Award: Best Fishing! 

Misty mornings, sun-dappled afternoons or dazzling dusks: it's always a good time to cast your line from the docks at W.A. Taylor Conservation Area in Osgoode.

Nestled on the eastern banks of the Rideau River's Long Reach – the longest lock-free stretch of water along the Rideau Canal system – this serene slice of waterfront green space offers an exceptional respite from the daily grind, only 20 minutes from urban Ottawa.

Credit: Martin Lipman
Boat launch at W.A. Taylor.

Bass, pike and muskie all call Long Reach home, and local anglers will tell you they've pulled trophy-worthy fish out of that stretch of water. (Whether or not you believe their fish tales is another matter – perhaps you'd better go see for yourself.)

The wide and well-maintained boat launch allows visitors to take their motor boats into the channel, while the large public dock is the perfect spot to ready your canoe for a shoreline tour.

Back on land, enjoy a picnic lunch with the whole family, get a game of frisbee going on the large lawn, or take a stroll through the woods over a hidden bridge (à la Secret Garden!)

It's even got washrooms, so you can stay all day.

Parking is $7 for boat launch users, or $50 for an annual pass valid at all of our paid lots across the watershed.

For all the details and directions, visit https://www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas/fee-required/w-a-taylor-ca

This shady oasis is calling your name!
Light at the end of the tunnel.