From multi-level waterfalls to hidden gems, here are some fantastic places to chase waterfalls in Ottawa. Here are the best places to go for a stunning view of waterfalls in and near Ottawa 🙂

Waterfalls in Ottawa/Capital Region

When To Visit Waterfalls in Ottawa

Spring is one of the best times to see waterfalls as the winter ice and snow melt, unleashing a powerful water flow. Summer is a great time to see the waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery, and you can enjoy water spots. Fall is the perfect time to see the waterfalls surrounded by colour. Go in winter to catch icicles. 

Rideau Falls

Find a waterfall in downtown Ottawa. Rideau Falls will give you a stunning view of a waterfall flowing into the Ottawa River. In the 1800s, the site was an industrial area powered by Rideau Falls. 

Pack a picnic in Stanley Park and walk to Rideau Falls. My favourite time of year to visit these falls is in summer. Enjoy a drink at Tavern on the Falls and watch as the boats float by on the Ottawa River. 

Want an up-close view from the water? Book a tour on Ottawa Boat Cruises. 

Hogs Back Falls

Hogs Back Falls one of my favourite central waterfalls in Ottawa. Find this powerful waterfall less than 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Hogs Back Park is an excellent spot for vibrant cherry blossoms in the spring, having a picnic and admiring the power of Hogs Back Falls.

Walk around the perimeter to see Hogs Back Fall from multiple angles. You can also sit along some of the rocks beside the waterfall. Bring a book and stay a while with the perfect backdrop for a sunny afternoon. 

Chaudière Falls

You’ll find the Chaudière Falls between Ottawa and Gatineau near Zibi. Enjoy this scenic waterfall with a width of 60 metres. Take the Ottawa River Pathway to access Chaudière Falls. There are seating areas available so you can sit and enjoy the view. 

Algonquin Anishinaabe and other First Nations consider Chaudière Falls a sacred site due to its significance as a meeting place, portage site, and trade route. The Algonquin First Nation called Chaudière Falls “Asticou,” which translates to “kettle” or “boiling water” because of the mist that rises from the cauldron-like shape of the falls. 

This would be a great waterfall in Ottawa to catch the sunset from (more great sunset locations here). Before or after, explore the Gatineau Cultural Trail, a 3km trail that will bring you to the area’s restaurants, installations and murals. 

Princess Louise Falls

You’ll find Princess Louise Falls in Orleans. Check out my guide to Princess Louise Falls, including the best way to get there! Through trial and error, I found the best route, so you don’t need to venture through the mud like me 😉 

Wilson Carbide Ruins in Gatineau Park

You’ll find this waterfall near Ottawa in Gatineau Park. Something unique about this waterfall near Ottawa is that it’s on display beside ruins! 

To get to the Wilson Carbide Ruins, take Gatineau Park trail 36 starting from Parking Lot 11 on Meech Lake (paid parking). The trail is a 3.25- kilometre round trip. Keep in mind climbing on the ruins and swimming is not permitted. 

After your visit, stop for a bite at one of the restaurants in Chelsea, like Biscotti et Cie. 

Luskville Falls in Gatineau Park

Enjoy a hike on your way to this waterfall near Ottawa. Luskville Falls flows over the Eardley escarpment. It’s a 4.3km uphill climb with 300m elevation gain, but you’ll get beautiful views of the Eardley escarpment. 

It’s a rocky hike, so I recommend wearing proper hiking boots. You’ll find Luskville Falls in Gatineau Park, but it’s one of the furthest points in Pontiac. Fun fact, 10,000 years ago, the Champlain Sea was at the foot of the Escarpment.

There are also lookouts along the way:

• Pontiac Lookout provides a panoramic view of the Ottawa Valley
• Lusk Lookout offers a view of rich clay plains
• The 1940s Fire Tower (closed to the public) 

Here’s a link to the parking lot for navigation. Make it a staycation and book at night at Hillhaus Domes. 

Wakefield Mill

Book a stay at the Wakefield Mill and enjoy all the sights and attractions this charming town offers. You’ll find a waterfall right beside Wakefield Mill. I have a complete guide to Wakefield here. 

Waterfalls Near Ottawa 

Almonte River Walk

20 minutes from Ottawa, West

This short and sweet walk in Almonte will take you along the Mississippi River. Enjoy the view and sound of the water flowing through. It’s right on the edge of downtown Almonte so you can easily pop into some shops and restaurants while you’re there. Check out my guide to Almonte here, including the BEST patio with a view of the waterfall. 

Blakeney Rapids

41 minutes from Ottawa, West

Blakeney Rapids technically isn’t a waterfall, but there are multiple lookouts that are pretty epic, so we’re going to count it 😉 Take the trails to see the rapids from multiple viewpoints. You can also go swimming at the top with a shallow pool. Stop in Almonte after your visit.

Chutes de Plaisance in Montebello 

46 minutes from Ottawa, East

This is one of the best waterfalls you can visit near Ottawa. Enjoy a day trip to this stunning multi-level waterfall. Check out my full guide to Chutes de Plaisance before going, including adventures. 

Parc Des Chutes Coulonge 

1 hour 40 minutes from Ottawa 

Find a magnificent waterfall at Parc Des Chutes Coulonge. Explore this historical and aerial park and admire its 160-ft waterfalls and canyon. Enjoy the falls on the walking path and lookouts. You can also add on adventures via ferrata, ziplining over Coulonge River, and morYouyou can also see the falls illuminated at ni at certain times of the year. You’ll need a ticket to visit this waterfall. 

Waterfalls Near Ottawa That Are Worth the Roadtrip 

Ragged Falls Provincial Park

Kayak along Oxtongue River, and you’ll get to the stunning Ragged Falls. Enjoy a view from the water and then hike to the top for multiple lookout points. 

Get all the details on where to start and where to rent kayaks or canoes in this guide to kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding near Ottawa.

High Falls At Algonquin Park

Enjoy nature’s waterslide at High Falls at the Achray Campground of Algonquin Park. I recommend staying overnight here but BOOK EARLY because spots are already filling up. 

While in the area, check out these other attractions, like this stunning canyon.

You might be interested in: Ontario Parks To Visit Near Ottawa

Quebec Authentique Waterfalls

This itinerary will bring you to three epic waterfalls and unique accommodations in Quebec Authentique. Each of the waterfalls is so unique and different. I loved exploring this Quebec region and would recommend it for chasing waterfalls and other adventures. 

Niagara Falls

One of Canada’s most famous waterfalls and a natural wonder that people travel from all over the world to see. 

I’ll be honest, the view of Niagara Falls is stunning, but many of the surrounding attractions seem like a tourist trap. Use this guide to unlock a different side of Niagara from spectacular viewpoints, rapids and more. We escaped the tourist traps and had an incredible time here. 

Montmorency Falls in Quebec City

These mighty falls are 83m high, making them taller than Niagara Falls! You can see the waterfall at different stages, including a bridge that will take you across the top of the waterfall. 

I remember going to one of the lower levels and getting soaked from the mist coming off this powerful stream of water. 

This waterfall will be a great site in any season. Check out my winter guide to Quebec City if you’re there in winter. It also has photo ideas for any season 🙂 

Find more Ottawa ideas here.