Dow's Lake image

Dow's Lake

Lake

Artificial lake with a pavilion offering boat rentals, plus a spring tulip display & ice in winter. People often mention lake, paddle, Beautiful, walk, Ottawa, Lake, great, nice, Dow', water,


Address

Ottawa, ON, Canada

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (336 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: lake (23) paddle (11) Beautiful (11) walk (10) Ottawa (9) Lake (9) great (9) nice (9) Dow' (8) water (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Surja Sen Das R. 2 years ago on Google
    My most favourite place ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in Ottawa. Especially for my morning and evening walk. ❤️❤️❤️🇨🇦
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mesut O. 2 years ago on Google
    We liked to walk while watching bike and sightseeing from park with full of variety of tulips. The renting kayak or canoe depend on weather was the most enjoyable part. price is affordable double kayak 33$ per hour.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Raed 11 months ago on Google
    Dow's Lake is a small lake located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, which was created by humans and is situated in the middle of the city, approximately. 2 kilometres north of Hog's Back. It is a fantastic place in Ottawa, and recommended to visit
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Riya Bhatia S. 2 years ago on Google
    Dow’s lake is a beautiful place for your evening walks and biking. You can even pack a meal and go for picnic here in the summers. There is tulip festival each summer at this location and it’s wonderful to see many varieties of Tulips.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Seeing the world In a different w. 2 years ago on Google
    Dow's Lake is a great place to go to explore with family and friends. This scenic area use to be a swamp until Colonel By and his engineers dug it out to act as a water reservoir for the Rideau canal. You can rent paddle boats or canoes at the pavillion, or even walk/ run/ bike around the lake on the nice trails and even have a rest on the grass or many benches along the way. You can also enjoy the many tulips and seasonal flowers during the warm season and go skating on the lake and river during the winter. Dow get out, and lake my review, photos and videos
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jabr i. 11 months ago on Google
    The tulips are blooming these by next weekend I would highly recommend going there
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nesrin Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Tulip 🌷 festival occurs in May every year! Come and visit colourful paysage!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vigneswar M (. 2 years ago on Google
    Good place to spend time. Lot of water activities with rental facilities like kayak, canoe and pedal boats.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ricky Y. 10 months ago on Google
    A very nice small lake. Watercrafts can be rented for paddling around the lake. There is a pavilion with bar and grill restaurants. Along the shores (on Queen Elizabeth Drive) there is a lot of plants and flowers. In mid-May there is always a show of tulip and daffodil on display. Definitely it is a nice promenading place should not be missed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katy A. 11 months ago on Google
    It was nice that they played movies outside during the tulip fest. Full of happy people taking pictures and eating ice-cream.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gurjeet S. 11 months ago on Google
    “Dow's Lake Tulip Festival: Sun, Fun, and Fries Gone Wild! “ — Gurjeet On a delightful hot and sunny day, my friends and I embarked on an adventure to Dow's Lake for the Tulip Festival. Little did we know that we were about to experience a day filled with laughter, ice cream indulgence, boating escapades, and a hilarious fries fiasco that we'll never forget! As we strolled through the vibrant gardens, the air was fragrant with the sweet scent of tulips. The sun smiled down upon us, casting a golden glow over the entire festival. It was the perfect setting for a day of exploration, fun, and of course, satisfying our taste buds with refreshing lemonades and delectable ice creams. Nothing beats the combination of a hot day, frozen treats, and good company! Speaking of good company, we embarked on a boating adventure at Dow's Lake. With each paddle stroke, we soaked in the scenic beauty surrounding us, capturing breathtaking photographs of the picturesque surroundings. The peaceful waters provided a serene backdrop for us to enjoy the company of friends and immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature. Amidst our exploration, we stumbled upon a hidden treasure—a field of tulips we hadn't seen before! It was as if nature had conspired to surprise us with a burst of colors and patterns we had never witnessed. We eagerly snapped countless photos, each click capturing the essence of those newfound tulip beauties. Our love for flowers and photography combined into a joyous moment of discovery and creativity. Now, let's dive into the memorable and hilarious incident that had us laughing uncontrollably throughout our picnic. Picture this: we were all seated on one side of the table, merrily enjoying our fries and spring rolls. On the other side, there was a couple blissfully engaged in their own conversation. Without realizing the consequences, they got up and walked away, causing our entire table to tip over, sending fries and sauce flying in all directions! We ended up with sauce-covered faces and clothes, creating a delightful mess that left us in fits of laughter. Who knew fries could become such a catalyst for unexpected amusement? Throughout our picnic, we couldn't resist joking about that unforgettable moment. We playfully decided to avoid sitting at that particular table for the rest of the day, fearing another gravity-defying incident. It became an inside joke that continued to bring smiles to our faces as we savored the rest of our food and enjoyed the festival's various attractions. In conclusion, Dow's Lake Tulip Festival offered us a day of sun, laughter, and extraordinary experiences. From lemonades and ice creams to boating and capturing stunning photographs, it was a recipe for an unforgettable adventure. And let's not forget the fries fiasco that brought hilarity to our picnic. It's these unexpected moments that make memories shine even brighter. Dow's Lake Tulip Festival—where the sun shines, tulips bloom, and fries have a gravity-defying sense of humor! With smiles and sauce stains, [A Happy Festival-goer]
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wenqing S. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place for boating! Long queues on weekends.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 meunier d. 8 months ago on Google
    Great place . Great walking and riding path.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zee M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park where they do the tulip festival every year . The walk near the lake is very nice and the quietness and the peacefulness you get is amazing . I recommend going at night it is quieter less people and the pics you can take are amazing the reflection of the lights on the water is magic
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jaykumar I. 3 years ago on Google
    In the city center with peaceful environment and lake with great park beside and the great scenario of the city downtown.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 The Alan R. 3 years ago on Google
    Dow's Lake is a beautiful place. There are a lot of boats. The place is very nice and beautiful. I like it and I recommend checking this place out!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amartya G. 5 months ago on Google
    Peaceful, calm, quite place. Ideal for leisure time!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jack H. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to kayak, canoe, paddle board, or paddle boat!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 manjot d. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place to spend evening and lots of points to capture good sunrise.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anirudh 3 years ago on Google
    The best scenic workout, walking, Romantical spot please visit to experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rawnok Alam B. 2 years ago on Google
    Sooo peaceful and kids friendly. Love to walk here. This is a great place for people of all ages.

