 52 reviews
    It is such a beautiful area to chill and have a nice walk about
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maryam T. 1 year ago on Google
    We went there during a Family day festival organized by Ottawa Parenting Resource Centre and there were lots of amazing activities for kids of different ages and families
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Doven C. 1 year ago on Google
    Very fantastic view for family relaxing and small "get-away" from the city
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacqueline V. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a beautiful place to take a time with the nature and yourself.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vigneswar M (. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice park near the ottawa river
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kevin L. 2 years ago on Google
    Well, I just want to say that the houses around the park are very characteristic, which is embodied in the design and sense of age. As for the man-made monuments, it is more suitable for children to play sandpit games. However, this is a good place to play in the water. Cross the bridge from the parking lot and turn right and you will see the entrance of the river. The water is not very deep, but you need to pay attention to the smooth stones under the water
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dennis F. 3 years ago on Google
    This charming park has fantastic water fountain and a creative architecture play area for young and old people to free your mind of the day to day struggles we all endure. Well designed most elegant. A must see for inventive park seekers.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Martha M. 3 years ago on Google
    A beautiful site along the Rideau River. Lots of benches and picnic tables and paths for walking.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ali S. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice park.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Stephan M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to walk or do some tobogganing and also have aggressive strangers yell at you that it's a "NO DOG PARK". To be fair there's a few signs posted but if you miss them (it's easy to do) beware that there's a young couple on patrol looking for anyone who dares enter the park's boundary with a leashed dog. The couple's entitled tone would have you think they hammered the no dog signs into the ground themselves. Tread lightly as they likely have by-law pre-dialed on their cellphone waiting for the sound of a dogs paw in the snow/grass past the signs so they can speak to the manager. So if that's the type of park you're looking for it's a 20 out of 10. If you're looking for the experience of nice normal park you might want to try the one across the river.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Grammy C. 3 years ago on Google
    Walked over the bridge a few times from Rideau Sports Facility on Donald. It was lovely to see lots of people out and about walking, running and cycling. Lots of trees and benches along the river. Listening to the ducks quacking along, it was peaceful; and yes, people kept a safe distance feom each other and masks were flipped on when safe distances couldn't be managed. No fuss, no muss, just simple enjoyment and respect for nature and each other.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 NerdIAm 3 years ago on Google
    This park is so beautiful, I love visiting it, wish I did more these past months. Excited to see what it looks like come winter!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dawson Link (. 3 years ago on Google
    This park is epic! They have everything! Tons of shade and benches to sesh and chill! Amazing views! I love this park and will definitely be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 S G. 11 months ago on Google • 238 reviews
    This looks like it used to be a nice park in the middle of downtown Ottawa. During the summer it's a nice place to visit depending on the events going on in the park, which range from benign/unobtrusive to overwhelming and impossible to ignore. The children enjoyed the swings, though many of the areas are teeming with geese excrement and that of other creatures.

  • 5/5 Kevin T. 1 year ago on Google • 152 reviews
    Gorgeous views over the Rideau River and a long elaborate trail, tons of greenspace. Beware of the gravelled path coming down Laurier. Family gatherings, festivals, play structures at the north end of the park.

  • 5/5 Sam F. 5 months ago on Google • 107 reviews
    Beautiful place, lots of nature rivers, trees, squirrels. Special for cycling or walking tours

  • 5/5 Dale N. 6 months ago on Google • 88 reviews
    Lovely park on a quiet section of the Rideau River. Lots of benches, large well maintained grassy expanses. Good free parking (2 hr limit). Very accessible. Reading, meditation, catch or stroll. Well connected to bike path infrastructure.

  • 5/5 Patrick B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great park to make your central visit for a day downtown. Park is well located to NCC paths, the Somerset pedestrian bridge, LRT at uOttawa. Beautiful old growth trees, the river, and wildlife. Park has great play area for the kids, outdoor stages and Pavillion, large running water fountain, baseball diamond. It can be very busy on the weekend but that's because it has so much to offer.

