This provincial park near Ottawa has a beautiful boardwalk trail and a rushing waterfall

There is no shortage of stunning provincial parks to explore around Ottawa, but this one nestled alongside the Ottawa River is near the city and provides a beautiful escape into nature.

Only an hour's drive from downtown, this is a magnificent provincial park with islands, marshes, ponds, boardwalks, waterfalls, and bridges throughout it.

Imagine feeling the soft and gentle breeze of the Ottawa River brush up against your face, while peacefully walking over its tranquil marshy waters. After all, who doesn't love a good walk along a picturesque boardwalk and meandering trails through woodlands and wilderness?

If walking around isn't much of your thing there are also bikes, kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and many other rentals available for whatever your adventuring needs may be!

Although Plaisance Provincial Park is a provincial park it is not free to the public, admission for adults is $9.85 per person. Along with the price of admission into the park you get access to the Chutes De Plaisance site, which is a gorgeous waterfall that's an 8-minute drive away from the park.

Chutes De Plaisance features a jaw-droppingly magnificent 35-metre drop and is definitely worth the short drive up the river from the park.

After you've ventured back from gawking at the waterfall, now is the time to truly basque in the beauty of this little piece of heaven along the Ottawa River.

If you're a big animal lover, you'll be able to find all kinds of wildlife that call Plaisance Provincial Park home, such as ospreys, ducks, herons, geese, turtles and many other species of diverse wildlife!

There are plenty of trails and floating boardwalks throughout the park that make it ideal for hiking, however, if you'd rather explore the park a different way there are many options. Bikes are available for $44.75 for a full-day rental for those wanting to feel the wind in their hair as they pedal throughout the park.

If you'd rather paddle yourself throughout the many ponds and waterways in the park, a full-day rental canoe is $54, and it makes for the perfect day out on the water with friends.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.