Tavern on the island: Ottawa’s new hidden gem, accessible to all

The National Capital Commission (NCC) introduced a new outdoor eatery on Bate Island, located along the Ottawa River that can be reached using the Champlain Bridge, near Island Park Drive.

The NCC-owned property is a “getaway from the city (and) that is accessible to all,” Julie Goulet, project lead with NCC, told CityNews.

The Tavern opened July 27 and offers an assortment of food and beverages, along with a 180-degree view of the region’s landscape, including the Gatineau Hills, Parliament buildings and downtown Ottawa.

The NCC has been partnering with local cafe, bistro and restaurant entrepreneurs, in efforts to enhance Ottawa urban parks and shorelines — introducing four patios across the region, with two new locations on Bate Island and Lac Leamy.

In partnership with the Tavern Group, the NCC has embarked on a five-year venture, working to animate and build services along the region’s shoreline within the Ottawa River South Shore Riverfront Park Plan, explained Goulet.

“The Tavern Group is a locally-owned company that, in partnership with the the NCC, strives to animate some of the National Capital Regions beautiful outdoor areas,” Jeff Houlton, The Tavern Group’s General Manager, said. “We offer a casual dining experiencing while enjoying breathtaking views in some of Ottawa’s best summer spots.”

According to Goulet, the Bate Island project has been in the works since July 2023, with the federal land use approval taking almost eight months.

“The NCC has a vision to animate the shoreline, making the areas around the shoreline accessible by building infrastructure while mitigating impacts on the environment,” she added. “It feels like you’re getting away from the city but you’re only five kilometres away from the downtown core, where you can jog, ride your bike, or park your vehicle on Bate Island.”

Tavern on the Island is open seven days a week, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., dependant on weather.

“The deck has been built with accessibility in mind, so that people with mobility limitations can access the site,” she said. “The site also has an accessible parking lot.”

Although parking is available, Goulet encourages people to bike to the island since there is a safe path on both sides of the river.

The NCC has also partnered with Ottawa Turbo Tubing — located adjacent to Tavern on the Island — for a scenic lazy river experience where groupes go all the way to Lebreton Flats.

Visitors can embark on this tubing excursion and float across the Ottawa River. Participants can return to Bate Island by shuttle bus.

“Bate Island was basically a passive park experience and now we’ve enhanced this by creating a hub with services, that makes for a full day of fun in the sun” Goulet said.