On Canada Day, Ottawa Citizen reporter Olivia Belovich tested the NCC's new swimming dock at East Wharf, located beneath Parliament Hill. She arrived around 11 a.m. after a hot bike ride and immediately jumped into the water with a cannonball. The dock, part of a new NCC initiative, offers a unique view of Parliament and the Rideau Canal locks.
First Canada Day in Ottawa
Belovich moved to Ottawa last August and brought skepticism about swimming in urban waters, as many Torontonians avoid Lake Ontario. However, she embraced Ottawa's swimming culture by visiting the East Wharf dock. The dock was not busy initially, with about 20 people sunbathing and swimming.
Next to her, Tara Gosling, a University of Ottawa student, performed handstands into the water. Gosling had been swimming at the dock for three mornings and noted the water was warm and not too busy at the right times. She said, “If you come at the right time, it’s not too busy. The water’s been pretty warm recently.”
Locks and Lemonade
While paddling, Belovich noticed the Rideau Canal locks were open, releasing foamy canal water into the river. Emerancia Nkambu, selling lemonade and ice cream at a refreshment stand, warned about the smell. “The water just smells,” she laughed. The stink lasted about five minutes, and some people waited on land until the locks closed.
By noon, the dock grew busier, with bike racks full, lawn chairs on the grass, and Canadian flags and visors everywhere. Nkambu prepared for the rush, saying, “I’m just trying to put more drinks in the fridge, refill the ice cream, and get more snacks. I’m just waiting for people, because I know it’s going to be crazy.” About 50 people were on the dock and in the water before an early afternoon storm brought rain and thunder, suspending the party.
Embracing Ottawa's Water Culture
Belovich concluded that despite the brief smell from the locks, the experience was enjoyable and showcased Ottawa's love for swimming in the Ottawa River. The dock provides a unique perspective of Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, making it a popular Canada Day destination.