  • 5/5 David B. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Deshna K. 2 years ago on Google
    Fun to paddle and watch the ducks

  • 5/5 Asma A. 6 months ago on Google
    Amazing place for summer activities.

  • 5/5 Sheena Dalal B. 2 years ago on Google
    Peaceful walk beside the lake with awesome view/ sunset❤️

  • 4/5 Gbenga A. 2 years ago on Google
    Pedal boat harder than it looks. My boat simply didn't go anywhere I wanted it to.

  • 4/5 Robert D. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice place in the middle of the city. Surrounded by the University to the South and the Arboretum to the west

  • 4/5 Mike H. 2 years ago on Google
    I used live around there twenty nine years ago never realized it was that shallow

  • 5/5 Pritesh G. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent walking path even in winter. Cleaned and winter-maintenance done regularly.

  • 5/5 Pramod Govinda R. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best places in Ottawa Tulip festival and a great place for kayaking in the summer. Also an awesome place for an evening walk.

  • 5/5 Doven C. 1 year ago on Google
    Here you got to do boating, canoeing and all sort of water activities in summer

  • 5/5 Julia N. 1 year ago on Google
    A great place to spend an afternoon. We rented a paddleboat to take out on to the lake and through the Canal. It was a great experience. The lake was easy to ride on and the staff got us prepared for our adventure. The rates to rent were 30$/hour, with 12$ added on for every additional hour. I would highly recommend to paddleboat as a cute date idea - we enjoyed it!

  • 5/5 Kelly 1 year ago on Google
    Dow’s Lake is a beautiful spot in Ottawa; whether you’re visiting for the beautiful Tulipfest or going for a paddle boat ride. I recently went kayaking on the lake with a friend and we had a great time. Be prepared, since you will probably get wet! The price was reasonable ($30 for an hour) and the staff were friendly. Keep your valuables in your car if you’re going out on the water. A nice spot to eat or have a drink afterwards and not far from Little Italy!

  • 5/5 Abran D. 1 year ago on Google
    The camp went there. It is a simple pretend lake with a pavilion offering boat rentals, plus a spring tulip display & ice in winter. Very cool. Fun for everyone!

