Ottawa River WatershedThe Ottawa River is home to many different ecosystems, each playing an important role in sustaining Canada’s biodiversity. More than 300 species of bird have been inventoried along the river. Of these, about half are migratory species that use the Ottawa River region as one of the continent’s most important migratory halts. Along the river, 33 species of reptiles and amphibians, 53 species of mammals, and 85 species of fish can also be observed. Among these, several are rare or at risk.

Muskellunge / le maskinongéThe 85 species of fish documented to inhabit the Ottawa River live in turbid to slow moving waters, deep lakes, wetlands and shallow bays: each of these fish species are adapted to specific features of the river. As a result, not all species can be found in each section of the river. The various ecosystems of the Ottawa River offer habitat for spawning, nurseries and rearing. The distribution and abundance of fish varies based on the habitat and the location.

Mudpuppy/Le necture tachetéThere are 33 species of amphibian and reptile in the Ottawa River and its watershed. The health of these populations depends intimately on the health of the river itself. Some amphibians and reptiles depend exclusively on the river and associated bodies of water for their habitat, while others use the river during only a short cycle of their life.

This is the case for many salamanders and frogs that lay their eggs in ponds and swamps. Young salamanders and frogs inhabit ponds and swamps during their juvenile life cycle. The Mudpuppy is strictly aquatic and therefore found in the river year-round. The Spring Peeper, Bullfrog, and Green Frog are abundant and common in almost all areas of the river. Considered a vulnerable species in Quebec, the Western (Striped) Chorus Frog has been reported in the vicinity of Allumette Island.

CardinalOver 300 species of birds are found along the Ottawa River. About half of these are migratory birds. Situated in the heart of the Atlantic Flyway, the Ottawa River is one of North America’s most important halts for migrating waterfowl, a crucial staging area for many species.

One of the richest habitats for migratory waterfowl is located between Montebello and Gatineau; species that stop here include Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Green-Winged Teal, Blue-Winged Teal, Wood Duck and American Wigeon. This same stretch is known for its abundant population of Canada Geese. Over 300,000 Canada Geese stop here to feed in spring, more than half of the entire Atlantic corridor population. Other migratory birds with stops on the Ottawa include northern species such as Brant Geese, Artic Tern, and Red-Throated Loon (Haxton and Chubbuck). Sand flats provide habitat for the American Golden Plover, Red Knot, Western Sandpiper, Buff-Breasted Sandpiper, Black-Backed and Glaucous Gulls and the rarer Mew Gull. Marshes are home to many waterfowl during their breeding season.

Otters/Les loutresThough few mammals inhabit the Ottawa River itself, numerous mammal species live near its banks or frequently travel to its shores. Mink and Beaver are often observed, and Muskrat and Otter communities have been reported in various wetlands along the river.

Many mammals inhabit the mixed wood lowlands of the river watershed. Some of the most abundant species of mammals here are rarely seen by humans. These species include Southern and Northern Flying Squirrels, Northern Water Shrews, Short-tailed Shrews, White-footed Mice and Meadow Voles. Sightings of Woodchucks, Red Squirrels, and Eastern Chipmunks are frequent.

American Eel HabitatAmerican Eel Rises to Prominence in Ottawa River

American eels in the Ottawa River have risen to prominence because of Ontario's new Endangered Species Act which took effect on June 30, 2008. The new Act provides protection for species and their habitats. The Ottawa River has been chosen as one of four Ontario river systems where recovery strategies will be implemented.