Strathcona Park — Attraction in Ottawa

The park is very large and beautifully maintained. It offers an extensive paved walking path along the Rideau River, providing many wonderful views. There is a parking lot at midpoint, which divides the park. On the north side is a no dog zone and is a great place to stroll or sit and enjoy the scenery. On the south side, the path continues along the river where dogs are allowed "on leash." Following this path leads to a small fenced play area and a full-size pool. The pool area appears well kept and provides some benches for seeting. Beyond the pool area is a very large, open maintained field where dogs are allowed leash free. This area is wonderful for dogs as it provides not only ample space for games of catch but also two areas where dogs can access the river and swim. This is a fantastic place to take your dog, but, be warned, it is not fenced in, is very popular with dog owners as well and has a steady stream of cyclists, joggers and walkers along the path so if your dog is not socialized and obedient to being called you may want to keep you...

Strathcona Park is a beautiful public park where people go to walk their dogs, have birthday parties for their kids, take a scenic path for their morning run, and stretch out on the grass underneath the trees to daydream, write and sleep.

Kids climb excitedly over the “ruins” installed for them, push each other on the swings and in the summertime splash each other in a shallow wading pool. There’s a stage area which people exercise on, sing on and practice dance routines on when it’s not being used to host Shakespeare plays.

Up at the top of the hill is a large fountain. The benches near there are popular because they overlook the beautiful greenery of the park and make you feel tucked away under a leafy canopy. The sound of the water provides soothing white noise.

This park is my favourite place in Ottawa. There are so many interesting visitors and it’s an excellent place to people watch. It’s also where I go to get away from people too, because when you’re lying down on the grass looking up at the trees, it’s easy to forget the...

The grounds are beautiful, I love the ruins and the mature trees and water views.

The reason it’s 3 stars is from a family with young kids perspective.The play structure for kids is really small, the slide is steep and fully metal and isn’t as safe as it could be.The wading pool isn’t in use, and the washroom building is old, locked and clearly not maintained. Considering it’s one of the only large city parks in this area, it should have a washroom and updated play structure for families with young kids.

It’s a great spot for a photoshoot and for adults but not the best one for families with young kids.

There is plenty of space for picnics, you can bring your own stuff and set up. The kids mostly played by the ruins, but we had to leave the park 3 times to use the restrooms and drive to a cafe - and didn’t find parking when we came back every time, so would have to wait. Something to...