Nature Canada

Visit Lac Deschênes IBA

The Lac Deschênes IBA is accessible from many points in Ottawa and Gatineau-Aylmer. Many kilometers of National Capital Commission bike and walking paths run alongside the IBA on both sides of the Ottawa River, right from the downtown cores. Plus there are excellent green spaces on both sides of the river, including Andrew Hayden Park, Shirley’s Bay, Mud Lake, Deschênes Rapids Park, the Aylmer Marina and more!

You can walk, bike, hike, run, swim and even canoe/kayak in various parts of Lac Deschênes! And you can do all of this right in the heart of one of the city’s most important wildlife habitats! Lots of birdwatchers flock to the Lac Deschênes area during the spring and the fall to see which feathered friends are passing through, and it’s a great place for everyone to visit year-round.

The Ottawa Field-Naturalists Club, the Outaouais Birding Club, the Innis Point Bird Observatory and the Macoun Field Club  all conduct events and activities regularly at and around the Lac Deschênes area. Nature Canada  is joining in on the action at the National Capital Region’s only Important Bird Area, too! Check out our list of events  and activities to find out more.

Things to do at Lac Deschenes IBA

•    Birdwatching
•    Bicycling
•    Walking/running
•    Nature photography
•    Swimming
•    Canoeing/kayaking
•    Picnicking

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