At the southern end of the lake is Carleton University, and to its west is the Dominion Arboretum, at the edge of the Central Experimental Farm.

The lake is named after Abram Dow, an American-born settler who came to Ontario in the early 19th century and who owned land in this area in 1816.

OC Transpo introduced the O-Train (today's Trillium Line) in 2001, a light-rail transit system, which remains the primary user of the tunnel.

[2] Facing the lake, it symbolizes the historical links between Canada and the Netherlands, as well as Princess Margriet's birth at the Ottawa Civic Hospital during the Second World War.

The Colonel By Drive, named after the founder of the city, Lieutenant-Colonel John By, runs along the south side of the lake.