  • 5/5 Scholastica O. 11 months ago on Google
    A great place for a walk ans picnic by the lake. Best to visit when the Tulips have blossomed.

  • 4/5 Samina K. 9 months ago on Google
    Nice, relaxing, safe place to enjoy a relaxing stroll or take your blanket and have a picnic under those mature trees or just take your favourite book to read. ♥️

  • 5/5 ATHIRA J. 10 months ago on Google
    It was my first time experience with Canoeing and it was such an adventurous ride. We had lots of fun!! They charge you 33$ per hour for 2 person Canoe.

  • 5/5 Rebekah B. 3 years ago on Google
    The ice is fairly smooth, different from a couple weeks ago!

  • 5/5 Amy H. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful all year long. Nice cool on hot summer days.

  • 5/5 Naveen H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to walk around or sit and enjoy the natural scenery!

  • 5/5 Reetesh K. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful places to visit in Ottawa.

  • 5/5 Vanessa P. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing area to enjoy the city's waterfront.

  • 5/5 Aditya B. 3 years ago on Google
    This place have different kind of rentals boats 🚣‍♀️ to enjoy during summer time ottawa city. Prices are cheap and the staff was very friendly

  • 5/5 Kaushal P. 3 years ago on Google
    🛶

  • 5/5 NAW F. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Good park! you will find whatever you like (Original) Good parc! vous trouverez tout ce que vous faites plaisir

  • 4/5 Caroline C. 3 years ago on Google
    I don't recommend renting the simple paddle boat. It didn't work well and we weren't able to steer or get far. The kids were disappointed that only the adults get to paddle. The deluxe paddle boats seemed to work better for others. Luckily, the staff was kind enough to let us switch to two tandem kayaks with children's paddles and we had an awesome time paddling around the lake and the canal.

  • 5/5 A B. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the best trails I have been to..lush green. Even the houses around are an eye candy

  • 5/5 So J. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to stand up paddle!

  • 5/5 Anshuman S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place for family or a first date

  • 5/5 Joy R. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent for family picnic, playing some ball games

  • 5/5 Ruksana R. 3 years ago on Google
    Just awesome

  • 5/5 Sh A. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 4/5 Dora Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful all seasons. I lived not far from here and I have many happy memories surrounding this lake. Great biking trail!

  • 5/5 Younes A. 4 years ago on Google
    Wow, love this place

  • 5/5 Sana A. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and very nice experience. Though it needs to be cleaned

  • 5/5 Syd M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place

  • 5/5 Merriam 4 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite places to go in the summer when looking for activities to do with friends

  • 4/5 lucass 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing lac , i liked it !

  • 5/5 Minh T. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderfully maintained park and canal. Needless to say, a local treasure providing all residents a place to enjoy nature and water in the middle of the city. Parking can be a bit pricey but there's local streets you can use if you don't mind walking a bit. Definitely should be on the Ottawan's bucket list. Great place to relax and congregate, even when there is no festival going on. Bring food as there are no vendors at the park (except for the pavilion restaurants).

  • 5/5 Nguyen Anh V. 4 years ago on Google
    End of September. Will be more wonderful in Mid of October

  • 5/5 Hariprasad R. 4 years ago on Google
    Calm and relaxing ! Kayaking is good here.

  • 5/5 Olga T. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place!!

  • 5/5 Yara K. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful lake with some restaurants with a view. Very pleasant.

  • 3/5 Raymond W. 4 years ago on Google
    Too much sun at 5pm in the afternoon

  • 5/5 Jaimish A. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a water body in the center of Ottawa City. It's actually pretty cool. You won't even realize you've come to a lake in between the city, until you actually get there. There's a dedicated cycling and walking track around the lake and you can have some fun with paddle boating. There are Muskoka chairs around the lake where you can read or just enjoy the lake. If you're in Ottawa, you can definitely check this out.

  • 5/5 Brodie B. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful walk and very dog friendly

  • 4/5 Muneera M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for biking, boating and relaxing with kids

  • 5/5 brenda b. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Jim 4 years ago on Google
    Best looking place in Ottawa except for the poisonous black water. I'm sad the restaurant on the lake closed down


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