Emma WhiteWelcome to Vincent Massey Park in Ottawa, a total gem for anyone who loves a good outdoor escape! This place is where you’ll see families tossing frisbees, friends firing up BBQs, and maybe even spot a few folks napping under the shady trees.
And let’s talk about those walking trails—seriously, they’re awesome. Whether you’re a power walker, a casual stroller, or someone who just wants to meander, there’s a path for you.
Plus, the riverside views are Instagram gold. Trust me, once you’ve been here, you’ll totally get why it’s a local favourite.
- Things to Know
- Where is Vincent Massey Park?
- How to Get to Ottawa's Vincent Massey Park
- Best Time to Go to Ottawa's Vincent Massey Park
- What to Do and See in Vincent Massey Park
- Go on a picnic with family or friends
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll on the park's scenic trails
- Fire up a BBQ in one of the designated areas in the park
- Play a game of frisbee on the spacious open lawns
- Have a friendly softball game at the park’s softball field
- Go biking on the park’s well-maintained bike paths
- Where to Eat and Drink near Vincent Massey Park
- Where to Stay near Vincent Massey Park
- FAQs about Ottawa’s Vincent Massey Park
Things to Know
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: +1 613-239-5000
Ticket Prices:
- Free entry
Parking Fee:
- Vehicles – $1 for 30 minutes (max. $8 per day)
- Bus – $24 (daily fixed rate)
Where is Vincent Massey Park?
Vincent Massey Park is located on Heron Road in Ottawa’s south end, and you can’t miss it. It’s right at the intersection of Heron Road and Riverside Drive.
It’s super easy to get to and is just a short drive from downtown Ottawa.
How to Get to Ottawa’s Vincent Massey Park
Closest bus stop: Getting to Vincent Massey Park in Ottawa is pretty straightforward. The closest bus stop is on Heron at Riverside, and buses like the 88 and 111 will drop you off practically at the park’s doorstep.
On the other hand, if you’re driving, just head toward the intersection of Heron Road and Riverside Drive. You’ll see the park right there.
Best Time to Go to Ottawa’s Vincent Massey Park
The best time to visit Vincent Massey Park is during the New Yam Festival, which celebrates Igbo culture with dances, masquerades, and delicious traditional meals. It’s usually held in August and transforms the park into a vibrant cultural hotspot.
Another cool event to look forward to is the Great Indian Carnival. This festival features a day packed with fun activities, live performances, and amazing food stalls.
Both of these festivals offer a fantastic way to experience different cultures and enjoy the beautiful setting of Vincent Massey Park.
What to Do and See in Vincent Massey Park
Go on a picnic with family or friends
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Going on a picnic at Vincent Massey Park is an absolute must. It’s got these perfect green spaces where you can spread out a blanket and just soak up nature.
You’ll also find plenty of picnic tables, so if you don’t want to sit on the ground, you’re all set. Moreover, the park’s got some shade from the tall trees, which is a lifesaver on those hot summer days.
The park is well-maintained, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own trash bags; there are plenty of bins around. One thing to keep an eye out for is the availability of picnic tables, especially during weekends when the park gets crowded with visitors.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll on the park’s scenic trails
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The park has multiple trails weaving through its lush greenery, and each one offers something a little different. You can expect paved paths, which make for an easy walk, and thanks to the mature trees, there’s plenty of shade to keep you cool.
Strolling here is great for all ages, so bringing along the little ones or the older folks is no problem. The river running alongside the park adds a lovely touch, and there are plenty of benches where you can stop, rest, and take in the view.
Plus, the park is dog-friendly, so you might meet some cheerful pups along the way. Furthermore, the trails are well-marked, so you won’t get lost.
Fire up a BBQ in one of the designated areas in the park
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Vincent Massey Park has designated BBQ areas complete with grill stations, so it’s really super convenient. You can bring your own grill if you prefer, but these ready-to-use spots take a lot of the hassle out of setting up.
All you need to do is bring your food and some charcoal, and you’re good to go. The BBQ spots are usually located near open fields, so while the food’s cooking, there’s plenty of room for games.
