Great spot for fishing and picnics. There might not be enough parking if it gets crowded.

Pretty area for picnics, lots of tables and plenty of room for fishing too. A lot of boats were moored there while we ate a snack. The Greenbelt Pathway is nearby. We saw ducks, a rabbit, a cardinal, and even Great Blue Heron.

Nice trail of the West Greenbelt pathway. There are benches and tables for picnic.

Black Rapids Lock Station is a hidden gem nestled along the historic Rideau Canal, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The station's picturesque location amidst lush greenery and tranquil waters creates a serene ambiance that instantly puts you at ease. The lock itself is a marvel of engineering and a testament to the rich history of the area. Watching the boats gracefully navigate through the lock gates is a mesmerizing sight, and it offers a glimpse into the canal's importance as a transportation route in the past. One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the surrounding trails. The area offers a variety of walking and biking paths that wind through the beautiful countryside, providing ample opportunities to soak in the natural beauty and spot local wildlife. The trails are well-maintained and offer a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The lock station also features a charming picnic area, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the stunning views. The picnic tables are strategically placed, allowing you to enjoy your meal while being serenaded by the sounds of birds chirping and the gentle flow of the canal. Furthermore, the lock station is home to informative interpretive panels that shed light on the history, significance, and operation of the Rideau Canal. It's fascinating to learn about the canal's construction and how it played a pivotal role in shaping the region's development. Overall, Black Rapids Lock Station is a hidden oasis that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and tranquility. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this lock station is definitely worth a visit.

Tiny undiscovered hidden gem in Nepean.

Great little hidden gem in Ottawa. I didn't know about this place until recently. Nice little place to go with the kids to see the river and locks. There is a little Island you can dross over to. The only thing I didn't ike is you have to pay for parking here.

Beautiful place for a picnic, for kayaking, or just to watch the boats pass through the locks (when in season).

Fun spot to do some catch and release. Easy access and there is plenty of parking, but you do have to pay. We spent a few hours fishing during a weekday and it was quiet :)

Loooove this place!! Its a great place to go in any season!! Went there in the first day of summer and it wasn't busy at all - it was pretty much just us. Dog friendly. Smells weird sometimes because of the nearby farms and tons of bird poop - make sure to watch where you step!

This park is great for almost any kind of activity. Take the family and have a barbeque, take the lawn chairs and just chill or fish. It has a great view with a good dock to take your raft off from. Basically this park is great for any kind of activity even hiking. Just wish it had a bigger parking lot.

Many well spaced picnic tables, washroom, very inexpensive parking fees, small rock to launch canoes etc. Beautiful surroundings.

Nice place to spend the evening. Many people are fishing around. There is a trail that goes from fallowfield station to this place.

Just the spot for a relaxing getaway. You can even tent-camp here for a very reasonable price and no reservation needed. There are a few picnic tables, and you’re allowed to bbq. We recently discovered this hidden gem and will definitely be visiting often!

Our favorite place to kayak so far.

Great easy family outing and picnic site

Superb location

Fishing places

Romantic historic getaway for picnics or even hanging out as friends. Lots of watercraft launching.

Nice place for the day

Beautiful place to go and relax. You can walk around, watch boats go through the lock, explore, and/or fish. Highly recommended!

Lovely place to relax near the locks. Used to fish here as a kid. Took my daughter once to show her, and now every so often she asks to go back. Pay parking 24/7. One dollar an hour. Pays for maintenance. Check it out for some nice relax time.

Biked from Stonebridge trail to the locks on a beautiful June morning!

Nice place to visit when walking around but even better going up and down the locks in a boat!

Lovely spot to see the river and have a picnic lunch

Peaceful little spot to relax and fish 🐟.

There's the saying "life's good by the river." This place exemplifies that. People come here to picnic, fish off the dock or boating. Plenty of space to have your own spot but you may not get a picnic table. The dock is a good launching point for kayakers. Just mind the fishermen and coordinate your passage through the bay. Functionally, these are locks to control the water level. If you are passing through via waterway, you will have to go through the lock. Not much here in terms of nature trails that I could find.

Beautiful area to bring the family, have a picnic or fish. Well maintained and friendly staff to provide you with great historical information on the area. Having to pay for parking isn’t great but it’s only $2 per hour.

Nice walk along the Greenbelt from Merivale to get here. Beautiful winter scenery.

The parking lot is gravel (beware the dust!) And metered with a pay machine (pay and display)... Not sure easy it'll be for people with wheelchairs. The grounds of the locks themselves are quite nice, the water is mostly calm outside of the overflow, which will vary at different times of the year. Canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding are great ideas or a picnic, a stroll or even meditation!

Parks Canada service was great, the locks staff are all ways pleasant and helpful. Been doing the locks for 7 years now and have no complaints, if I had one complaint it would be the lack of use of radios on the rideau, all the other parks Canada locks (Chambly and Severn) use radios, for the larger vessels it is extremely important to clearly understand the lock master's instructions, and VHF radios certainly help in that regard.

One of my favourite spots in Ottawa. Perfect for a family picnic and so fun watching the boats go through the locks

Beautiful A few picnic tables Reasonable size parking (around 12 cars or more) Free parking today, the booth was shrouded. Not sure when paid parking starts, perhaps mid Mai like the NCC parks. Walking trail is very nice. Two geocaches and there was a beaver in the stream.

I love this place. So peaceful. It's also fun to watch the boats go through the locks. They used to be a manual hand-crank style but now that's been replaced by hydraulics. They kept the old manual stuff in place so it's an interesting bit of history on display. Also, it's a perfect rest stop at the end of a bike ride. The bike path leads right to it. Beautiful place...I go there every day. If you're lucky, you can see the cats. 😺

Nice lock, lots of space to hang out, fish and watch the boats come through. I was surprised that you have to pay for parking though as I have never had to do that at any other locks.

One of Ottawa little hidden gems..this is one of the rideau canal locks plus a park and boat layover area. No boat fueling onsite. You can cross over the lock and watch boats pass by. Usually quiet and there is a lower dock for people into fishing. Bathrooms onsite. Parking is paid here

A bicycle path, going east, goes from Woodruff, starting at the rail tracks, thru open areas and bush, and ends at the Rideau River Black Rapids Lock. Great spot to watch boats going through the locks or to fish or for a picnic.

Great place for fishing and great staff.

Wonderful area for walking and history

Beautiful place

Exhilarating walk

Great place for a walk while checking out the locks.

beautiful location for a walk along the river and inland too. you have to pay for parking, but 5ge rate is fair, at time of writing.

Loved the place, I visit it often for a short visit and relax there.

Good for shore anglers

Lovely

You have to pay for parking. It is a nice spot but there are nicer spots around town that are free.

Good camping close to Ottawa and avaliable Uber. No problems leaving kayaks while visiting the city.

Fun

Wonderful spot for a family gathering with picnic tables. Clean, well kept.

Great place for boating

Love fishing here with my cousin

A hidden gem on the outskirts of ottawa, great place to come and do a little fishing or take the family for a picnic. Very well maintained

Tranquil little retreat within the city

Great place for a picnic. There is also a great hiking/Biking trail to there from Barrhaven.

Good suburban sceneries here

Nice green space to watch the boats go through the locks or the rapids/falls.

Beautiful little spot for a picnic. Cheap paid parking required if you drive there.

Pleasant area.

Great place to relax or picnic. Not too many people. Perhaps because you have to pay for parking.

Enjoy and my daughter had fun

(Translated by Google) Nothing to see just a place for picnic and kayak fishing (Original) Rien a voir juste une place pic nic et kayak peche

It is an Oasis in the middle of the city