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Ottawa river, Member of Parliament wave ***

View Member of Parliament wave in a larger map.
Key
  • Grade: 4
  • Level: High spring floods only. Gets going above 60m/4300cumecs.
  • Gauge: Online
  • Length: 500 m
  • Access: Below the tunnel at the Pumphouse
  • Character: Big waves right underneath Parliament hill

The Member of Parliament waves only come in during high flood years, and only for a few days, formed by the flow out of Chaudiere falls hitting the submerged Twin Pine island. The river is big, fast and powerful, with a big ferry needed to get out to the wave; a longer boat is definitely an advantage. You are right in the centre of the national capital, with the Parliament buildings and the Supreme Court to your laft as you shred it up. A bombproof roll and paddling buddies are required.

To drive there, take exit 121A off highway 417, and head north on Bronson. Turn left onto Albert street, and immediately after, take the first right. Park on the right. There is a pedestrian underpass by the pumphouse that leads to the downstream end of the tunnel.