Rockcliffe Park - MacKay Lake and MacKay Pond

 NORTH

It is very difficult to have a debate on any topic when the official position is that there is no problem.

McKay Lake (is the much larger body of water on the west).The MacKay Pond (is the smaller body on the east, with the supervised swimming area).

Green shaded areas are the conservation lands and woodland.Access points and parking (limited roadside spots marked with “P”).

Nearby streets shown for reference: Hillsdale Rd., Acacia Ave., Hemlock Rd., etc.

You can download the full high-resolution PDF version directly from the City of Ottawa here:
https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/documents/files/documents/caldwellcarver_conservationarea_en.pdf (815 KB).

MacKay Lake and the smaller MacKay Pond are a very good example of just how welcoming the neighborhood is. History has led us to this. The west lake is private, the east pond is restricted public.

The smaller MacKay Pond: 

There is limited unsupervised public swimming allowed daily from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (typically June–September). 

Student monitors patrol in summer to enforce the hours and 'protect' the habitat. (And maintain the character of the neighborhood)

There are No beach facilities (no washrooms, change rooms, or picnic areas).Hazards: Rocky bottom and a steep drop-off at the designated access point—children must be closely supervised by adults.Rules: No watercraft, inflatables, dogs (or pets in the water), fishing, or digging in the sand (to prevent erosion). Stay in the marked shoreline area.

Meanwhile in MacKay Lake the property owners have free reign. AFTERALL they own the shoreline! There are canoes, docks and unlimited swimming, there the delicate area is not so well protected but it is quiet and peaceful.

• Water quality (E. coli) is monitored and has been good in recent years.

Other Rules and Tips

This is an Urban Natural Area—public must stay on the paths, respect private neighbouring homes, keep dogs on leash, and avoid disturbing wildlife. No fishing, boating, fires, camping, alcohol, or loud noise.

• Volunteers (including students) help with trail maintenance and invasive plant removal if you’re interested in giving back—email environment@rockcliffepark.ca.

This area is a very low-key gem for locals—quiet, beautiful, and protected. If you’re planning a visit soon (late May 2026), the trails are open year-round (weather permitting), 

• Thie City of Ottawa map above clearly shows:Purple lines = the stone-dust Corridor of Public Passage (COPP) footpaths (the main public trails, ~2–4 km total).

Trails mainly follow the eastern shoreline of McKay Lake and loop around The MacKay Pond.
They’re easy, flat walking paths through mature forest—perfect for birdwatching and peaceful strolls.
No bikes allowed on the trails (leave them at the entrance).

The western side of the MacKay lake is private (lined with homes), but the public “Dog Walk” path runs along Lansdowne Road between Lansdowne north and Lansdown south sections which are not contiguous.

North

MacKay Pond, or sometimes just "the pond"

The locals know the deal. These days is easier to simply go to the New Edinburgh boat house to swim. Its just better for everybody if you go elsewhere.

Lot's of signs about what not to do.

Bike racks but no obvious trail head

Conclusion?

It is not really a park at all. The pubic is accepted but not welcome.  It could be gated and a spade called a spade but politically it remains an obscurity for the city adverturistic called "an urban natural area". Just remember there is no parking, you cannot take your bike, pond swimming hours are restricted, with no change area or washroom.