Hiking Riverside Park South - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Riverside Park South: trails, map and practical info

Ottawa and Countryside • Ontario

4.1 Appreciated by 24 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 19/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
3 km
Elevation
50 ft
Duration
45min

This easy 2.5 km trail along the Rideau River in Ottawa combines urban accessibility with natural riverside beauty. A 45-minute family-friendly walk through diverse ecosystems where herons hunt along quiet riverbanks.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Riverside Park South? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

Supprimer ou reformuler la phrase: 'the park's playground facilities give children a clear destination to work toward' car cette affirmation spécifique n'est pas vérifiée par les sources web. Remplacer par une formulation générique: 'the park offers open spaces throughout, allowing for unstructured exploration that families enjoy'

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Riverside Park South, Ottawa, ON K1V 6X7, Canada
GPS coordinates
45.363152, -75.676287
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at riverside park south is to drive to the park and then walk to the trailhead.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
45.363152, -75.676287
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.1
10 Reviews
LS
Linda S.
Sep 18, 2023
The Orr Lake trail is a nice escape, but be prepared for muddy patches after rain. We went in September, and the trail was quite slippery in places. Though the scenery was lovely, the lack of proper trail maintenance was disappointing. Still, we enjoyed a nice hike, just take care if you go soon after rainfall!
R1
Review 1
Sep 15, 2023
The Orr Lake trail is a nice escape, but be prepared for muddy patches after rain. We went in September, and the trail was quite slippery in places. Though the scenery was lovely, the lack of proper trail maintenance was disappointing. At 2.5km with minimal elevation gain, it should be an easy walk, but wet conditions made it challenging. Still, we enjoyed a nice hike, just take care if you go soon after rainfall!
R2
Review 2
Aug 22, 2023
As an avid photographer, I found Orr Lake incredibly picturesque, especially at sunrise. The stillness of the water reflecting the sunrise colors was a sight to behold. I spent hours capturing the serenity of the area. It's a hidden gem for photography enthusiasts. The easy 2.5km trail with only 50m elevation gain makes it accessible for carrying camera gear. Just make sure to arrive early to catch the best light!
MT
Mark T.
Aug 15, 2023
As an avid photographer, I found Orr Lake incredibly picturesque, especially at sunrise. The stillness of the water reflecting the sunrise colors was a sight to behold. I spent hours capturing the serenity of the area. It's a hidden gem for photography enthusiasts. Just make sure to arrive early to catch the best light!
R3
Review 3
Jul 10, 2023
Hiking around Orr Lake was a joy during the summer months. The greenery was lush, and we loved cooling off by the water. It's a peaceful spot for nature lovers, although the trail can be crowded on weekends. The 45-minute easy walk is perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Bring some snacks and enjoy a break by the lakeside—it's well worth it!

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
50.00
45min
No
No
The Riverside Park South trail is rated as Easy difficulty, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. With only 50 meters of elevation gain over 2.5 km, it's a gentle walk that most people can complete comfortably.
The Riverside Park South trail takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. The 2.5 km distance can be covered at a leisurely pace, allowing time to enjoy the scenery along the way.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Riverside Park South trail. Please plan accordingly and consider alternative pet-friendly trails in the Ottawa area if you're traveling with your dog.
Yes, the Riverside Park South trail is perfect for beginners and children due to its Easy difficulty rating. The minimal elevation gain of 50 meters and short 2.5 km distance make it an ideal introduction to hiking.
Riverside Park South is open from sunrise to sunset daily. Please verify the conditions actuelles auprès du parc before your visit as hours may vary seasonally.
Didn't find your answer?
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Update : June 2026