HTML SitemapExplore
logo
Find Things to DoFind The Best Restaurants

Dows Lake Pavilion — Attraction in Ottawa

Name
Dows Lake Pavilion
Description
Nearby attractions
Commissioners Park
Preston Street and, Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N7, Canada
Canadian Tulip Festival
Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7, Canada
Dow's Lake
Ottawa, ON, Canada
Dominion Arboretum
Arboretum, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada
Ornamental Gardens
75 National Capital Commission Scenic Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0Z2, Canada
Central Experimental Farm
960 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada
Dominion Observatory
1 Observatory Crescent, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4X2, Canada
Nearby restaurants
Mexicali Rosa's
1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7, Canada
Umbrella Bar
1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7, Canada
Pub Italia
434 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N4, Canada
EVOO Greek Kitchen
438 1/2 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N4, Canada
Meadows Diner
455 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3L2, Canada
K, LET'S EAT
449 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N5, Canada
Atelier
540 Rochester St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M1, Canada
Morning Owl
538 Rochester St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M1, Canada
Mati
428 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N2
The Prescott
379 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N1, Canada
Nearby hotels
SoHo Residences Ottawa Little Italy
111 Champagne Ave S, Ottawa, ON K1S 5V3, Canada
Related posts
Keywords
Dows Lake Pavilion tourism.Dows Lake Pavilion hotels.Dows Lake Pavilion bed and breakfast. flights to Dows Lake Pavilion.Dows Lake Pavilion attractions.Dows Lake Pavilion restaurants.Dows Lake Pavilion travel.Dows Lake Pavilion travel guide.Dows Lake Pavilion travel blog.Dows Lake Pavilion pictures.Dows Lake Pavilion photos.Dows Lake Pavilion travel tips.Dows Lake Pavilion maps.Dows Lake Pavilion things to do.
Dows Lake Pavilion things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Dows Lake Pavilion
CanadaOntarioOttawaDows Lake Pavilion

Basic Info

Dows Lake Pavilion

1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7, Canada
4.4(708)
Open 24 hours
Save
spot

Ratings & Description

Info

Outdoor
Relaxation
Scenic
Family friendly
Luxury
attractions: Commissioners Park, Canadian Tulip Festival, Dow's Lake, Dominion Arboretum, Ornamental Gardens, Central Experimental Farm, Dominion Observatory, restaurants: Mexicali Rosa's, Umbrella Bar, Pub Italia, EVOO Greek Kitchen, Meadows Diner, K, LET'S EAT, Atelier, Morning Owl, Mati, The Prescott
logoLearn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
Phone
+1 613-232-1001
Website
dowslake.com

Plan your stay

hotel
Pet-friendly Hotels in Ottawa
Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.
hotel
Affordable Hotels in Ottawa
Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.
hotel
The Coolest Hotels You Haven't Heard Of (Yet)
Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.
hotel
Trending Stays Worth the Hype in Ottawa
Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Reviews

Nearby attractions of Dows Lake Pavilion

Commissioners Park

Canadian Tulip Festival

Dow's Lake

Dominion Arboretum

Ornamental Gardens

Central Experimental Farm

Dominion Observatory

Commissioners Park

Commissioners Park

4.6

(1.4K)

Open until 12:00 AM
Click for details
Canadian Tulip Festival

Canadian Tulip Festival

4.6

(880)

Open 24 hours
Click for details
Dow's Lake

Dow's Lake

4.8

(275)

Open 24 hours
Click for details
Dominion Arboretum

Dominion Arboretum

4.8

(985)

Open 24 hours
Click for details

Things to do nearby

Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
Sun, Dec 14 • 6:30 PM
140 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, K1P 5J4
View details
Axe Throwing Experience in Ottawa
Axe Throwing Experience in Ottawa
Sat, Dec 13 • 2:00 PM
Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3T3, Canada
View details
Candlelight: Best of Metal
Candlelight: Best of Metal
Sat, Dec 13 • 8:30 PM
120 Lisgar St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L7
View details

Nearby restaurants of Dows Lake Pavilion

Mexicali Rosa's

Umbrella Bar

Pub Italia

EVOO Greek Kitchen

Meadows Diner

K, LET'S EAT

Atelier

Morning Owl

Mati

The Prescott

Mexicali Rosa's

Mexicali Rosa's

3.7

(670)

$$

Click for details
Umbrella Bar

Umbrella Bar

4.3

(392)

Click for details
Pub Italia

Pub Italia

4.4

(1.6K)

$

Click for details
EVOO Greek Kitchen

EVOO Greek Kitchen

4.4

(780)

$$

Click for details
Get the Appoverlay
Get the AppOne tap to find yournext favorite spots!

The hit list

restaurant
Best 10 Restaurants to Visit in Ottawa
February 08 · 5 min read
attraction
Best 10 Attractions to Visit in Ottawa
February 08 · 5 min read
Ottawa

Plan your trip with Wanderboat

Welcome to Wanderboat AI, your AI search for local Eats and Fun, designed to help you explore your city and the world with ease.