One thing to remember is to clean up after you’re done. Also, be mindful of the park rules—make sure you’re grilling in designated areas and keeping an eye on any fire safety guidelines they might have posted.
Play a game of frisbee on the spacious open lawns
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The park has these vast open lawns that are just perfect for tossing a frisbee around. You’ll love the freedom of having so much space without the worry of bumping into other park goers.
Because the lawns are relatively flat and well-maintained, you won’t have to deal with hidden dips or uneven terrain. What’s great about these open lawns is how versatile they are.
If frisbee isn’t your thing, you can easily switch it up and play other games like soccer or badminton. You might even catch a group doing yoga or someone flying a kite.
Have a friendly softball game at the park’s softball field
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A friendly softball game at the park’s dedicated softball field is the perfect way to spend quality time with friends or family. The field is well-maintained, so it’s ideal for both casual games and more competitive matchups.
The park provides a proper setup with bases and a pitching mound, so it really feels like you’re playing in a professional environment without the formalities. There are nearby benches and shaded areas where spectators can watch the game and cheer you on.
Since the field is within the larger park, you have the added convenience of public restrooms and water fountains close by. To have the best experience, make sure to check if you need to reserve the field ahead of time.
Go biking on the park’s well-maintained bike paths
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Biking through Vincent Massey Park’s well-maintained bike paths is a fantastic way to explore the area and get some exercise.
The paths wind through various parts of the park and are designed to accommodate different levels of cyclists, from kids on training wheels to adults looking for a longer ride.
You’ll find plenty of benches along the way where you can take a break, hydrate, and maybe even have a snack. The routes are generally clearly marked, so it’s easy to navigate without worrying about getting lost.
Where to Eat and Drink near Vincent Massey Park
Vittoria Trattoria
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Address: 3625 Rivergate Way
Phone: +1 613 731 8959
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Good to know: Ideal for romantic dinners, special celebrations
Vittoria Trattoria is a gem if you’re looking for a good Italian restaurant. Appetisers like bruschetta and calamari set the stage for a great meal, while their variety of pasta dishes, including Bolognese, gorgonzola, and fettuccine, are also worth trying.
The mains feature hearty options such as steak, grilled salmon, and pizzas. If wine is your thing, you’ll love their extensive wine list, which includes both local and international selections.
They also offer takeout and catering services, perfect for when you want to enjoy their delicious food at home, at the Vincent Massey Park, or at an event.
O’Brien’s Eatery & Pub
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Address: 1145 Heron Rd.
Phone: +1 613 731 8752
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11 AM to 1 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 3 PM to 10 PM
Good to know: Ideal for casual hangouts
O’Brien’s Eatery & Pub is your classic neighbourhood spot with a menu filled with comfort food favourites. Their appetiser selection is robust, featuring options like onion rings, sweet potato fries, and mozzarella sticks that are great for sharing.
When it comes to mains, they have everything from juicy burgers and wraps to hearty steaks and pizzas. Their drinks menu is equally impressive, offering a range of beers, cocktails, and wines.
One thing to keep an eye out for are their weekly specials and events. Jazz nights, live music, and karaoke add an extra layer of fun to your visit.
The Prescott
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Address: 379 Preston St.
Phone: +1 613 232 4217
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 2 AM
Good to know: Perfect for larger groups, families, casual meals
The Prescott is a staple in the area and a must-visit if you’re near Vincent Massey Park. Their menu is all about classic pub fare done right.
You can start with their famous jumbo wings, nachos, Italian poutine, or shrimp in a basket. Even better, you should order the Prescott classics like the chicken parmigiana, the Prescott personal platter, the hot meatball platter, and more.
When it comes to mains, you can’t go wrong with their grilled salmon, beef liver and onions, chicken fingers, as well as plates of pasta. While their drink offerings include a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails, you’ll find the perfect complement to your meal.
KS on the Keys Restaurant
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Address: 1029 Dazé St.
Phone: +1 613 521 0498
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 8 PM
Good to know: Excellent for family dinners, casual celebrations
KS on the Keys is a versatile dining option near Vincent Massey Park, offering everything from traditional Italian to Asian-inspired dishes. Their appetisers are varied, featuring everything from spring rolls and garlic cheese bread to calamari and tempura.
