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Hog's Back Park wilderness guide
Urban Park · ON

Hog's Back Park

Hog's Back Park is located in Ottawa, Ontario, offering a unique blend of urban proximity and natural beauty with its picturesque waterfalls and scenic views.

Urban Park502+ Trails

Designation

Urban Park

Total Wilderness Area

50

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Hog's Back Park

Hog's Back Park is located in Ottawa, Ontario, offering a unique blend of urban proximity and natural beauty with its picturesque waterfalls and scenic views.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Hog's Back Park, positioned in the heart of Ottawa, Ontario, is a cherished urban park that provides an escape into nature just minutes from the city. It is situated along the Rideau River and is famous for its breathtaking Hog's Back Falls, where water cascades over rugged rocks creating an impressive display of natural power. The park is part of the larger Capital Pathway network, making it a convenient spot for both leisure and more active pursuits like hiking and cycling. Historically, the falls were an obstacle in the Rideau Canal's construction, leading to the creation of the navigable waterway we see today. The diverse ecology of the park includes a variety of flora and fauna, offering wildlife enthusiasts opportunities to observe local species. Attracting a multitude of visitors, the park is ideal for picnicking, nature walks, and capturing scenic photographs, all while providing a serene backdrop for reflection and relaxation in the city.

Field Guide · Urban Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Hog's Back Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Rushing Wonders of Prince of Wales Falls★ 7.2⌖ 0 miHiking
Prince of Wales Falls

Rushing Wonders of Prince of Wales Falls

Prince of Wales Falls in Ottawa offers scenic views and lush parkland. Known for its rushing waters, it's perfect for hiking and photography. Easily accessible, it's a year-round destination with busy summer crowds.

Rideau Falls: Ottawa's Dual Cascade Gem★ 2.8⌖ 5 miSightseeing
Rideau Falls

Rideau Falls: Ottawa's Dual Cascade Gem

Visit Rideau Falls in Ottawa to see beautiful dual waterfalls where the Rideau River meets the Ottawa River. Enjoy cycling, walking tours, and picnics in a scenic urban setting. This area is family-friendly and busiest in the summer. No permits are required.

SightseeingView Details→
Discover Omega Park's Natural Beauty in Montebello, QC★ 8.0⌖ 42 miWildlife Safari
Omega Park

Discover Omega Park's Natural Beauty in Montebello, QC

Experience Omega Park in Montebello, QC. Known for its drive-through safari, you can see wildlife like deer and wolves in a natural setting. Fall offers vibrant colors, making it ideal for photography. Perfect for family visits looking for wildlife adventures.

Wildlife SafariView Details→
Hiking Baxter Mountain Trail: A Short Climb with Big Rewards★ 7.5⌖ 65 miHiking
Lake Placid

Hiking Baxter Mountain Trail: A Short Climb with Big Rewards

Explore the 2.2-mile Baxter Mountain Trail near Keene. This easy route offers stunning views with only a moderate climb, making it ideal for families and beginners. Drive to the trailhead and experience the scenic Adirondacks, especially vibrant in spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Hog's Back Falls✦ Confluence of the Rideau River and Rideau Canal✦ Historic interpretive signs telling of the canal's construction✦ Panoramic lake and river views from various vantage points
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Hog's Back Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Hog's Back Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Hog's Back Park
Park Recreation

Cycling

Available in Hog's Back Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Hog's Back Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Hog's Back Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Hog's Back Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with available parking

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Hog's Back Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Ottawa
⌖ 3.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ottawa, Ontario

A vibrant capital city that offers a gateway to diverse wilderness adventures and outdoor activities in the heart of Eastern Ontario.

Fall and WinterExplore Town
Gatineau
⌖ 3.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gatineau, Quebec

An outdoor playground with diverse trails, waterways, and winter sports just minutes from Ottawa, offering year-round activities in a forested and riverine setting.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling, Winter for skiing and snowshoeingExplore Town
Nepean
⌖ 3.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nepean, Ontario

A suburban outdoor gateway offering accessible green spaces and waterways ideal for casual to moderate adventures close to Ottawa’s urban center.

Spring through Fall for most activities, Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Furby
⌖ 4.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Furby, Ontario

A quiet, rural Ontario community offering tranquil outdoor experiences with easy access to forests, waterways, and country trails.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Rockcliffe Park
⌖ 5.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rockcliffe Park, Ontario

A peaceful, upscale residential area offering serene outdoor walks, waterfront views, and easy urban access to natural spaces along the Ottawa River.

Spring to FallExplore Town
Barrhaven
⌖ 6.84 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Barrhaven, Ontario

A suburban community offering a mix of accessible green spaces and waterways for low-key outdoor recreation near Ottawa.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Hog's Back Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Seven-Day Canoe and Kayak Rental on Ottawa's Rideau: Weeklong PaddleOttawa, Ontario · 3.05 mi away
All Adventures· Ottawa Valley Canoe And Kayak

Seven-Day Canoe and Kayak Rental on Ottawa's Rideau: Weeklong Paddle

Book a full seven-day canoe or kayak rental in Ottawa to turn the Rideau Canal and nearby waterways into a week of self-guided exploration. This package includes paddles, boater-specific PFDs, rescue gear and tie-downs—ideal for families and repeat paddlers who want flexible day trips without logistics headaches.

7 Day Rental

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.