Sight guide · Ottawa · Canada
Visiting Rideau Falls
The Rideau River drops in two curtain-like falls straight into the Ottawa River beside Sussex Drive, split by Green Island.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: R Prazeres, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Rideau Falls is a nature spot in New Edinburgh, Ottawa. Allow 30 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- New Edinburgh
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, nature, photo spot and off the beaten path
- Best months
- June–August
About Rideau Falls
The Rideau River drops in two curtain-like falls straight into the Ottawa River beside Sussex Drive, split by Green Island. A small park and viewing platforms let you stand at the top of the falls, which are at their most powerful during the spring melt.
Tip: Visit in April or May, when snowmelt makes the falls roar; in winter they freeze into icy curtains.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: New Edinburgh.
Best time to visit Rideau Falls
Rideau Falls is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- August: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- June: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, busy crowds.
- July: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Ottawa has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Rideau Falls is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks.
- No. 15 of the 18 sights in our Ottawa things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Ottawa.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Ottawa.
Near Rideau Falls
Also in New Edinburgh, so you can walk between them:
- Rideau Hall — 1–1.5 hours, free
If you like Rideau Falls
- Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks — Downtown and Parliament Hill, 1–2 hours
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica — ByWard Market and Lowertown, 30 minutes
- Gatineau Park — Gatineau, Half a day
Staying near Rideau Falls
Where to stay in Ottawa compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Rideau Falls?
Plan 30 minutes. With Rideau Hall nearby, it fits a half-day in New Edinburgh.
+Is Rideau Falls free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Rideau Falls?
June–August for the most comfortable weather. Visit in April or May, when snowmelt makes the falls roar; in winter they freeze into icy curtains.
+Do I need to book Rideau Falls in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.