Powered by Wanderboat AI trip planner.
Wanderboat LogoWanderboat

Your everyday Al companion for getaway ideas

CompanyAbout Us
InformationAI Trip PlannerSitemap
SocialXInstagramTiktokLinkedin
LegalTerms of ServicePrivacy Policy

Get the app

© 2025 Wanderboat. All rights reserved.
logo

Posts

Seeing the world In a different waySeeing the world In a different way
Once a swamp, Dow's Lake was part of the Dow family's estate that was used in the construction of the Rideau canal (1826 - 1832). Lt Colonel By and his engineers directed work crews to dig into the swamp and created a large lake. This area serves as a water reservoir (slackwater pool) to adjust the canal's water levels so that boats could travel through the Rideau canal from the St Lawrence river/ Kingston to the Ottawa river. Dow's lake also serves as a beautiful place to play on the water with canoes/ paddle boats (rental office is at the pavillion) in the summer, as a scenic location to look at the tulips in Commissionaire's park in the spring, as a great starting place for a skate on the Rideau canal in the winter and you can dine upstairs in the pavillion's Mexican resturaunt all year round. On the second floor of the pavillion you can get a higher view of the beauty that surrounds the area. Check it out If you like my reviews, photos or videos give a splashing good thumbs up.
zahra vyzahra vy
We came early in the afternoon. No reservations needed or wait in line. For group rent, only 1 ID 💳(not including healthcard) was taken and we all paid together. The rent prices are per hour + taxes. They accept both card and cash. We wanted to try the pedal boat but the staff recommended that the boats were currently not at their best. We decided to rent a tandem kayaks and a solo kayak. 🛶 We signed a waiver📃, given a life vest each and then shown to our kayaks in a matter of minutes. No tutorial given, we just paddled away. 🙉😭👌🏼 _________ Despite the hot weather🌤☀️, there was breeze once you got on the water. Very peaceful activity. Kayaking was easier than expected but did not expect to get very wet 😭💦💦 Maybe because it was our first time, our legs were wet from the occasional splashing. Definitely plan extra clothes and proper foot wear. 👖👙👟
Andrew Fletcher ColeAndrew Fletcher Cole
Can’t say I’ll hurry back to this place. Rented a paddle boat and it was leaking throughout the duration of our jaunt on the lake. Upon alerting one of the individuals working at the rental company upon our return he indicated I was mistaken and this was normal. Given the track top I had left by the steering column was soaked I indicated that it was plainly apparent that there was an issue with the seals on this aspect of the watercraft. Again, I, the customer, was wrong; Had it not been for the young man’s insistence I probably wouldn’t have said anything to the manager, but when I did he became more belligerent. Apart from this experience, the washroom facilities were very disappointing. In fact, the whole public access design of the facility needs a rethink. There, that’s my two cents and then some.
See more posts
See more posts
hotel
Find your stay

Pet-friendly Hotels in Ottawa

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Once a swamp, Dow's Lake was part of the Dow family's estate that was used in the construction of the Rideau canal (1826 - 1832). Lt Colonel By and his engineers directed work crews to dig into the swamp and created a large lake. This area serves as a water reservoir (slackwater pool) to adjust the canal's water levels so that boats could travel through the Rideau canal from the St Lawrence river/ Kingston to the Ottawa river. Dow's lake also serves as a beautiful place to play on the water with canoes/ paddle boats (rental office is at the pavillion) in the summer, as a scenic location to look at the tulips in Commissionaire's park in the spring, as a great starting place for a skate on the Rideau canal in the winter and you can dine upstairs in the pavillion's Mexican resturaunt all year round. On the second floor of the pavillion you can get a higher view of the beauty that surrounds the area. Check it out If you like my reviews, photos or videos give a splashing good thumbs up.
Seeing the world In a different way

Seeing the world In a different way

hotel
Find your stay

Affordable Hotels in Ottawa

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Get the Appoverlay
Get the AppOne tap to find yournext favorite spots!
We came early in the afternoon. No reservations needed or wait in line. For group rent, only 1 ID 💳(not including healthcard) was taken and we all paid together. The rent prices are per hour + taxes. They accept both card and cash. We wanted to try the pedal boat but the staff recommended that the boats were currently not at their best. We decided to rent a tandem kayaks and a solo kayak. 🛶 We signed a waiver📃, given a life vest each and then shown to our kayaks in a matter of minutes. No tutorial given, we just paddled away. 🙉😭👌🏼 _________ Despite the hot weather🌤☀️, there was breeze once you got on the water. Very peaceful activity. Kayaking was easier than expected but did not expect to get very wet 😭💦💦 Maybe because it was our first time, our legs were wet from the occasional splashing. Definitely plan extra clothes and proper foot wear. 👖👙👟
zahra vy

zahra vy

hotel
Find your stay

The Coolest Hotels You Haven't Heard Of (Yet)

