Dow's Lake, lake in Ontario, Canada
Dow's Lake is a man-made body of water in Ottawa situated along the Rideau Canal. The shoreline is surrounded by green spaces and walking paths that curve around the water, offering views of trees and open grass areas where people gather.
The site was originally a swamp that was converted into a lake during the Rideau Canal construction in the 1820s through dams and embankments. A causeway was built across it in 1904 that split the water in two, but it was removed in 1928 and the lake was restored to its full size.
The lake bears the name of Abram Dow, an early settler from the 1810s whose land gave the place its identity. His name remains tied to the local memory of how this swampy area became transformed into a beloved gathering spot.
The area offers easy access with walking and biking paths around the water suited to different abilities. Summer visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddle boats, while winter allows for skating on the frozen surface.
Stone piles from the 1904 causeway still rest underwater and become visible as small islands when water levels drop in autumn. These hidden remnants tell the story of how the lake was reshaped to match the city's growth.
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