Hampton Park (Gay Cruising Area)

Hampton Park, a wooded green space off Island Park Drive in the city's west end, has featured for years on Ottawa cruising listings for its network of tree-lined trails, busiest on warm evenings from dusk. It doubles as a well-used dog-walking and nature park during the day, so keep encounters discreet and away from families. As across Canada the atmosphere is relaxed and consensual encounters are rarely policed, but the trails are unlit — bring a phone, tell someone where you are, and use ordinary nighttime caution.