This was a unexpected great discoverGreat nature walk Did not realize a park so close to Ottawa had a beech and lakeA must visit for families
Minutes from downtown Ottawa, you can swim at one of the two beaches or explore a section of the Trans-Canada Trail near O'Brien Beach. Most people don't make it too far (drawn in by the allure of the Wilson Carbide Ruins) but you get different views of the lake and see an assortment of older cottages too.The beaches can get fairly crowded on weekends. Showing up early can help beat the crowds.
A very nice trail to follow while enjoying the side of the lake, the views, the fresh air and surrounding nature. Very accessible.
Your own lake with beach and views. Just follow the driveway to the end where you have to turn around. Like a little community of cottages hidden in the woods.
Beautiful scenery surrounds and is on the islands in the lake, you can swim there or laze on a beech or, much better, take a paddle in a canoe to explore some of its secrets
Don't just stick to the road side of the lake, park at O'Brian and walk into the park along the trail that leads away from the lake. It eventuall brings you close to the lake so don"t worry. Walk along the edge until you find a bit that suits you. Beware of the naked bathers however, they tend to be around the old mill.
Evening hike as the sunset then to Nordic Spa The Lake trail provides an easy walk suitable for family. Part of the trail was under construction but sitting on beach on Sunset on Thanksgiving day was memorable. The Spa was closeby and few people on that evening
There are so many trails, small lakes with picnic areas and beaches in this park. We have visited it in all seasons - hiking in warm weather, and skiing or snowshoeing in winter. It only takes a few minutes to get there from the heart of downtown Ottawa.
There are two Meech Lakes. The public beach where most people go to swim and sunbathe, and the nudist one that is quite a hike up and down hills into the back woods surrounding the public beach. At the nudist beach (clothing optional) there is a waterfall, sunbathing rocks, and an old Millhouse from the mid-1800s.
We enjoyed walking around this large lake. It is very well set up, easy to access, has ample parking, and explanations along the way. We learned a great deal about this lake, while enjoying the fresh air and the view.