Andrew Haydon Park (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Andrew Haydon Park?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: The park offers quiet riverside paths, bird-watching ponds, safe paved routes for running or cycling, and free seating, so a lone visitor can spend hours outdoors without feeling isolated.
Positives:
- Free entry and facilities: No admission fee, free washrooms, benches and trails open year-round.
- Scenic river views: Wide lawns and benches face the Ottawa River for peaceful riverside vistas.
Challenges:
- Limited food options: No onsite café. Bring water and snacks or plan a stop nearby.
- Few covered spots: Only one small pavilion available. Carry a rain jacket if showers appear.
What is Andrew Haydon Park?
- A waterfront municipal park on Carling Avenue bordering the Ottawa River
- A landscaped urban oasis organized around open lawns, sculpted gardens and a manmade waterfall
- A municipal facility with a bandshell, covered picnic pavilion and a children's playground
What is so special about Andrew Haydon Park for solo trip?
- Explore flat, paved riverside trails ideal for walking, jogging or cycling
- Spot and identify local bird species with ponds and marsh edges
- Enjoy a peaceful solo picnic or reading session with river views
- Use free wildlife scavenger-hunt booklet to add discovery to your walk
- Capture dynamic photos of sailboats, gardens and the manmade waterfall
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to walk trails, watch wildlife, picnic and photograph without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Andrew Haydon Park
Nature walk and bird watching:
Follow the paths around two ponds and marsh edges to spot Canada geese, mallards and shorebirds.
Tip: Bring binoculars and a field guide app for easy species ID.
Free wildlife scavenger hunt:
Use the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre’s printable booklet to find local plants and animals.
Tip: Download the activity guide online before you arrive.
Jog or cycle the NCC pathway:
Use the flat, paved Ottawa River Pathway for a safe run or bike ride into town and back.
Tip: Wear reflective gear and carry water in warmer months.
Solo picnic and reading:
Find a bench or grassy patch by the riverbank to relax with a book or snacks.
Tip: Arrive before noon for a shaded spot under the trees.
Photography:
Capture sailboats, the manmade waterfall and sculpted gardens under changing light.
Tip: Shoot during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for best color.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Andrew Haydon Park
- Download maps and guides: Save the scavenger hunt booklet and NCC pathway map on your phone.
- Time your visit: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light.
Reviews of Andrew Haydon Park
C Hart
A really lovely park. Lots of grassy areas to picnic in, many benches, and treed areas for shade. Beautiful pond. Always lively but never too busy (though parking can be tricky). Great place to enjoy nature.
Olena Slominska
Lovely, nice, relaxing, beautiful, peaceful, wonderful, charming place. for families, romantic couples, lonely walkers, yacht club members… busy on a weekend evening, yet a lot of parking places at several parking lots along Carling Av.
Claret M
A great place to walk, have fun with family and friends and beautiful scenery. Great Sunset view . It is an amazing place to walk with free parking so it is always crowded. Hard to find parking .The Water Lantern festival was a good time to visit the place.
Imran Shahid
A beautiful and scenic park near waterfront great for a walk, biking or having a picnic. The landscape and walking paths along the river are beautifully designed. A lot of geese and mallards inhibit the two ponds inside the park which are fun to watch for young kids. There are plenty of benches along the trails to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset view over the Ottawa river. Parking is free as ...
Amy K
Such an amazing park with scenery views! The best place for biking, hiking, picnic, and barbecue! Comes with playgrounds for kids, and public restrooms. My first time there for a festival but definitely not my last visit. The sunset view in this park is stunning … 😍
When is the best time to visit Andrew Haydon Park (Ottawa, Canada)?
July–September: attend free Summer Sounds concerts every second Wednesday at 7:30 PM at the bandshell. Winter: paths remain open for crisp riverside walks—wear warm layers and traction shoes.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Optional pavilion rental | CAD 30 |
| Downloading scavenger hunt guide | CAD 0 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 30 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Andrew Haydon Park
Address: 3127 Carling Ave, Nepean, ON K2H 5A6, Canada
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About Andrew Haydon Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 613-580-259510 BEST nearby Activities
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