Located just 40 minutes outside of Ottawa, Rideau River Provincial Park offers a relaxing camping experience with activities for the whole family.
Rideau River is open for camping and day use until October 13 this year!
Here are a few reasons why you’ll love to experience this park in the fall season:
1. Private and level campsites
Ideal for both RVers and tent campers, Rideau River offers nearly 200 level campsites within mature forest and lush ferns, providing a beautifully private and quiet experience in the fall.
RVers can find pull-through and electrical campsites, all within a short walk to the waterfront.
Select campsites in West Campground have a nice view of the Rideau River.
2. Beautiful fall colours
Don’t let the fields surrounding the park deceive you when it comes to Rideau River’s fall colours!
Pack your flannel and picnic blankets to enjoy a hazy fall sunrise in the day use area. Relax underneath dozens of Silver Maples that will soon transition to beautiful shades of orange.
Between the tall pines in the campground, you’ll find a mix of maples, poplars (Trembling Aspen), and oak, providing different fall colours as the season goes on.
3. Fantastic for families
Rideau River is a smaller park with flat roads, making it easy for families to explore on bikes or on foot.
The park’s 1.5 km linear Shoreline Trail is a great family activity, as it takes you along the water’s edge throughout the park. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as frogs, turtles, Great Blue Herons, and more!
The day use areas with beaches and a playground are centrally located and offer plenty of space for family fun.
4. Watercraft rentals and excellent fishing opportunities
Did you know that the Rideau River is part of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage site?
Located between two locks, this area of the river provides excellent paddling and boating, with calm waters and plenty of day trip routes.
Canoes, kayaks, and SUPs are available for rent at the park’s gatehouse on Saturdays and Sundays until closing weekend. Please call the park directly for rental details.
For the anglers, it doesn’t get much better than fishing the Rideau in the fall!
It’s a great park for muskie, bass, and pike fishing. You’re going to want to pack appropriate tackle rated for these powerful fish.
Cast off the park’s docks or launch your boat from the boat launch.
Don’t forget to check Ontario’s Fishing Regulations before your trip! An Ontario fishing license is required.
5. Explore Ottawa and the area’s fun fall activities
While there’s plenty to see and do at the park, Rideau River also makes an excellent base for exploring the greater Ottawa area!
From the nation’s capital to picturesque small towns outside the park, there’s no shortage of quick day trips you can take!
During the fall season, families will enjoy fun activities like apple picking and corn mazes at nearby farms.
Planning a day trip?
Camping’s open through Thanskgiving Weekend this year.
Just visiting for the day? Daily vehicle permits can be booked in advance. Reservations become available at 7:00 am, five days before your arrival date.
