Shirleys Bay and the Ottawa River

Be dazzled by the scenery, quiet vistas and historic points along the Ottawa River. Shirleys Bay is a popular location for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and sailing. There is a public boat launch at Shirleys Bay. The launch is suitable only for small, shallow-draft boats because of the shallow, rocky shoreline.

Facilities

Washrooms: Two universally accessible outhouses at parking lot P1.

Parking: Free, year-round parking is available at parking lot P1.

Picnic areas: Sheltered and unsheltered picnic areas at parking lot P1.

Rideau Canal and the Black Rapids Lockstation

The world-famous Rideau Canal passes through the Greenbelt and is a popular spot for boating. Black Rapids is a peaceful oasis which offers a beautiful park-like setting with large trees and verdant lawns. The Black Rapids Lockstation, which is run by Parks Canada, is located by Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest. The launch is suitable only for small watercraft because the shoreline access point is shallow and narrow.

Cyclists can also access Black Rapids from the Capital Pathway’s Greenbelt Pathway West, which follows Black Rapids Creek.

Facilities

Washrooms: There is an outhouse at the Black Rapids Lockstation. There are also universally accessible washrooms.

Parking: Paid parking is available.

Picnic areas: There are picnic tables.

There is a narrow shoreline access point to launch small boats.

There is tent camping for those arriving by water, as well as for cyclists and hikers.

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