Residents and visitors to the National Capital Region often stumble upon Bate Island by accident. This island park is located upstream on the Ottawa River, just off the Champlain Bridge, between Ottawa and Gatineau. It is within cycling or walking distance of Tunney’s Pasture and Westboro. On beautiful, sunny days you can expect a stunning view of the river, the rapids, the wildlife and the stunning Ottawa skyline, including the Parliament buildings.
Bate Island, while small, offers a sheltered gazebo, picnic tables and little BBQ pits. Access to the island is free, as is the parking.
BATE ISLAND – LAC DESCHÊNES
AN IMPORTANT BIRD AREA
Bate Island is located in the heart of a bird superhighway. Nature Canada reports:Bate Island is a popular site for viewing the spectacular scenery of the Ottawa River and for walking, picnicking, kayaking, fishing and bird watching. The 3.5-hectares island is six kilometres west of Confederation Boulevard and is accessible to the public from the Champlain Bridge, either from the Ottawa River Parkway in Ottawa or the Aylmer Road in Gatineau.Although it’s the tail-end of the migratory bird season, there is still a chance you’ll spot a bird making its way south!Here are a few species to keep an eye out for:
Greater Black-backed Gulls, Common Golden-eye, Common Merganser, Long-tailed Duck, Surf Scoter, Common Loon, Red-necked and Horned grebes, Bufflehead and even Harlequin Ducks if you’re lucky!
Bate Island is a popular site for viewing the spectacular scenery of the Ottawa River and for walking, picnicking, kayaking, fishing and bird watching. The 3.5-hectares island is six kilometres west of Confederation Boulevard and is accessible to the public from the Champlain Bridge, either from the Ottawa River Parkway in Ottawa or the Aylmer Road in Gatineau.Although it’s the tail-end of the migratory bird season, there is still a chance you’ll spot a bird making its way south! Here are a few species to keep an eye out for: Greater Black-backed Gulls, Common Golden-eye, Common Merganser, Long-tailed Duck, Surf Scoter, Common Loon, Red-necked and Horned grebes, Bufflehead and even Harlequin Ducks if you’re lucky!