Just steps away from scenic Dow’s Lake, Commissioners Park is a lush, vibrant oasis in the heart of Ottawa. With winding paths, mature trees and stunning views of the waterfront, Commissioners Park is known for vibrant tulip displays in spring and colourful blooms in summer.
It’s the perfect spot to stroll, relax and enjoy the lakeside all year round.
Visiting Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake
Commissioners Park is located at the corner of Preston Street and Queen Elizabeth Driveway in Ottawa. The area is conveniently located within walking distance from transit and cycling paths.
- Parking: Paid parking for the Dow’s Lake Pavilion is available at the Champagne lot off Champagne Avenue (855 Carling Avenue). See the City of Ottawa’s parking map for more information.
- Washrooms: In summer, washrooms are available at the Dow’s Lake Pavilion. There is also a seasonal, universally accessible, portable washroom available on the shoreline near the dock.
- Public transportation: Dow’s Lake is served by bus routes along Bronson Avenue and Carling Avenue, as well as Line 2 of the O-Train.
- Active use: NCC multi-use pathways and City of Ottawa cycling lanes also serve the area.
The park features paved pathways that are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are many shaded spots and benches for taking breaks.
The NCC Summer Zone offers an animated space with offerings from a local restaurant and a brewery. It is a welcoming place to relax, soak in the river landscape and participate in summer activities.
In summer 2025, the NCC installed a recreational dock at Dow’s Lake, near Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Lakeside Avenue. The dock was removed for the season on October 2, 2025. The Dow’s Lake dock is a space for swimming, relaxing by the water, and launching non-motorized watercraft.
It is universally accessible and features Muskoka chairs and bike racks. A universally accessible portable washroom is available nearby.
The Dow’s Lake dock project was the winner of the 2025 Brownie Award in the REFOCUS category.
The NCC has conducted robust testing within the swim area at Dow’s Lake to characterize water quality. The Ottawa Riverkeeper regularly tests water for E. coli. Results can be found on Swim Guide.
During the 2025 season, all 67 water samples collected from the Dow’s Lake dock swimming area passed testing. Complete results are available for download through the Ottawa Riverkeeper Open Data portal.
Like all waterbodies, conditions at Dow’s Lake can change with the weather. We don’t recommend swimming after heavy rainfall or during adverse weather conditions.
To establish the new swim area, the NCC also commissioned a third party to test water for more than 140 additional parameters, such as metals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and petroleum hydrocarbons. To date, these tests have shown concentrations below detection limits or below human health thresholds, consistent with other swim locations.
Commissioners Park extends over 8.95 hectares. It was built from the 1920s to the 1950s on the site of a former lumberyard owned by J.R. Booth, an eminent Capital builder and magnate of the lumber industry.
Dow’s Lake is a vibrant, urban ecosystem that is home to nearly 30 species of fish, including pike, walleye, bass and muskellunge.