253 Winding Way
Ottawa, Ontario
Phone: 613-692-3571 ext. 1100
Open year round
Dawn to dusk
subject to winter conditions
Activities and Amenities
This wonderful 23-acre parcel of conservation land is located on the west bank of the Rideau River on Prince of Wales Drive between Winding Way and Lodge Road. It consists mainly of natural river shoreline, wetlands and flood plain areas that are unique in the City of Ottawa. It forms a passive recreational area for the Chapman Mills community. Parking is located off Winding Way. Come enjoy the picnic shelter, scenic lookouts along the trail, walkways and boardwalks that lead pedestrians on a 1.5 km stroll through some sensitive and beautiful habitats, and read the interpretive signs telling the environmental story at points along the path.
The land for Chapman Mills Conservation Areas was a gift to the people of the Rideau Valley from the South Nepean Development Corporation, along with additional land ceded from Parks Canada. Minto Development Inc. provided the development funds necessary to carry out the improvements for public use of Chapman Mills Conservation Area.
Trails: 1.5km
Download the PDF
Open Avenza map
Please use caution on the water! The Rideau River is part of a busy navigation channel.It is every boater's responsibility to know the hazards along their route and to ensure they have proper safety equipment on board. For a list of required equipment and complete rules and regulations, visit Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety and read the Safe Boating Guide. Please note that swimming is prohibited at Chapman Mills Conservation Area.
Special Feature - Fish Habitat Creation Projects
Chapman Mills Conservation Area is the site of two “fish habitat compensation projects” to improve the quantity and quality of fish habitat along the Rideau River shoreline within the City of Ottawa.
Interpretive signs created for the projects
Fish Habitat Creation at Chapman Mills (click to enlarge)
Habitat Enhancement at Chapman Mills - click to enlarge
With support through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program/Avec l’appui du Programme d’infrastructure communautaire de Canada 150.
