Posted: July 25, 2023
River House opens to the public!
Come visit us! The National Capital Commission has officially opened River House to the public! We are so excited to see river lovers swimming, walking, and relaxing by the water of the beautiful Ottawa River from this unique vantage point.
River House, located at 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway in Ottawa, is a 100 year old historic boathouse, recently restored by the NCC to be a brand new way to access the water. The NCC has installed an amazing set of docks to build an enclosed swimming space at the site, and Ottawa Riverkeeper’s new learning space, dedicated science lab, and offices and meeting rooms are located in the building!
Having a space right on the water has long been an aspiration of Ottawa Riverkeeper. Never before have we had our own program space. We can’t wait to show you this dream as it begins to take shape!
As part of the opening, we heard from Tobi Nussbaum, Chief Executive Officer of the National Capital Commission, and from Mona Fortier, MP for the Vanier riding where River House is located. Both talked about how important it is to be able to provide the public with access to this amazing river. Afterwards, the media embarked on a tour of the site that included Ottawa Riverkeeper’s new Learning Lab and the NCC’s swimming area.
While on site, MP Mona Fortier took a water sample at the docks as part of Ottawa Riverkeeper’s water quality testing program. River House is now on Swim Guide, and we are working with the NCC to provide official water quality results for the swimming season! That means you can check the results on Swim Guide, and it will be the water quality tests performed by Ottawa Riverkeeper staff right in the building at our Science Lab that will decide if it is safe to swim!
As part of the opening, visitors to our Learning Lab were able to speak to Pinock Smith, an Algonquin craftsperson from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nation in Quebec, who will be leading a birch bark canoe-building workshop with Indigenous youth this summer. Pinock explained some of the methods involved, demonstrated the materials needed which he has collected, and displayed a smaller version of a similar canoe to the one which he will be building.
Guests also had the chance to see a turtle egg incubator, which now holds over 400 turtle eggs as part of our collaboration with the Petrie Island Turtle Project, and their lead biologist Malcolm Fenech. These eggs were collected this summer by Malcolm, and will stay safe from predators at River House until they are released back into the river at Petrie Island later in August.
How will River House elevate our work?
River House will be a hub for collaboration — a place to share, teach, and connect as well as a catalyst for restoration, reconciliation, envisioning our relationship with water and with one another, and stewardship projects.
River House will elevate and amplify Ottawa Riverkeeper’s work. At this new public-facing location we’ll offer programming that will:
- Connect Ottawa-Gatineau residents and visitors to Canada’s capital river
- Deepen the public’s connection to and understanding of the health of the Ottawa River and its watershed
- Offer inspiring, hands-on environmental education for thousands of local youth
- Strengthen and grow partnerships with Algonquin communities
- Celebrate the watershed through public programs, interpretive displays, and events
What comes next?
We have big dreams for our work at River House! A dedicated campaign cabinet has been formed to bring Ottawa Riverkeeper’s vision for River House to life.
We are actively seeking funding from various levels of government and are in the early phase of mobilizing a private sector campaign to generate philanthropic support from individuals, corporations and foundations.
River House FAQs
Watch the NCC’s video about River House to learn more about the site!
Plus, consult our FAQs below to get answers to some of the most common questions about the building and the swimming docks.
Are you able to visit Riverhouse by car, or bike and boat only.
Regards,
Paul Sharkey
Hi Paul, there is a Parking lot (P3) right across from River House. It is quite small and fills up quickly, but there is also another parking lot (P4) further east of the location, about a 5-10 minute walk away.
Sounds wonderful
Where exactly is it
River House is at 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway in Ottawa.
Can any boats dock and will there be a restaurant?
Hi Marie-Christine, there is a space on the docks for non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and paddleboards, to launch or dock. There will be a café/bistro on the second floor, including out on the patio. It is operated by Bytown Catering, another of the tenants in the building.
Wow, quel beau joyau de la région d’Ottawa. Félicitations à vous tous. C’est certain qu’on arrêtera pour une petite visite lors de notre prochaine sortie en vélo.
What is the parking situation?
Hi Christina, there are two parking lots to use: P3 is directly across the parkway from River House, and P4 is a short walk further east along the parkway.
