Hogs Back Falls
A serene urban oasis featuring cascading waterfalls and scenic park trails along the Rideau River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Snowmelt creates powerful flow
Hogs Back Falls
Best Time
Snowmelt creates powerful flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban oasis featuring cascading waterfalls and scenic park trails along the Rideau River.
"It's a hidden gem that deserves more attention; a peaceful retreat with stunning views."
🚗 Ample Parking Available
No trouble finding a spot, making your visit stress-free .
🍂 Fall Colors Hotspot
Best enjoyed with Mooney's Bay Park for peak autumn views .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hogs Back Falls
Rideau River
Cascading water over rocky ledges, a serene urban escape.
Lover Lock Bridge
Overlooking the falls
Offers stunning aerial views and a romantic atmosphere.
Hogs Back Park Trails
Surrounding the falls
Scenic paths perfect for leisurely strolls and nature immersion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
For vibrant autumn colors, aim for early to mid-October.Beyond the Falls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
No trouble finding a spot, making your visit stress-free.
🍂 Fall Colors Hotspot
Best enjoyed with Mooney's Bay Park for peak autumn views.
📸 Drone Photography Gem
Great spot for aerial shots, though not as grand as Hamilton falls.
👟 Explore the Trails
Well-maintained paths offer peaceful walks and nature immersion.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
No trouble finding a spot, making your visit stress-free.
🍂 Fall Colors Hotspot
Best enjoyed with Mooney's Bay Park for peak autumn views.
📸 Drone Photography Gem
Great spot for aerial shots, though not as grand as Hamilton falls.
👟 Explore the Trails
Well-maintained paths offer peaceful walks and nature immersion.
💧 Prince of Wales Falls
Also known as Hogs Back Falls, don't be confused by the name.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hogs Back Falls as a serene urban escape with beautiful scenery and ample parking. It's a great spot for picnics and walks, offering a peaceful retreat within the city. While some note it's more of a dam than a grand waterfall, its charm lies in its accessibility and natural beauty, especially during golden hour or peak fall colors.
"It's a nice park to have a picnic and go for walks. Very serene and the sounds of nature is great. You forget you're still in the city. I got some great drone shots here however, it's not like the falls that are in Hamilton. This is more like a small dam but definitely not a waterfall."
Rob
"We visited the falls in the evening, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. As the golden hour light reflected off the cascading water, the whole area took on a magical glow that made the experience feel surreal. The sound of the rushing water combined with the peaceful surroundings created the perfect atmosphere to unwind and reconnect with nature.
There was ample parking available, so we had no trouble finding a spot. The park is well-maintained and offers a number of picnic areas, making it a great place for families, couples, or anyone looking to spend quality time outdoors. We noticed several groups enjoying their meals while kids played nearby, adding a lively yet relaxed energy to the setting.
The falls are connected to a dam, and the area around the dam was especially serene. It’s the kind of place where you could sit for hours just watching the water flow and listening to the natural sounds. There are also walking paths nearby if you want to explore the area more.
Overall, it’s a hidden gem that deserves more attention. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with stunning views, this spot is a must-add to your list of adventures in and around Ottawa.
I would recommend this fall.
Enjoy friends"
Deepjal Pradhan
"I know them by Hog’s Back falls yet here on google and commonly referred to as Prince of Wales Falls. Do not get confused with the name, it is the same site.
Regardless of the name, this is a must-visit site in Ottawa if you are looking for a little idyllic oasis of serenity within the city just across from Mooney’s Bay beach in tbe direction of Massey park.
You can walk around the falls and cross the lookout bridge, have a grounding moment while enjoying the flow and sound of water.
The Hog’s Back park itself is a nice place for walking and for picnic."
Youssef S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hogs Back Falls is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options include OC Transpo buses that stop nearby. Many visitors also enjoy cycling along the scenic paths that lead to the falls.
No, Hogs Back Falls is conveniently located within the city of Ottawa, making it a quick and easy trip from downtown.
