OttawaEpicurean
Very scenic through NCC greenbellt. Great view of downtown Ottawa driving from the west. Well maintained.
Awa909
Given Ottawa's hard winters the Parkway is an attraction in summer-fall season. Very popular as bike route or a place for walk along the river
Doug0nTheRoad
The Ottawa River offers so many incredible vistas over many kilometers and the National Capital Commission manages pathways along most of those kms. I'm an avid runner and whether I'm starting downtown from my office (or from a hotel for those who are visiting), from my home, or from one of the several parking lots, you can find a beautiful, well-maintained surface to run, skate or bike on. Plus, there are interpretive signs and maps posted to help you get the most out of your experience. The War Museum is not only an interesting destination, it offers a fantastic and peaceful little patio beside the river. Great for a pit stop.Starting Victoria Day in May through Labour Day, the NCC closes the roadways on Sunday mornings so that cyclists and others can have even more space to cruise along the parkway under their own steam.Great for those using wheelchairs, by the way.I believe Westboro Beach has a restaurant and washrooms when open. There are likely others and the NCC website should tell you.
Rlondon99
Get yourself a bike and cycle the length then up the locks and along the rideu canal. It's brilliant.
Ed3463
A very pleasant bike ride along the river and on Sunday mornings they close one of the roadways for bikes only. Near the western end, look for the gravel pathway that takes you to Mud Lake where you can see turtles, blue herons and interesting wildlife that you would never expect within an urban area.
Anlome5151
Bike, skate, walk, even driving along this parkway in most seasons/weather gives you an awesome view of the Ottawa River. Take the long way to or from downtown Ottawa and check out the view, the historic buildings that are left and Westboro beach.
174ashb
In the summer the Parkway closes down to vehicle traffic and bicycles are allowed to go on here. Awesome to see and lots of people.
Peter_Bomberg
Allows a small oasis in the commute, green space, place for pedestrians and cyclists and at the same time ties the city together.Simply the best road in Ottawa!
Hogboy47
What used to be called the Ottawa River Parkway was unilaterally renamed by Canada's right wing party for political purposes.The drive and the accompanying bike/walking path are wonderfully safe and scenic in all 3 seasons (won't talk about our 4th) and should not be missed by visitors. One lane is closed every Sunday in the summer for bicycles, etc.Sounds like our previously-mentioned politicians may want to mess with it for the purposes of laying down another transportation corridor which will probably wreck the place.
Syeoh27
This is probably one of the most beautiful part of Ottawa. I always bring my guests here when they visit Ottawa. It is a fun place to enjoy all year round. Even in winter, there are still a few parking spots that are open all year to enable visitors to park safely and enjoy a walk along the river.The paths are easy to walk on and very safe for walking, biking, of even skateboarding. The regular folks who normally use it are considerate and share the paths. There are dedicated bike paths so pedestrians are able to enjoy the walk without fear of being run over.You can see lots of ducks, Canada Geese, cranes and many different birds in the summer, but only the ducks stay around in the winter.
DinhaBra
Another must see of Ottawa. I was there during the winter, and the view was terrific. Driving the parkway through is a very nice experience. Can't wait to take my husband with me next time.
TheresaB695
Take a walk, go for a jog or just spendo time people watching or relaxing.I hope Ottawa never looses this! Beautiful scenic drive along the river too anytime of the year.
milestone
Driving the parkway through Ottawa from west to east is a beautiful experience.Any season.. Spring with the tulips, summer with the breathtaking view of the boats and sailboats on the Ottawa River, fall with the beautiful leaves and the colours of the Gatineau Hills, and of course winter looking like a wonderland in the middle of the city... you feel like you are on a drive in the country and yet you are in beautiful downtown Ottawa.
CENap2014
The Parkway follows the curve of the river as it flows for the suburbs in the core of Ottawa downtown. Weekdays there is steady traffic, but still time to admire the change in scenery as the seasons change. Summer weekends the Parkway is closed for inline skaters, bicyclers, strollers and senior citizens to babies to meander beside the river.
jamurray49
Although it is now called the John A. MacDonald Parkway, the Ottawa River Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in our Nation's Capital. Any visitors we have staying with us are treated to this drive along the Ottawa River.There are parks along the way for you to stop, park and just take in the majestic view. There are even swimming areas along here as well.Sunday morning in the summer, part of the Parkway is closed so that bicyclists can enjoy the drive. Even when the Parkway isn't closed, there are bicycle paths for all to enjoy.Take the drive! You will love it!