Black Rapids Lock Station is a hidden gem nestled along the historic Rideau Canal, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The station's picturesque location amidst lush greenery and tranquil waters creates a serene ambiance that instantly puts you at ease. The lock itself is a marvel of engineering and a testament to the rich history of the area. Watching the boats gracefully navigate through the lock gates is a mesmerizing sight, and it offers a glimpse into the canal's importance as a transportation route in the past. One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the surrounding trails. The area offers a variety of walking and biking paths that wind through the beautiful countryside, providing ample opportunities to soak in the natural beauty and spot local wildlife. The trails are well-maintained and offer a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The lock station also features a charming picnic area, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the stunning views. The picnic tables are strategically placed, allowing you to enjoy your meal while being serenaded by the sounds of birds chirping and the gentle flow of the canal. Furthermore, the lock station is home to informative interpretive panels that shed light on the history, significance, and operation of the Rideau Canal. It's fascinating to learn about the canal's construction and how it played a pivotal role in shaping the region's development. Overall, Black Rapids Lock Station is a hidden oasis that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and tranquility. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this lock station is definitely worth a visit.

I love this place. So peaceful. It's also fun to watch the boats go through the locks. They used to be a manual hand-crank style but now that's been replaced by hydraulics. They kept the old manual stuff in place so it's an interesting bit of history on display. Also, it's a perfect rest stop at the end of a bike ride. The bike path leads right to it. Beautiful place...I go there every day. If you're lucky, you can see the cats.
Visited on
Weekday

The parking lot is gravel (beware the dust!) And metered with a pay machine (pay and display)... Not sure easy it'll be for people with wheelchairs. The grounds of the locks themselves are quite nice, the water is mostly calm outside of the overflow, which will vary at different times of the year. Canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding are great ideas or a picnic, a stroll or even meditation!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Beautiful spot for a family picnic, looks like you are out of the city, except for the planes taking off overhead! You can fish here though honestly I wouldn't even bother. I used to fish this spot with my father when I was younger and it was great but the fish just don't bite here anymore. Still very well maintained, and as with any federally owned 'parks' areas you will be expected to pay a parking fee, but its only a few bucks.

Great place! Pretty good fishing. Usually fairly quiet and relaxing. Great to launch your canoe or kayak or have a picnic. Lots to explore here! ---. Updated review from 2 years ago: you now have to pay for parking and this place is very overfished so fishing from shore is almost pointless, especially as you get into the summer months when the weeds overtake things. Still a nice place though.

Loooove this place!! Its a great place to go in any season!! Went there in the first day of summer and it wasn't busy at all - it was pretty much just us. Dog friendly. Smells weird sometimes because of the nearby farms and tons of bird poop - make sure to watch where you step!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This set of locks was very clean and well kept. Saw the grounds keeper doing his spring tasks such as setting up the garbages. Many people doing different activities such as fishing, paddle boarding, or having a picnic. Very nice place!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Just the spot for a relaxing getaway. You can even tent-camp here for a very reasonable price and no reservation needed. There are a few picnic tables, and you’re allowed to bbq. We recently discovered this hidden gem and will definitely be visiting often!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Beautiful area to bring the family, have a picnic or fish. Well maintained and friendly staff to provide you with great historical information on the area. Having to pay for parking isn’t great but it’s only $2 per hour.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This park is great for almost any kind of activity. Take the family and have a barbeque, take the lawn chairs and just chill or fish. It has a great view with a good dock to take your raft off from. Basically this park is great for any kind of activity even hiking. Just wish it had a bigger parking lot.

Beautiful A few picnic tables Reasonable size parking (around 12 cars or more) Free parking today, the booth was shrouded. Not sure when paid parking starts, perhaps mid Mai like the NCC parks. Walking trail is very nice. Two geocaches and there was a beaver in the stream.

Great little hidden gem in Ottawa. I didn't know about this place until recently. Nice little place to go with the kids to see the river and locks. There is a little Island you can dross over to. The only thing I didn't ike is you have to pay for parking here.

Fun spot to do some catch and release. Easy access and there is plenty of parking, but you do have to pay. We spent a few hours fishing during a weekday and it was quiet :)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

Lovely place to relax near the locks. Used to fish here as a kid. Took my daughter once to show her, and now every so often she asks to go back. Pay parking 24/7. One dollar an hour. Pays for maintenance. Check it out for some nice relax time.

Beautiful location. A little piece of paradise in the city. Great place to have a picnic, walk your dog or watch the boats go through the locks. We love to come here in the evenings with our dog. Quiet and peaceful location. We love it here!

A bicycle path, going east, goes from Woodruff, starting at the rail tracks, thru open areas and bush, and ends at the Rideau River Black Rapids Lock. Great spot to watch boats going through the locks or to fish or for a picnic.

Pretty area for picnics, lots of tables and plenty of room for fishing too. A lot of boats were moored there while we ate a snack. The Greenbelt Pathway is nearby. We saw ducks, a rabbit, a cardinal, and even Great Blue Heron.

This is a safe place for kids to fish and picnic. There is also a public washroom available and lots of parking space.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice trail of the West Greenbelt pathway. There are benches and tables for picnic.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice place to visit. I was there late October and bad smell of fish was there.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

Great little park on the outskirts of Ottawa. Fishing still seems to be popular here in 2018, and my wife has great childhood memories of fishing in the 1970’s!

Scenic location with nice flush toilets. Minus one star for pay parking.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Lovely place for a picnic. Paid parking though
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Nice place to spend the evening. Many people are fishing around. There is a trail that goes from fallowfield station to this place.

Many well spaced picnic tables, washroom, very inexpensive parking fees, small rock to launch canoes etc. Beautiful surroundings.

One of my favourite spots in Ottawa. Perfect for a family picnic and so fun watching the boats go through the locks

Exquisite and cool place to hang out on a sunny day for a picnic, away from the beaten path and the busy streets.

Beautiful place for a picnic, for kayaking, or just to watch the boats pass through the locks (when in season).

Loved this! So beautiful.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice place to visit when walking around but even better going up and down the locks in a boat!

A very serene place to spend some personal time by the river. Paid parking though, be warned!

Great spot for fishing and picnics. There might not be enough parking if it gets crowded.

Nice walk along the Greenbelt from Merivale to get here. Beautiful winter scenery.

Great place to visit or have a picnic. Great launch point for kayaking.

Biked from Stonebridge trail to the locks on a beautiful June morning!

Lovely spot to see the river and have a picnic lunch

Very peaceful, serene, cute little picnic spot.

Our favorite place to kayak so far.

Beautiful place... Very relaxing. .

Nice place for paddling.