Yes, Hogs Back Park offers walking trails that lead to the falls, providing a pleasant way to experience the surrounding nature.
Driving is the most convenient, but cycling is a popular and scenic option for those who enjoy it.
The falls are located along the Rideau River. Major roads like Bronson Avenue and Colonel By Drive provide access to the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hogs Back Falls and the surrounding park are free to enter and explore.
Hogs Back Park is generally open year-round from dawn until dusk. Specific hours may vary slightly by season.
There is no admission fee for Hogs Back Falls or Hogs Back Park. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
While the park is accessible, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery. Some visitors have enjoyed evening visits for the golden hour glow.
While there aren't typically guided tours, the park is a popular spot for picnics and enjoying nature. Check local event listings for any seasonal activities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the scenic waterfall, walk along the trails in Hogs Back Park, have a picnic, and take photos.
Absolutely! Kids can enjoy walking along the rocks by the water and exploring the park. The area is well-maintained and offers a safe environment for family outings.
Spring offers the most powerful flow due to snowmelt,
Swimming is generally not recommended directly at the falls due to strong currents and the dam structure. However, nearby Mooney's Bay Beach offers swimming opportunities in the summer.
Yes, the Lover Lock Bridge offers excellent aerial views,
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't restaurants directly at the falls, the park has picnic areas. Nearby Mooney's Bay Beach has some concessions, and downtown Ottawa offers a wide variety of dining options.
Yes, Hogs Back Park is a popular spot for picnics with designated areas available.
Food trucks are not a regular feature at Hogs Back Falls, but it's always worth checking local event schedules for potential appearances.
Your best bet for food is to pack a picnic to enjoy in the park or head to the concessions at nearby Mooney's Bay Beach.
While possible, it might be challenging for delivery drivers to find specific picnic spots. Bringing your own food is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour in the evening offers a magical glow, while spring snowmelt provides dramatic water flow.
Some visitors have captured drone shots here, but always check Transport Canada regulations and local park bylaws regarding drone usage before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and surrounding park.
The Lover Lock Bridge provides a unique perspective,
For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to check with the National Capital Commission (NCC) for any permit requirements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Lovers & Hikers
📸 Photographers
and the surrounding park provides diverse framing opportunities. Experiment with long exposures to achieve that sought-after silky water effect. The changing seasons, from spring's powerful flow to autumn's vibrant colors,Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Hogs Back Falls
This transformation not only changed the landscape but also played a role in the development of Ottawa as a transportation hub.The falls are a testament to human engineering interacting with natural waterways. The dam controls the water flow, creating the impressive cascade. This blend of natural beauty and historical infrastructure makes Hogs Back Falls a unique spot within the city. It's a place where you can appreciate both the power of water and the ingenuity of past generations.
Visitors often remark on the serene atmosphere, noting how it's easy to forget you're still within the city limits.
Experiencing Hogs Back Falls in Different Seasons
This is a fantastic time for photographers seeking dynamic shots of the cascading water.Summer brings lush greenery to Hogs Back Park, making it ideal for picnics and leisurely strolls along the walking trails.
Autumn is arguably one of the most visually stunning times to visit. The surrounding trees burst into a riot of color, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows painting the landscape.
Early to mid-October is typically when the fall foliage is at its peak, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the falls.Even in winter, Hogs Back Falls can offer a unique charm, especially when the water partially freezes, creating icy formations. The park remains accessible for winter walks, offering a quiet, snow-dusted escape.
Photography Tips for Hogs Back Falls
This vantage point is perfect for capturing the scale of the waterfall and its integration into the urban landscape.For capturing the movement of the water, consider using a tripod to enable longer exposure times. This will create a silky, smooth effect on the cascading water, adding a professional touch to your shots.
Experiment with different angles along the walking trails in Hogs Back Park to find the most compelling compositions.Don't forget to explore the park itself. The natural light, especially during the golden hour in the evening, can create a magical atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit