Boating

In the Greenbelt, you can go boating on the Ottawa River, at Shirleys Bay, and on the Rideau Canal.

Be dazzled by the scenery, quiet vistas and historic points along the Ottawa River. Shirleys Bay is a popular location for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and sailing.

There is a public boat launch at Shirleys Bay. The launch is suitable only for small, shallow-draft boats because of the shallow, rocky shoreline.

Facilities

• Parking: Free, year-round parking at parking lot P1.
• Washrooms: Two universally accessible outhouses.
• Picnic areas: Sheltered and unsheltered picnic areas.

The world-famous Rideau Canal passes through the Greenbelt and is a popular spot for boating. Black Rapids is a peaceful oasis which offers a beautiful park-like setting with large trees and verdant lawns.

The Black Rapids Lockstation, which is run by Parks Canada, is located by Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest. Cyclists can also access Black Rapids from the Capital Pathway’s Greenbelt Pathway West, which follows Black Rapids Creek.

The launch is suitable only for small watercraft because the shoreline access point is shallow and narrow.

Facilities

• Parking: Paid parking is available.
• Washrooms: An outhouse and universally accessible washrooms.
• Picnic areas: Picnic tables.
• Camping: Tent camping for those arriving by water, as well as for cyclists and hikers.