When will the cafe/bistro open? Will they take reservations?
Hi Joanne, the operating hours for the bistro are: 11 am to 9pm (May 1st – October 31), 10 am to 2 pm (November 1st – April 30th). I don’t know if they take reservations, but you could contact Bytown Catering directly to inquire.
The swimming area looks amazing. Can you explain how it will be managed? Can people just drop in, will there be lane swimming or organized activities around it?
Hi Cheryl, the swimming area is open from 7 am to 7 pm, seven days a week. You can just drop by to go swimming! There is an area of the swimming docks roped off in two lanes for those who want to swim laps.
Very nice. My cousin and I kept Laser sailboats at that old boathouse in the 80s, the New Edinburgh boat club. We spent many days in the summers in the 80s biking to the club from our homes in Hintonburg, traveling along the pathway for most of it. Then, we’d pull out our boats, set the sails and try to sail in the river that often had more current than wind before cycling back, challenging. It’s a unique location for enjoying the water!
Is there a section of the swimming area reserved for lane swimming?
Hi Haley, yes, there is an area of the swimming docks marked off in two lanes for lane swimming!
When will patrons be able to swim? Will they have to pay?
Swimming at River House is free! The swimming area is open from 7 am to 7 pm, seven days a week for the rest of the summer.
This is just wonderful! So happy to see this gorgeous place saved and properly restored for public enjoyment. Well done to all!
How is it that I have lived in the west end since 1981 and have never heard of River House? I can’t wait to check it out.
Thank you!
We’ve been boating on the river for 7 years and was nice to see the transformation of the place. It’s too bad we cannot access using our motorized boat. Hopefully they create a way for us to do so in the near future.
Is it possible to swim to Gatineau from your launch? I.e., are there any rapids or other hazards to be concerned about? Is there a good point to aim for on the other side, and how many kilometres would be around trip? Is there a way to rinse off the river water after swim either in the enclosed area or in open water swim?
Are the tennis courts still viable across the parkway.
do you have handicap parking ,we are not able to walk very far
Hi Diane, great question! The building is universally accessible, and there is a layby which allows visitors to be dropped off at the top of the hill down to River House. The walk down to the building and the docks is down a ramp, but it is quite a long switchback to make up for a steep hill, so it will depend on your ability. I don’t know if there are currently any handicap parking spots reserved in the P3 parking lot.
Hello I am so happy to see this happen. I would like to visit by motorboat. Is this possible?
Motorized boats are not currently allowed to dock at River House. If you arrive by non-motorized craft, such as a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, there is a location to dock those.
Is there access that does not require the use of stairs?
Hi Heather, yes the building is universally accessible, and there is an elevator in the interior.
Hello,
Was wondering how deep the pool/swimming area is?
Thanks
Hi Casey, the depth varies, but on average is about 2 meters or more in depth within the enclosed pool.
I love what you’ve done to the old Grand Dame on the Ottawa. I was a member of the womens’ war canoe team in the mid 60’s, and even today, this building is better known and recognized as The New Edinburgh Canoe and Sailing Club. Why don’t you ever mention that name in the media, giving it a well deserved nod to its heritage? The name River House isn’t well known just yet and few know its location by that name, but mention New Edinburgh Canoe and Sailing Club, and people certainly will know where you are located.
Hi Mary, the Ottawa New Edinburgh Club is still in operation as a sailing club and running camps, and is actually one of the fellow tenants in the building!
Is there any facilities available for swimmers such as lockers, washrooms?
There will be full changerooms at River House soon, though at the moment they aren’t ready for use. The NCC has told us to expect them to be ready in the coming weeks.
So happy to see Ottawa has some new swimming amenitites. We just arrived back from Nova Scotia (before the flood) and I realized how little is available in Ottawa. If we are moving towards 15 min cities we need more places to visit. The Gatineaus are so crowded now we need more beaches and swimming options. Kudos!
Sounds amazing! What is the charge for parking? Thanks!
Parking at both P3 and P4 is free!
how to I get there using oc transpo in ottawa
Hi Robin, there are no OC Transpo stops along the parkway, so the closest stops are both about a 17-20 minute walk away. Those stops are Hemlock / Lansdowne and Maple Lane / Springfield.
