National Capital Commission

National Capital Commission Building a capital that inspires Canadians. En Français: https://www.facebook.com/CommissionDeLaCapitaleNationale

The NCC is responsible for planning, as well as taking part in the development, conservation and improvement of Canada’s Capital Region.

06/05/2026

Time to make a splash: swimming is officially back at the NCC River House! 🙌🏊‍

Whether it’s a quick dip or a relaxing float, the water is ready for you. 🌊

Here’s everything you need to know about the NCC River House this summer:


🗓️ Swimming area is open daily from 7 am to sunset until September 7.

✅ Lifeguards on duty from July 1 to September 7 | Weekends and holidays, from 11 am to 7 pm.

👉 Outside these hours, swimming is at your own risk.

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🍦 Les Traiteurs Bytown Catering | Open daily from 9 am to 9 pm
🛶 Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals- Ottawa | Kayak, paddleboard and bike rentals available nearby (Opening June 12)

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🚼 Universally accessible change rooms with showers, lockers (bring your own lock) and a change table
♿ Lift for swim area
🦺 Life jackets available to borrow
🚫 No reservations: first come, first served
⏳ Visit at off-peak hours

Please note: Shoreline work is underway, so access via the lower trail may be limited at times.

Save this post for your next trip to the River House.

Plan your visit here: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/ncc-river-house

This summer, let the Capital be your cottage. 🌊☀️ You don’t need to pack up the car or head out of town to experience a ...
06/03/2026

This summer, let the Capital be your cottage. 🌊☀️

You don’t need to pack up the car or head out of town to experience a true Canadian summer. We're bringing cottage vibes to Ottawa-Gatineau!

We’re soon launching two new swimming docks, further expanding safe, accessible and inviting opportunities to connect with the water.
📍 East Wharf (opening soon)
📍 Canadian Museum of History (opening next month)

These new swimming docks build on our work to make the Capital's shorelines more accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

Whether swimming, walking, cycling, rolling, paddling or relaxing by the water, your next summer escape is closer than you think.

Explore our interactive map and discover docks, beaches, patios, pathways and more across Ottawa-Gatineau: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/summer-at-the-capital-cottage?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

Where will you kick off your summer? ..

5Interested in the future of the National Capital Region? Join us on June 23 for two sessions where you can learn more a...
06/02/2026

5Interested in the future of the National Capital Region?

Join us on June 23 for two sessions where you can learn more about our priorities, projects and work.

Public Board of Directors Meeting
🕘 9 am to noon

Annual Public Meeting
🕒 3:45pm to 4:45 pm

At the Annual Public Meeting, the chairperson of the Board of Directors and the CEO will present the NCC’s priorities for the coming year and answer pre-submitted questions from the public.

You can submit your questions in advance until June 15: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/annual-public-meeting-2026?utm_source=facebook&utm_post=2f83fcdb-9a4c-4403-ae7d-a0ba69b93158 -a-question

Both sessions will be online only and will be available via a live broadcast on YouTube.

🔗 Board of Directors Meeting: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/board-of-directors-meeting-june-2026?utm_source=facebook&utm_post=2f83fcdb-9a4c-4403-ae7d-a0ba69b93158

🔗 Annual Public Meeting: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/annual-public-meeting-2026?utm_source=facebook&utm_post=2f83fcdb-9a4c-4403-ae7d-a0ba69b93158

As part of our Inclusive Trails Initiative, we partnered with the Canadian Disabled Outdoor Society (CanDO) to create a ...
06/01/2026

As part of our Inclusive Trails Initiative, we partnered with the Canadian Disabled Outdoor Society (CanDO) to create a more inclusive tool for everyone!

Our web app gives trail users clear, objective info to help them choose routes that match their needs, abilities, and equipment:
➡ 360-degree trail photos
➡ Trail length and width
➡ Surface type
➡ Choke points and obstacles and slopes
➡ Services at trailheads (parking, toilets, etc.)
➡ Point of interest (benches, picnic tables, boardwalks, etc.)

For now, we mapped 6 popular trails in the Greenbelt and Gatineau Park, covering a total distance of 11.8 km: Sugarbush Trail, Pioneers Pathway, Mer Bleue Bog Trail, Dewberry Trail, two loops of Trail 31 (P14) and Trail 51 (P20), in the Greenbelt.

We want to hear from you. Let us know what you think of the tool by sending us your feedback on the webpage.

Learn more here: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/inclusive-trails-ottawa-gatineau?utm_source=facebook&utm_post=ce5a0273-532c-4825-ace6-520b69c81cd0

Heading to the farmers market this weekend? Your local produce might be grown on one of the 80+ farms found within the G...
05/31/2026

Heading to the farmers market this weekend? Your local produce might be grown on one of the 80+ farms found within the Greenbelt. 🌱🚜

The 5,400 hectares of land we rent to farmers help meet local demand for locally sourced produce - from fresh vegetables and fruit to local honey and more.

We’re currently reviewing the Greenbelt Master Plan, and your feedback will help guide future decisions on:
🌿 Conservation
🚜 Agriculture
🚶 Recreation and access

We need your input! Fill out our online survey to let us know your thoughts on the future of the Greenbelt. https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/our-plans/national-capital-greenbelt-master-plan?utm_source=facebook&utm_post=4f412cd0-bb2a-405f-9f87-d10889863cb8

This Sunday afternoon, our team will be at the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market to talk about the future of the Greenbelt—and we want to hear from you.

Stop by to chat with our team, learn more about the plan, and share your ideas.

📍 Lansdowne Farmers’ Market
📅 Sunday, May 31

05/30/2026

It’s time to take the plunge! 🌊

Swim season is officially underway at Dow’s Lake. Grab your goggles, grab your friends, and head to the water.

📍 Dow’s Lake Dock
🏊‍♂️ Unsupervised swimming is allowed every day
🧪 We’ve conducted robust testing within the area

Water quality testing happens every Friday, with updated results posted every Saturday morning.

Let’s swim.

Learn more about the area and our water quality testing here: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/commissioners-park-and-dows-lake

P.S. The NCC Summer Zone with Dominion City Brewing Co. will be back soon, keep an eye out for details!

05/29/2026

Experience the Capital on two wheels this summer!

NCC Weekend Bikedays turn scenic parkways into routes for biking, walking, and exploring.
Ride along the Ottawa River, cruise past the Rideau Canal. Stop wherever you want to take in the views or for a bit to eat.

Weekends and holiday Mondays, all summer long:
📍 Sir George-Étienne Cartier | 8 am to 4 pm
📍 Kichi Zībī Mīkan | 8 am to 12 pm
📍 Queen Elizabeth Driveway | 8 am to 8 pm

Plan your route and start exploring: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/weekend-bikedays

Address

202–40 Elgin Street
Ottawa, ON
K1P1C7

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+16132395000

Website

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