Picnicking in Urban Parks

Photo of picnic tables and barbecue with families in the background
Have a picnic!
Maps and Publications

Grab your picnic basket and enjoy a meal outdoors in one of the Capital’s many parks. Several NCC parks in Ottawa and Gatineau have picnic tables and sometimes barbecues too. Make a day of it by cycling or walking to your destination on one of the Capital’s many recreational paths. Vincent Massey Park is a popular spot for large organized picnics.

Parks with Picnic Facilities

Hog’s Back Park, Ottawa

Hog’s Back Park is the ideal place for a quiet afternoon picnic and has a concession stand for snacks. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy its natural beauty and the views of Hog’s Back Falls and the Rideau River.

Facilities
Washrooms There are washrooms in the park.
Parking Free parking is available at the park.

Leamy Lake Park, Gatineau

Leamy Lake Park is the largest urban park in Canada’s Capital Region and an excellent spot for outdoor sports and recreational activities. The park has a supervised beach for swimming, two volleyball courts and a play area for children. Leamy Lake Park has a picnic area with tables and barbecue (BBQ) pits. There is also a food concession stand.

Facilities
Washrooms There are public washrooms in the park.
Parking Paid parking is available at the Park.

Rockcliffe Park

At Rockcliffe Park you can discover the Rockcliffe Pavilion and the spectacular lookouts onto the Ottawa River. The Rockcliffe Pavilion is a popular location for outdoor weddings.

Facilities
Washrooms There are public washrooms in Rockcliffe Park.
Parking Parking is available at Rockcliffe Park. You can park on Acacia Avenue when visiting the Rockeries.

Vincent Massey Park

Vincent Massey Park is a great site for community gatherings, company picnics and family reunions. The park has quiet paths through the woods, scenic vistas and open grassy areas for playing sports. With its picnic tables, electrical hook-ups and barbecue (BBQ) pits, Vincent Massey Park has all the amenities for an enjoyable picnic, large or small.

Find out how to reserve space for large picnics at Vincent Massey Park.

Facilities
Washrooms There are washrooms in the park.
Parking Paid parking is available at the park.

Maps

Picnic areas are marked on the Cycling Capital map.

For more information see Parks, Paths and Parkways — Visitor Information.