Is there a handicap parking available
Hi Bridget, the building is universally accessible, with an elevator inside and accessible washrooms. There is a layby in front of the building to drop people off, and a switchback ramp to get down the hill to access the building and the shoreline. We are inquiring with the NCC about their plans to do with reserved parking spots in P3.
When will hours, list of available amenities, list of services (free and for a fee) be listed on the website? Please publicize via facebook and other social platforms so we find out.
Hi Stephane, information about the building amenities outside of Ottawa Riverkeeper’s spaces (such as the bistro, swimming, etc) are available from the NCC here. More information about Ottawa Riverkeeper’s spaces in River House will be made public soon, but as a quick overview: our Learning Lab will be open on Wednesdays from 4pm to 7pm and on Saturdays from 11am to 2pm.
Hi, is it possible for kids to swim at this wonderful new facility? I.e, is the water 2 meters deep everywhere, or is there a “wading” pool type of thing?
Hi Marit, kids are allowed to swim, and those over 14 may do so without a guardian. However, there is no shallower part of the swimming space such as you describe.
Do you have life jackets available?
Hi Steve, yes there are life jackets available at the swimming area.
#7 from St Laurent (20 minutes from Sandridge and Birch) or #6 from downtown (25 minutes).
Maybe they could extend the service to Aviation Museum every half hour.
If we come to swim where we will we put car keys, glasses, phones etc & clothing changes while swimming
Hi Carol, at the moment there are no storage options on site. The NCC’s changerooms in the building are still under construction, but once open, may contain lockers or other means of storing your belongings.
The news release says that the River House will have bookable event space. Who do I contact about that space (availability and pricing)? Is there a link or a phone number for someone to contact?
Hi Cynthia, for booking the main floor event space, you can contact Bytown Catering, who are the tenant in that space, directly. Ottawa Riverkeeper’s spaces will be available for booking soon, so look out for more news to come.
Is there any age restriction for children swimming?
Hi Sonia, children under 14 must be supervised by a guardian.
Hi! On the website, it says dogs are not allowed on the dock or in the swimming area. But is the River House dog friendly? Would they be able to sit on the patio at the bistro?
Hi Helena, great question! I don’t know the answer, so I suggest reaching out to ask the NCC directly, or inquiring with Bytown Catering who operate the bistro.
Is the swimming area wheelchair accessible or accessible to people limited mobility?
Hello Nafshiya, great question! The docks themselves are fully accessible, with ramp access from the shore. I don’t know whether there are any accommodations to enable guests with limited mobility to access the water, you may need to inquire with the NCC themselves or ask one of their staff on site.
What are the best bus routes for transit? OC Transpo’s travel planner isn’t giving me anything. I did see the response to an earlier comment but it didn’t give the actual route numbers. The building itself may be accessible but it doesn’t do much good if you can’t get there.
Hi Arnauw, the #7 takes you to Hemlock / Lansdowne and the #6 takes you to Maple Lane / Springfield. Here is a link to River House on Google Maps, you could try planning a route there by selecting their transit option and entering you starting point. As mentioned in previous comments, all nearby OC Transpo stops still require a 17-20 minute walk at this time.
So excited about access to the Ottawa river and swimming at river house. There are many people who swim in the colder weather. What can we do to encourage the NCC to support cold water Swimming and dips? This is an age old Scandinavian tradition that has many health benefits both physical and mental. Access to cold water swimming would be an amazing plus for Ottawa.
I finally was ablet to visit. The walk was closer to 25 minutes. It’s a lovely facility and location but it’s very sad that it’s only accessible to people who can walk that distance or bike. Ramps/elevators aren’t helpful if you can’t actually get there.
Is it possible to swim at the boathouse today, September 5?
Hello Diane, the last day of regular swimming at the River House docks was yesterday, so the swimming area is closed today. However, the NCC recently announced that the swimming docks will continue to be open on weekends, from 10 am to 6 pm, until October 1st. For more details, please consult the NCC’s website.
Hi. Any idea if cold plunging will be possible?
Hi Melanie! Per the NCC, the docks at River House are open on weekends from 10 am to 6 pm until October 1st. In terms of swimming at the site after that date, you would need to contact the NCC to see what is permitted.