Scenic Views · Fishing · Ontario
Hog's Back Falls Lookout
A pedestrian bridge and lookout over Hog's Back Falls on the Rideau River in Ottawa, with free parking, picnic areas and a snack bar in the surrounding NCC park.
What visitors say
Hog's Back Falls, also called Prince of Wales Falls, is where the Rideau River pours over a band of rock in the middle of Ottawa. A pedestrian bridge crosses right over the falls, linking Hog's Back Park with Colonel By Drive and the canal locks on the other side. Visitors love the roar of the water, and several say sunrise and sunset are the best times to see it.
It's an easy visit. Paths run along both sides of the falls, there are plenty of benches, and the park has picnic tables, seasonal washrooms and a grill and bistro concession. Parking is free but has time limits, and a couple of reviewers found it tight because some people leave their cars all day. The site is also on the city's pathway network, so it's easy to reach by bike.
Most people come for a walk and the view. The Rideau River here holds bass, walleye, perch and other warm- and cool-water fish, and angling is allowed with an Ontario licence under the regulations for the Rideau system.
Stay behind the railings: the current below the falls is powerful. The park's facilities are seasonal, generally from early May to December 1.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 689 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.