  • 5/5 doug f. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place too visit, or have fun with your family & friends. 😆 Ha ha ha 😎

  • 4/5 Luc D. 1 year ago on Google
    The nice thing about this park is that it's located in proximity to embassies, therefore it's well managed and clean. There's an interesting medieval castle looking structure that appeals to kids and adults alike. Plenty of trees, some play structures, in proximity to river and plenty of benches both in sun and under shade from big trees. The one reason you will definitely want to check this park out is if you need to do something in the downtown core while your kids can play safely in the park under supervision of course. There's safe parking places for your car as well. This area has also been a favourite venue for watching free Shakespeare plays at night usually in proximity to the adjacent Russian embassy.

  • 5/5 Laith A. 4 years ago on Google
    I'm there several times a week, whether walking Skyler, out for a walk to chill or to sit and read by the river. On a beautiful sunny day, a very joyful lively place with so many families, groups, kids... Enjoy the sun, live music, nature, dog walks, frisbee days... And so much more. On a warm evening: Shakespeare in the Park!

  • 5/5 Dr. Sadia Akther S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park at sandy hill area! Lovely places to sit by the water and enjoy a great book or even for family picnic

  • 5/5 Phil B. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful location. Great paths to walk or bike. For a more relaxed time you can enjoy picnic tables and benches. There are also some play structures at the north end of the park for family outings.

  • 5/5 Lydia S. 3 years ago on Google
    Large parking lot with lots of free parking

  • 5/5 Niki M. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely park many benches and free parking

  • 5/5 Victoria S. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place to stroll around enjoying river views.

  • 5/5 Sam F. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful park and a fun place to hold a picnic. There are plenty of places for children to play. The river is beautiful to walk along.

  • 5/5 Igor G. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this park! Right on the river, very clean (except for some goose poop). Well kept and beautiful! Even a little pool for the kids and playground. Great place to sit down and read a book or take in the rays on a nice sunny day.

  • 5/5 Brianna T. 1 year ago on Google
    I a good place, quiet to take a rest. It's beautiful

  • 5/5 Liam D. 3 years ago on Google
    Lots of ducks

  • 5/5 Francis S. 1 year ago on Google
    Had my first date here, it made for a very great night :) Not a lot of foot traffic at night and lots of beautiful benches for that special someone Very beautiful and well-maintained imo

  • 5/5 Glenda R. 4 years ago on Google
    I loved this park since we moved to Ottawa in 2000. I have seen my children grew up and now I will my grandchildren coming to this park too. And with the new bridge connecting Rideau st. With Range st. It is the most beautiful experience. I really love my city!

  • 5/5 Nick W. 4 years ago on Google
    Great park with nice atmosphere. There are cool ruins and a playground. It's pet/animal friendly. Always lots of wildlife and people. There's a local outdoor cat that hangs out, and lots of space to run around and play soccer/frisbee. Picnic benches to hangout on and a little sidewalk that goes pretty far down the river for runners.

  • 5/5 Patrick J. 10 months ago on Google
    This place is perfect for literally everything outdoors, for all seasons, and allevents possible. You can even do live theatre events, protests, rallies, training settings, recreational activities, and many other things and allseasons. There even is a winter hill slide area here that is fun for the whole family. A must for Ottawa residents.

  • 5/5 Celestial Star (. 9 months ago on Google
    beautiful green space, had a picnic here under one of the many trees. Was really happy to find it has a free parking lot!

  • 5/5 Kellyanne B. 3 years ago on Google
    Strathcona Park is a beautiful public park where people go to walk their dogs, have birthday parties for their kids, take a scenic path for their morning run, and stretch out on the grass underneath the trees to daydream, write and sleep. Kids climb excitedly over the “ruins” installed for them, push each other on the swings and in the summertime splash each other in a shallow wading pool. There’s a stage area which people exercise on, sing on and practice dance routines on when it’s not being used to host Shakespeare plays. Up at the top of the hill is a large fountain. The benches near there are popular because they overlook the beautiful greenery of the park and make you feel tucked away under a leafy canopy. The sound of the water provides soothing white noise. This park is my favourite place in Ottawa. There are so many interesting visitors and it’s an excellent place to people watch. It’s also where I go to get away from people too, because when you’re lying down on the grass looking up at the trees, it’s easy to forget the stresses of life.

