Advisory
Please take note of the following before your visit.
The NCC River House is a century-old heritage building that is universally accessible year-round. The house is located on the Ottawa River along the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway.
In all seasons, it features options to enjoy the shoreline. It also has food and beverage amenities. In summer, there is a free public dock to swim from and launch a kayak or canoe. In winter, you can ski, snowshoe, bike and walk on a multi-use winter trail that leads to the NCC River House.
Tag your best Instagram photos with #NCCRiverHouse for a chance to be featured in this gallery.
Directions
Location: 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, Ottawa
The NCC River House is accessible via the Ottawa River Pathway along the Sir George-Étienne Cartier pathway.
- In summer, there are bike racks around the site on the upper and lower landscape, and also along the shoreline.
- In winter, there are ski racks available at the entrance of the building, on the outdoor deck.
New this summer: Get to the NCC River House using a universally accessible* water taxi service ($). The water taxi has scheduled trips to and from the River House and departs from the Ottawa Locks. Rides can be pre-booked online.
- Spring hours (starting June 14): Friday to Sunday, noon to 7 pm
- Summer hours (starting June 24): Daily, 10:30 am to 7 pm
- Fall hours (starting September 4): Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:30 am to 7 pm
Important: all rides are weather dependent.
In summer, hop aboard an authentic, London-style double decker bus for a hop-on hop-off tour with Gray Line Tours from the NCC River House.
Community-groomed multi-use winter trail
In winter, the Ski Heritage East winter trail leads directly to the NCC River House. A team of volunteers maintains the lower trail all winter. Winter trail users can stop in for a snack at the Café & Bistro and warm up during business hours.
Food and beverage services
Year-round, the NCC River House features an outdoor patio with panoramic views of the Ottawa River. You can also enjoy a snack at the Café & Bistro, operated by Bytown Catering.
In winter only, there is indoor seating available. However, it is closed when the ballroom is reserved for events.
- Schedule: 9 am to sunset on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
- Menu: The seasonal winter menu features light fare such as sandwiches, soups, chili, grilled cheeses, salads, pizza, baked goods, pastries, ice cream, beer, wine, and hot and cold beverages.
Contact Bytown Catering directly for details.
Swimming
In summer, the NCC River House boasts a free, enclosed and supervised swimming area and two 25-metre swimming lanes. Swimming conditions at NCC River House can vary, depending on river conditions. Water depth can range from 1.5 to 2.7 m (5 ft. to 9 ft.).
Capacity is limited to 125 swimmers at a time on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations. The swim area can reach capacity quickly. Swimming at off-peak hours is recommended.
- Universal access to water with a new chair lift allows everyone to get into the water safely.
- Users can borrow life jackets to swim in the pool area. There are 43 life jackets in sizes from infant to XXL.
Water quality
Regular bacteriological testing is conducted by Ottawa Riverkeeper and the water quality at the NCC River House results are posted on the Swim Guide website.
Changing facilities
Universally accessible change rooms are available on the lower level (level 1). They feature showers, lockers (bring your own lock) and a change table.
Equipment rentals
In summer, you can rent single and tandem kayaks, paddleboards and bikes right next to the NCC River House (350 m east off the lower trail)! Book your equipment online or in person.
Hours of operation are weather dependent. Contact Escape Tours & Rentals directly for details.
Boat launch
In summer, you may launch your own small non-motorized boat (e.g. canoe or kayak) from the public dock.
Motorized watercrafts (boats or jet skis) are not permitted on the dock.
Fishing
Year-round, you may fish from the shoreline with a valid Ontario fishing licence. Fishing from the dock or close to the dock area is prohibited.
Explore Ottawa Riverkeeper's Learning Lab
Year-round, curious minds of all ages can explore the river at Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Learning Lab, located on the lower level of the NCC River House. This unique space offers free educational opportunities to learn about the river’s wildlife, ecosystems and water quality.
All programming is free and open to the public.
Ottawa Riverkeeper’s hours of operation, special events and workshops
Room rentals
Year-round, the NCC River House ballroom is available for event bookings through Bytown Catering. The space can generally accommodate 150 to 200 people. Please contact Bytown Catering directly for details.
Accessibility
The NCC River House includes several universally accessible upgrades, including:
- elevator access to all three levels
- universally accessible pathways to the docks
- accessible washrooms
- accessible change rooms
- lift for the swim area
There are two universally accessible parking spaces available in P3, located 160 m from the NCC River House. There is also a drop-off lane along the parkway for universally accessible access, approximately 80 m from the building. Due to the site’s unique location on the Ottawa River, the drop-off lane is the shortest universally accessible route. There is no parking in the drop-off lane.
Additionally, a universally accessible pathway extends approximately 570 m from P4 to the base of the docks of the NCC River House.
Rules
- Dogs: Leashed dogs and pets are permitted on the shoreline but are not permitted at the NCC River House or on the docks.
- Food: Glassware is not permitted on the docks.
- Alcohol: You may drink items bought at the NCC River House on the patios or inside the building. No outside alcohol is permitted onsite, including in the landscaped areas. Alcohol is not permitted on the docks.
About the NCC River House
The NCC River House is a landmark asset in the NCC’s portfolio. Designed by architect C.P. Meredith, it was constructed between 1914 and 1925 for the Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (ONEC). For nearly a century, it has been a place for canoeing, boating and recreational activities along the Ottawa River.
In 2010, the boathouse was designated a recognized federal heritage building due to its longstanding links to the history of canoeing in Canada. Its architecture is a rare example of early boathouse design, and its unique setting on the river gives it special historical significance.
From 2019 to 2023, the River House revitalization project brought required repairs and upgrades to this heritage property to make it usable year-round. It now provides new opportunities for public access and shoreline animation.
Current tenants
Current tenants include: Bytown Catering, Ottawa Riverkeeper and Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (ONEC).