Sightseeing

Hog's Back Falls

📍 600 Hog's Back Road, at Hog's Back Road and Riverside Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

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4.8/ 5.0

★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location: Canada, Ottawa
Category: Sightseeing
Duration: 0.5-1 hour
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00) · From the NCC page ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/hogs-back-park: the site opens in early May and closes 1 December, weather permitting. Free parking runs 7 am to dusk (no later than 10 pm) daily; washrooms are open May to mid-October, 9 am to dusk (no later than 9 pm) daily; the Hog's Back Grill and Bistro concession is open daily 11 am to 9:30 pm, weather permitting. The falls and lookouts are an open public space with no admission charge. Checked 5 November 2026.
Ticket Price: Free Admission: Free entry; the park charges no admission and parking is free · Hog's Back Park is a public park managed by the National Capital Commission; the falls and lookouts are free to visit with no ticket. The NCC page lists no admission or paid entry. Source ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/hogs-back-park, checked 5 November 2026.
Address: 600 Hog's Back Road, at Hog's Back Road and Riverside Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates: 45.3712, -75.6969

Introduction

Hog's Back Falls is a set of cascading falls formed by an artificial overflow weir where the Rideau River meets the Rideau Canal, located on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site and a well-known attraction within Ottawa. The water is fast-flowing and dramatic, surrounded by the open Hog's Back Park and its trails; in winter the spray freezes into ice formations on the rocks, making it a popular local photography spot.

✨ Highlights

Cascading artificial falls formed by the Rideau Canal overflow weir, impressive in scale

At Hog's Back Falls, Cascading artificial falls formed by the Rideau Canal overflow weir, impressive in scale is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

Freezing spray forms spectacular ice-fall scenery in winter

At Hog's Back Falls, Freezing spray forms spectacular ice-fall scenery in winter is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

Surrounding trails, picnic areas and open lawns of Hog's Back Park

At Hog's Back Falls, Surrounding trails, picnic areas and open lawns of Hog's Back Park is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Avoid the midday heat; mornings or late afternoons are more comfortable and better for photos.

→Transport：Arrange via local public transport, driving or a chartered transfer; check latest local transport info.

→Climate & dress：Prepare sun protection, water and suitable footwear for the local climate; some outdoor areas are exposed.

→On site：Follow on-site signs and rules; do not climb on or touch heritage features.

→Accessibility：Some areas have natural or uneven surfaces and may challenge those with limited mobility.

→Transportation：Address 600 Hog's Back Road, Ottawa, ON, at Hog's Back Road and Riverside Drive where the Rideau Canal leaves the Rideau River. Free time-limited on-site parking per the NCC.

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday	07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00)
Tuesday	07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00)
Wednesday	07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00)
Thursday	07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00)
Friday	07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00)
Saturday	07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00)
Sunday	07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00)

From the NCC page ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/hogs-back-park: the site opens in early May and closes 1 December, weather permitting. Free parking runs 7 am to dusk (no later than 10 pm) daily; washrooms are open May to mid-October, 9 am to dusk (no later than 9 pm) daily; the Hog's Back Grill and Bistro concession is open daily 11 am to 9:30 pm, weather permitting. The falls and lookouts are an open public space with no admission charge. Checked 5 November 2026.

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Free Admission	Free entry; the park charges no admission and parking is free

Hog's Back Park is a public park managed by the National Capital Commission; the falls and lookouts are free to visit with no ticket. The NCC page lists no admission or paid entry. Source ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/hogs-back-park, checked 5 November 2026.

💡 Tips

• Ticket prices, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: The park is open year-round, approximately 7:00-22:00 daily; on-site facilities (washrooms, parking, concessions) are closed approximately from December 1 each year until May.; admission: Free (public park).

• Prepare for the local climate (sun, hydration) and pace your visit accordingly.

• Respect local culture, customs and any religious norms; dress and behave accordingly.

• Combine with nearby sights and plan around local transport and accommodation.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Hog's Back Falls?

Monday: 07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00); Tuesday: 07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00); Wednesday: 07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00); Thursday: 07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00); Friday: 07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00); Saturday: 07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00); Sunday: 07:00 to dusk (no later than 22:00); From the NCC page ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/hogs-back-park: the site opens in early May and closes 1 December, weather permitting. Free parking runs 7 am to dusk (no later than 10 pm) daily; washrooms are open May to mid-October, 9 am to dusk (no later than 9 pm) daily; the Hog's Back Grill and Bistro concession is open daily 11 am to 9:30 pm, weather permitting. The falls and lookouts are an open public space with no admission charge. Checked 5 November 2026.

How much is the admission for Hog's Back Falls?

Free Admission: Free entry; the park charges no admission and parking is free; Hog's Back Park is a public park managed by the National Capital Commission; the falls and lookouts are free to visit with no ticket. The NCC page lists no admission or paid entry. Source ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/hogs-back-park, checked 5 November 2026.

Any practical tips for visiting Hog's Back Falls?

Ticket prices, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: The park is open year-round, approximately 7:00-22:00 daily; on-site facilities (washrooms, parking, concessions) are closed approximately from December 1 each year until May.; admission: Free (public park). Prepare for the local climate (sun, hydration) and pace your visit accordingly.

How long should I spend at Hog's Back Falls?

A typical visit takes 0.5-1 hour.

Checked 5 November 2026 from the National Capital Commission page ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/hogs-back-park. The site opens in early May and closes 1 December, weather permitting. The 7-day grid uses the NCC daily free-parking and site-access window, 7 am to dusk (no later than 10 pm). Washrooms (May to mid-October) and the concession (11 am to 9:30 pm) each keep their own hours. The park is free with no admission ticket; season and weather affect which facilities are open.