Dow's Lake, Ottawa

Dow's Lake, situated in the heart of Ottawa, is a charming man-made lake located two kilometers north of Hog's Back Falls along the Rideau Canal. The lake derives its name from Abram Dow, an American-born settler who arrived in Ontario in the early 19th Century and owned land in the area as early as 1816. Before the construction of the canal, this region was known as Dow's Great Swamp. The lake itself came into existence when a dam was built along the northern shore to facilitate the canal's flooding.

In the winter months, Dow's Lake transforms into a frozen wonderland and becomes an integral part of the world's longest skating rink. It serves as one of the central venues for the Winterlude festival in February, hosting exciting events like the 'bed races' and 'waiter races' on its icy surface.

Adjacent to the lake, two scenic drives follow the path of the canal. The Queen Elizabeth Driveway, named in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, gracefully runs along the northern and western sides of the lake. On the southern side, Colonel By Drive pays tribute to Lieutenant-Colonel John By, the founder of the city.

At Dow's Lake's northern tip, a charming pavilion with three restaurants (Umbrella Bar, Lago, and Mexi's) overlooks the water. It also offers canoe, kayak, and paddle boat rentals, boat mooring, and an indoor changing area for skaters. Open year-round, the pavilion welcomes visitors to enjoy its services.