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

hotel
Find your stay

Trending Stays Worth the Hype in Ottawa

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Can’t say I’ll hurry back to this place. Rented a paddle boat and it was leaking throughout the duration of our jaunt on the lake. Upon alerting one of the individuals working at the rental company upon our return he indicated I was mistaken and this was normal. Given the track top I had left by the steering column was soaked I indicated that it was plainly apparent that there was an issue with the seals on this aspect of the watercraft. Again, I, the customer, was wrong; Had it not been for the young man’s insistence I probably wouldn’t have said anything to the manager, but when I did he became more belligerent. Apart from this experience, the washroom facilities were very disappointing. In fact, the whole public access design of the facility needs a rethink. There, that’s my two cents and then some.
Andrew Fletcher Cole

Andrew Fletcher Cole

See more posts
See more posts

Reviews of Dows Lake Pavilion

4.4
(708)
avatar
5.0
2y

Dow's Lake Pavilion is an absolute gem for families seeking outdoor adventures! 🌳🌸 Whether you're a local or a visitor, this charming spot offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Here's why you'll love it:

Boat Rentals: Imagine gliding across the serene waters of Dow's Lake, surrounded by lush greenery. The pavilion offers boat rentals, making it easy for families to explore the picturesque waterways. Grab a paddle and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Scenic Waterways: Speaking of waterways, Dow's Lake is like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The reflections of the trees on the calm surface are mesmerizing. Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline or hop on a boat to see the area from a different perspective.

Family Fishing: Bonding time with family doesn't get better than this. Pack your fishing gear, set up by the lake, and enjoy some quality moments. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, the tranquil ambiance makes every catch feel special.

Relaxation Zone: The pavilion itself is a cozy retreat. Find a spot on the grass, lay out a picnic blanket, and soak up the sun. The gentle breeze rustling through the leaves adds to the soothing atmosphere. It's the perfect place to unwind and recharge.

Community Vibe: Dow's Lake Pavilion brings people together. You'll encounter friendly faces, from fellow families to solo adventurers. Share stories, exchange tips, and revel in the sense of community. It's heartwarming to see everyone enjoying the outdoors.

So, whether you're renting a boat, casting a line, or simply basking in nature's beauty, Dow's Lake Pavilion promises an unforgettable experience for families. Don't miss out—make it your next weekend...

   Read more
avatar
1.0
2y

I would not give them a credit card and/or drivers license! After my horrible rental experience, when I asked for my credit card and drivers license back, the worker who claimed he was the manager gave me someone else's credit card and driver's license - someone of the opposite gender and much younger!!! I can't help but wonder if they gave my cards to someone else?! That person could steal my identity!?! They seemed very displeased to see some customers, maybe because they had to stop chatting and get to work. From the moment we got there, the staff (with the exception of one very polite and helpful young lady) were extremely rude; one of them kept shouting at us and used very aggressive body language the whole time as if we were deaf. This worker was yelling at my 70 year old mother and 14 year old niece!!! This was so bad that made me wonder if this incident was racially-motivated verbal abuse (I hope not...). When I mentioned this to another worker who claimed to be the manager, he responded "sometimes we have to raise our voice." They claimed they yelled at us because we stepped on the dock, even though they yelled at us before and after we were on the dock, and as a general mode of communication. I am not sure how we could have gotten to our boats without stepping on the dock! Of course, they do not have a sign indicating that you cannot step on the dock. When I told this "manager" that they should have a sign and that they could have asked nicely first, the guy acted so aggresively that I left.

In my opinion, this place is an embarrassment for the city of Ottawa. This is a tourist attraction, I hope they hire staff who have the mental capacity and the skills to work...

   Read more
avatar
1.0
12y

I was just there yesterday July 22, 2013 and the pedal boat I was given only wanted to go in circles. I blame it to my lack of knowledge operating a pedal boat. I returned to see if they can exchange the pedal boat to a canoe and I was told that it was too late. It was 7:15 p.m. After only half an hour of me trying to operate it. Anyways, I was disappointed but understood. Then the staff at the rental could not find my driver's licence. They searched the entire premises and could not find it. After waiting for about 20 minutes and the supervisor scratching his head cause he could not find it either. I decided to help and went over where I had checked in and started going through the piles of life jackets, I found my driver's licence and the next customer behind me. Oh yeah I forgot to mentioned that there was another customer with a lost piece of ID. I said to the supervisor (I didn't get his name) that he needs to be careful to which he replied that I should give him a break that it was too busy today, about 300 customers and that he is understaffed. I was so annoyed at this point because neither him or the girl that checked my ID wanted to acknowledge responsibility for the mistake. I was not compensated in any way and somehow it seemed to me that I was responsible. All I needed from this supervisor was an apology which I did not get. So needless to say that I WILL NOT be coming back to rent from them....

   Read more
Page 1 of 7
Previous
Next