National Capital Commission

National Capital Commission Building a capital that inspires Canadians. En Français: https://www.facebook.com/CommissionDeLaCapitaleNationale

The NCC is responsible for planning, as well as taking part in the development, conservation and improvement of Canada’s Capital Region.

06/14/2026

The countdown is on! 👀🌊

The dock is in place and final touches are underway.

East Wharf dock opening soon.

06/12/2026

Let’s talk about water quality.

We’ve seen questions come up about water quality at our docks in Ottawa-Gatineau.

Let's take a deep dive into what we know:

💧 Water quality is monitored 1-4x weekly in partnership with Ottawa Riverkeeper - Garde-rivière des Outaouais, with regular sampling and public reporting throughout the season. Exact sampling schedule varies by site.

📍 The Dow’s Lake dock is on the Rideau Canal, which is fed by the Rideau River. The lake is upstream from most major urban influences and benefits from constant flow through the canal.

📍 East Wharf, the River House, and the Canadian Museum of History dock are all on the Ottawa River, a large waterbody with plenty of flow. This natural replenishment helps ensure good water quality.

📊 Long-term monitoring data continues to show consistently strong results for recreational use.

🧫 E. coli levels are tested using water samples collected on site and analyzed in a lab. Results are reported in colony-forming units (CFU), which measure the concentration of bacteria in the water.

🌿 Water colour can also vary naturally due to tannins, which can give it a brownish tint even when conditions are normal.

🌦️ After heavy rainfall, stormwater runoff can temporarily affect water quality, which is why timing matters. Swimming is not recommended 24-48 hours after a rainfall event.

Click here to find the latest water quality results: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/docks

The animated patio at Dow’s Lake is officially back for the season! Lakeside views with swimming, a beer garden by Domin...
06/11/2026

The animated patio at Dow’s Lake is officially back for the season!

Lakeside views with swimming, a beer garden by Dominion City Brewing Co. food by GitanesBurger, lawn games, Muskoka chairs and more.

🍺 Dominion City beer garden hours:
Thursday and Friday: 3 pm – 9 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm
*hours are weather dependant

🏊‍♀️The Dow’s Lake Dock is just steps away from the patio. Head over to cool off in the water or relax on the docks.

Send this to someone who needs to go here!

Details here: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/commissioners-park-and-dows-lake?utm_source=facebook&utm_post=96bcd476-6640-4c52-b598-60b7e3d03184

06/10/2026

Safer steps and smoother connections! 🙌

Work is officially complete on the Lac-des-Fées pedestrian crossings project. It’ll now be safer and easier for everyone to walk, roll, and commute in the area.

📍 Lac-des-Fées Parkway (between Duquesne St. and Saint-Jean-Bosco St.)

Keep an eye out for these important safety improvements on your next trip:

🔹 Two new crossings (at Brodeur St. and near UQO)
🔹 Pedestrian-activated flashing lights to boost visibility
🔹 Reduced speed limit
(from 60 km/h to 40 km/h)

Learn more on the project here: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/projects/improving-pedestrian-safety-on-the-lac-des-fees-parkway

Safe response. Successful relocation. 👏🐻 Last month, our conservation officers safely chemically immobilized a young bla...
06/08/2026

Safe response. Successful relocation. 👏🐻

Last month, our conservation officers safely chemically immobilized a young black bear in Ottawa’s west end in collaboration with Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services.

The bear was relocated outside the city to suitable habitat approved by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

This coordinated response helped ensure both public safety and the well-being of the animal.

If you ever see a bear behaving in a way that could pose a risk to public safety, contact our emergency line at 613-239-5000.

For more bear safety tips: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/blog/black-bear-safety-ottawa-gatineau?utm_source=facebook&utm_post=bf4bb4e5-377b-420a-a93e-647b0fce082e

06/05/2026

Time to make a splash: swimming is officially back at the NCC River House! 🙌🏊‍

Whether it’s a quick dip or a relaxing float, the water is ready for you. 🌊

Here’s everything you need to know about the NCC River House this summer:


🗓️ Swimming area is open daily from 7 am to sunset until September 7.

✅ Lifeguards on duty from July 1 to September 7 | Weekends and holidays, from 11 am to 7 pm.

👉 Outside these hours, swimming is at your own risk.

•

🍦 Les Traiteurs Bytown Catering | Open daily from 9 am to 9 pm
🛶 Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals- Ottawa | Kayak, paddleboard and bike rentals available nearby (Opening June 12)

•

🚼 Universally accessible change rooms with showers, lockers (bring your own lock) and a change table
♿ Lift for swim area
🦺 Life jackets available to borrow
🚫 No reservations: first come, first served
⏳ Visit at off-peak hours

Please note: Shoreline work is underway, so access via the lower trail may be limited at times.

Save this post for your next trip to the River House.

Plan your visit here: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/ncc-river-house

Address

202–40 Elgin Street
Ottawa, ON
K1P1C7

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+16132395000

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when National Capital Commission posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category