  • 5/5 Barney G. 1 year ago on Google
    Gorgeous, spacious park with plenty if walking/biking paths, along the Rideau River. Luxurious swards, lots of trees and shade, urban natural space at its best!

  • 5/5 Qasim H. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Park and gorgeous in the Fall, surrounded by Rideau River and Embassies

  • 5/5 Tim F. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place in the winter. Everyone was out building snowmen and other snow things. It was awesome.

  • 5/5 Viktoriia P. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice park for walking with a child and a dog. (Original) Хороший парк для прогулок с ребенком и собакой.

  • 4/5 Ryan M. 3 years ago on Google
    Lots of space to be alone if need be

  • 5/5 JeanMarc N. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park during any season.

  • 5/5 Arif J. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the best parks in Ottawa, very special

  • 5/5 brj k. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place

  • 5/5 Patrick M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great urban park. Space to play, beautiful trees for ample shade and gorgeous views of the Rideau River.

  • 5/5 Phil L. 3 years ago on Google
    I like this park

  • 5/5 MHONICA L. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place to stroll. Huge area with tons of things to see.

  • 5/5 Darren P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to play frisbee.

  • 5/5 Brenden J. 3 years ago on Google
    It's always a pleasure to go through there and sit there and feed the fat squirrels

  • 5/5 Rosalie s. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to get some fresh air and a weekend jog. Very clean park

  • 5/5 Natasha G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place with amazing history!

  • 4/5 Noah J. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful park, though not perfect, it is a great spot to sit down by the water, go for a run or stroll.

  • 5/5 Saraï B. 3 years ago on Google
    Many benches and tables beautiful view, lots of space.

  • 5/5 imane s. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) He is really beautiful and very calm (Original) Il est vraiment magnifique et très calme

  • 4/5 Carlos de Castro R. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice little park on the banks of the Rideau River. Passing the bridge on the other bank you can continue your walk bordering the river. (Original) Agradable parquecito a la orilla del río Rideau. Pasando el puente en la otra orilla puedes continuar tu paseo bordeando el río.

  • 5/5 Gerald B. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park by the water.

  • 5/5 Jonni 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely spot to read a book and watch geese be geese😩

  • 5/5 Orion Leidl W. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park

  • 5/5 Wendy P. 3 years ago on Google
    Clean, fun play areas for kids!

  • 5/5 Ashley D. 3 years ago on Google
    I really like this park, nice place for a picnic by the water with friends. Also good for families and social distant meet ups

  • 4/5 Pierre P. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Good personal memories, in particular. A moment of love! (Original) De bons souvenirs personnels, notamment. Un moment amoureux!

  • 3/5 Shamim Ahsan R. 3 years ago on Google
    Not bad

  • 5/5 Sue H. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful day! Geese all around and canal is melting!

  • 2/5 Pleiades F. 3 years ago on Google
    Lots of off leash dogs and owner's that blatantly ignore the DOLA, not a safe place to walk if you have a reactive dog.

  • 5/5 Alem H. 3 years ago on Google
    Love it

  • 4/5 eHudsonification 2 years ago on Google
    This park is a favourite of mine. So happy it happens to be in my neighbourhood. Lots of outdoor space, multiple pathways, ample benches to sit on, always a breeze from the water, and there aren’t usually a bunch of cyclists buzzing through, so it’s safe. I’m a cyclist, I just don’t think bikes and people sauntering mix well.

  • 5/5 Abdol M. 3 years ago on Google
    Good

  • 5/5 Fernando T. 2 years ago on Google
    Large, spacious, fun and replete with things to do and explore. The wide Rideau borders this picturesque park that is a very short drive from the downtown core. There's a "folly" to clamber and explore which also hosts, pre Covid, Shakespeare in the Park nights. Wading pool, swings, trees, and wonderful green and leafy vistas round out this idyllic gem in Ottawa's center.


Call +1 613-580-2595 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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