NeilyWorld  Birding Ottawa - Southwest - Rideau River West Side

         Independent Directions to this Site: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 121A to Bronson Avenue. Avoid doing this during rushhour! Proceed SSE on Bronson 1.8 km to Sunnyside Avenue and the entrance of Carleton University campus on the right. Turn right or southwest into the campus on Sunnyside and go 0.2 km to University Avenue. Turn left or south onto University and proceed 0.7 km to where the street comes to the Rideau River. The 0.6 km stretch of University along the river is our focus.

         Rideau River West Side Route Directions: From the Brewer Park parking area, turn right or NNW onto Bronson Avenue and drive 0.5 km to Sunnyside Avenue and the entrance of Carleton University campus on the left. Turn left or southwest into the campus on Sunnyside and go 0.2 km to University Avenue. Turn left or south onto University and proceed 0.7 km to where the street comes to the Rideau River. The 0.6 km stretch of University along the river is our focus.

         Site Description and Birding Information: This portion of the river often has diving ducks on it during the winter. Common Goldeneye are the majority, but mergansers and also some dabbling ducks are possible. The road overlooks the rapids and the views are great. The rapids are located near where the Go Train crosses the river, off the junction of Campus Avenue and University Drive.

Rideau River and Go Train bridge looking East from Carleton University

Rideau River and Vincent Massey Park looking SW from Carleton University

        Rideau River West Side Route Directions: From University Avenue on the campus of Carleton University, return via University to Sunnyside and thence to Bronson Avenue. Turn left or NNW onto Bronson Avenue and drive 1.3 km to Carling Avenue and turn left or southwest onto it. Proceed 0.6 km to Preston Street and turn left or south onto it. Drive 0.1 km to the T-junction and turn right or southwest onto Prince of Wales Drive. Go 0.6 km to the traffic circle and drive three-quarters the way around it to the entrance (on your right, to the ENE) of the next site on this route, The Arboretum.