Scenic Views · Ontario

Chaudière Falls

4.7 · 63 Google reviews

The broad cascade of the Ottawa River at Chaudière Island, now reached by a free public park with viewing platforms near the Canadian War Museum. More wide cascade than tall waterfall.

Ottawa, OntarioOttawa, ON K1R 6K8, CanadaView: WaterfallAccess: Short walk from Zibi or the Ottawa River Pathway; accessible pathsBest time: Spring runoff for the biggest flow; evenings for city lightsFees: Free (paid parking nearby)Fishing: We haven't confirmed whether angling is allowed from the park, which sits beside active hydro dams; check the Ontario regulations and posted signs.

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What visitors say

The Chaudière Falls are where the Ottawa River drops over rocky ledges and dam gates just west of downtown Ottawa. It isn't a high waterfall, and one visitor described it as more cascade than falls, but the volume of water is striking, especially during spring runoff. The falls have been open to the public since the park opened in 2017.

Visitors describe a calm little park with benches, historical panels and viewing platforms over the water. It's right on the Ottawa River Pathway, so cyclists and walkers often stop on the way through, and several people say it's quieter than they expected. It's also worth a look after dark.

Getting there is easiest on foot or by bike. Paid parking is available at Zibi, and older reviews mention parking by the Canadian War Museum. The paths are accessible, but washrooms haven't been available on site, so plan around that.

Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 63 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.