Their menus are just as diverse, with options like steaks, wood-fired pizzas, wraps, pad Thai, and a variety of pasta. You’ll also find an impressive selection of stir-fries, souvlaki, and masala that bring a great variety to their menu.
The restaurant itself is spacious and modern, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and larger group gatherings. However, they’re temporarily closed and will reopen on August 27, 2024.
Patty’s Pub
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Address: 1186 Bank St.
Phone: +1 613 730 2434
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 4 PM to 11:30 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 11:30 PM
Good to know: Great for casual meetups, groups
Patty’s Pub is a cosy and inviting spot that serves up classic pub food like tacos, poutine, fries, chicken wings, chicken tenders, and charcuterie board.
Aside from this, they also offer a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and hearty entrees such as bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips.
Their drink offerings include a great selection of both draft and bottled beers, wines, and a variety of spirits. Patty’s Pub also has outdoor seating available during the warmer months, perfect for enjoying a meal or drinks al fresco.
Where to Stay near Vincent Massey Park
Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport
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Address: 2869 Gibford Dr.
Phone: +1 613 248 1113
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in time – 3 PM
- Check-out time – 12 PM
The Hampton Inn by Hilton’s location is super practical, just a stone’s throw from the airport. This means you can jump into bed right after a long flight or catch some extra Z’s before an early morning departure.
They offer free shuttle service to and from the airport too, which is a nice touch. The rooms are spacious, modern, and come with all the essentials, like a comfy bed, a work desk, and free Wi-Fi.
If you’re a fitness buff, you’ll appreciate the on-site gym as well as the indoor pool, where you can take a refreshing dip. They also offer flexible cancellation policies, which comes in handy if your travel plans are uncertain.
Best Western Plus Ottawa City Centre
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Address: 1274 Carling Ave.
Phone: +1 613 728 1951
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in time – 4 PM
- Check-out time – 11 AM
The Best Western Plus Ottawa City Centre is just a short drive from Vincent Massey Park and other local attractions. The rooms are well-appointed, featuring comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
You’ll also find handy amenities like a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, which are really useful, especially for longer stays. They have an on-site restaurant and bar where you can grab a bite or unwind with a drink after a day of exploring.
The hotel also offers a fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and ample parking space, which is free for guests. One thing to keep an eye out for is their frequent traveller programs and package deals that can make your trip even better.
Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport
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Address: 250 W Hunt Club Rd.
Phone: +1 613 216 7263
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in time – 3 PM
- Check-out time – 12 PM
Sandman Signature is located near the airport, so it’s another great pick for travellers in transit or those here for a short stay. The hotel is chic and modern, from the lobby to the rooms, which come equipped with comfy beds, TVs, Wi-Fi, and luxurious bathrooms.
Some rooms even come with kitchenettes, which can be a great convenience for longer stays or just for heating up a quick meal. If you’re more into casual bites, their lounge area is perfect for grabbing a snack or a drink.
The hotel also offers a business centre for those who need to get some work done, complete with meeting rooms that can be booked for any business needs.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa Airport
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Address: 2881 Gibford Dr.
Phone: +1 613 247 9500
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in time – 3 PM
- Check-out time – 11 AM
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa Airport offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport, which is a huge plus. The rooms here are clean and modern, equipped with comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed internet.
You’ll find amenities like a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker in each room, which can be super handy. Beyond these, they also have a fitness centre, an indoor pool, and a business centre.
McGee’s Inn
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Address: 185 Daly Ave.
Phone: +1 613-237-6089
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in time – 1 PM
- Check-out time – 11 AM
McGee’s Inn is a charming bed and breakfast that truly feels like a home away from home. Nestled in a quieter part of town, it’s a little farther from Vincent Massey Park but worth the extra travel time for its unique character and ambiance.
The inn is set in a historic building filled with period details, so each room has a blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. The rooms are individually decorated, each with its own unique style and amenities like comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
Breakfast at McGee’s Inn is a highlight, featuring freshly prepared dishes that range from hearty options like eggs and bacon to lighter fare like fruits and pastries. The inn also offers common areas where you can relax, read, or even chat with other guests.
