Hiking in Andrew Haydon Park: trails, map and practical info

Description

A riverside park with room to roam in Ottawa

Andrew Haydon Park sits along the south shore of the Ottawa River in the west end of Ottawa, offering a relaxed, accessible outdoor space that draws locals year-round. It's not a wilderness destination — it's a well-maintained urban park where the river is always the main character. The wide open lawns, paved paths, and direct waterfront access make it a go-to spot for people who want to get outside without committing to a full trail day, and it works equally well for a brisk walk, a slow wander, or simply sitting near the water.

What the terrain actually looks like

The park is largely flat, which is part of its appeal. The Ottawa River runs along the northern edge, and much of the park's character comes from that open water exposure — wide views across the river, a consistent breeze off the water, and a sense of space that feels genuinely refreshing in an urban setting. Paved multi-use paths wind through the park, connecting different sections and making the whole area easy to navigate on foot. The ground is mostly groomed grass and hardpack, with some natural shoreline areas where the terrain gets a bit more textured.

There's no significant elevation change to speak of here. The experience is defined by distance and duration rather than any kind of climb or descent. It's the kind of place where you set your own pace and your own route, moving between the waterfront, the open fields, and the quieter corners of the park as you see fit.

The on-foot experience

Walking through Andrew Haydon Park feels unhurried by design. The paths are wide enough that you're never crowded, and the river views open up regularly as you move along the waterfront sections. It's a good place to clear your head — the combination of open sky, moving water, and relatively low foot traffic (outside of peak summer weekends) creates a calm that's easy to settle into.

The park also connects to the broader Ottawa River Pathway, which extends in both directions along the river and gives you the option to extend your outing significantly if you want more distance underfoot. That connection makes Andrew Haydon Park a natural starting point for longer riverside walks, not just a destination in itself.

Who this park suits

Andrew Haydon Park is genuinely accessible to almost everyone. The flat, paved paths work well for people with strollers, those recovering from injury, older adults looking for a comfortable walking surface, and anyone who just wants a low-effort outing with a strong sense of place. It's also a solid option for families with young kids who need room to run and open space to explore without the stress of uneven terrain or trail navigation.

For more active walkers or runners, the park serves as a convenient entry point to the Ottawa River Pathway network, where you can build out a longer route along the water. The flat profile makes it easy to manage pace and distance, which suits people who are building a walking habit or coming back from a break in activity.

Practical things to know before you go

Andrew Haydon Park is located in Ottawa's west end, with parking available on site. The park is managed by the City of Ottawa and is open to the public. Amenities include washroom facilities, picnic areas, and open green space — it's set up for a full half-day outside if you want it. The paved paths mean the park is usable in most weather conditions, though the waterfront can be exposed and windy, so an extra layer is worth having in shoulder seasons.

Dogs are a common sight in the park, and the open lawns give them plenty of room. If you're planning a longer outing along the Ottawa River Pathway, it's worth checking current conditions on the City of Ottawa's parks and recreation pages before heading out, especially in early spring when sections of the pathway can be affected by seasonal flooding along the river.