Top 10 Ottawa Beaches to Check out This Summer
Sunny summer days are best spent at the beach, with buckets and spades or a towel and a book. While Ottawa isn’t typically known as a beach destination, the city has multiple beach options located along its extensive river system. While there are great Ottawa City Beaches in the city center, the city also benefits from being close to many beaches across the Ottawa River in nearby Quebec. From long sandy beaches to smaller secluded riverside gems, whatever your beach style is, the Ottawa area has a stretch of sand for you.
Ottawa City Beaches
Britannia Beach
One of Ottawa’s most popular beaches, Britannia Beach is located along the Ottawa River at Britannia Park. This stretch of beautiful white sandy beach is popular with families and kids, and fills up quickly on sunny summer afternoons. When the wind is just right, you’ll even be treated to views of kitesurfers and sailboats gliding effortlessly down the river.
Facilities: Washrooms, changerooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards, beach volleyball net and paddleboard rentals, snack bar, playground, picnic area with BBQ pits
Parking: Free
Mooney’s Bay Beach
One of the liveliest beaches in Ottawa, Mooney’s Bay Beach is a popular hangout on hot summer days. Centrally located on the banks of the Rideau River, it’s easily accessible by public transportation, and has handy bike and walking connections with the Rideau Canal Pathway. Mooney’s Bay Park also plays host to the annual Hope Volleyball Summerfest as well as the popular Ottawa Dragonboat Festival.
While you’re at the beach don’t miss the nearby Giver Park,one of the largest playgrounds in Canada, as well as Hog’s Back Falls, only a short walk from the main beach.
Facilities: Washrooms, change rooms, Snack Shack, picnic tables and barbecue pits, playground, beach volleyball net and paddleboard rentals
Parking: Paid
Petrie Island Beach
Located in the city’s east end, Petrie Island Beach is a favourite among Ottawa locals. The beach is actually comprised of two sections, East Beach and River Beach, as well as a smaller kid-friendly sandy spit located near the picnic area.
While the beach on Petrie Island may be your main draw, there are also many other things to discover while you’re on the island. Check out the nearby nature preserve, head out on a hike, stop at the turtle viewing area, or rent a canoe, kayak or jet ski and explore the island from the water.
Facilities: Canteen, water filling station, picnic area, washrooms, lifeguards, volleyball net rentals
Parking: Paid
Westboro Beach
While small in size, Westboro Beach is definitely one of Ottawa’s best stretches of sand. Located along the banks of the Ottawa River, it has a more hipster vibe and relaxed atmosphere, and is popular among locals. Relax on the sand, go for a swim, bring your own boat, or stay for one of the epic sunsets.
Facilities: *Westboro Beach has just undergone a huge 3-year redevelopment project to improve its facilities and is set to fully re-open to the public in 2025. New developments are to include a revamped park pavilion, new food and beverage offerings, and expanded parking, washroom and changeroom facilities.
Parking: TBC - Check for updates with the National Capital Commission
Beaches Just Outside of Ottawa
Constance Bay Beach
Only a 45-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, Constance Bay Beach is a cool spot for a summer day trip. There are three beaches accessible from the main road: The Point Beach, Auger’s Beach and Wicken’s Beach. The Point is the most popular with its beautiful stretch of white sand, along with parking and washroom facilities. Constance Bay Beach is also a pet-friendly beach, so feel free to bring your four-legged friend for a frolic. Note that there are private properties along the beachfront, so be sure to be respectful when laying down your towel.
Facilities: Washrooms, garbage cans, no lifeguards, dog-friendly
Parking: Free parking is available in a small parking lot, and along streets in the area
Gatineau and Area Beaches
Leamy Lake Beach - Gatineau, QC
Occupying an area of 174 hectares, Leamy Lake Park is the largest urban park in the Ottawa region. Established in 1961 the park is located on the pristine shores of Lac Leamy across from the iconic Casino Lac Leamy in Gatineau. Leamy Lake Beach has something for everyone, with volleyball courts, a kids’ playground, two restaurants with outdoor patios, plus paddleboard, canoe and kayak rentals. Open water swimming is also permitted here for those looking to get their strokes in.
Facilities: Lifeguards, washrooms, picnic area with BBQ pits, playground, volleyball courts, boat rentals
Parking: Paid
O’Brien Beach - Gatineau Park, QC
Only a short drive from downtown Ottawa, O’Brien Beach is a beautiful beach escape away from the city. On the shores of historic Meech Lake in Gatineau Park, this beach is one of the most popular in the region. Take a swim in the supervised buoyed area, or for strong swimmers, head out into the lake for ample open water swimming. Don’t forget to explore some of the great nearby hikes in Gatineau Park including the Discovery Trail which leads to the stunning Wilson Carbide Ruins, accessed via the same parking lot as O’Brien Beach.
Facilities: Lifeguards, washrooms, changerooms, picnic area
Parking: Paid
Breton Beach - Lac Phillippe, Gatineau Park, QC
Located in Gatineau Park, Breton Beach is the largest of three beaches on the tranquil shores of Lac Phillippe. This long sandy section of beach is great for families with small children, and those looking to enjoy a beach day surrounded by nature. Breton Beach is also fully-accessible with a wheelchair-accessible ramp into the water, as well as a beach wheelchair for those who need mobility assistance.
Facilities: Lifeguards, washrooms, changerooms, non-motorized boat rentals
Accessibility: Accessible ramp to water, beach wheelchair, accessible washrooms
Parking: Paid
Parc des Cèdres – Aylmer, QC
Next to the Aylmer Marina and Aylmer Yacht Club, Parc des Cèdres is a fun spot for a relaxing day at the beach. Modest in size, this quaint beach in the city of Alymer, Quebec, is a great spot to get away from the crowds of more popular beaches. With a restaurant located in the nearby marina, and free parking onsite, this spot is great for a quiet afternoon on the sand. The waterfront is popular with kite surfers and yachtsmen, so expect to see some sails flying by when the winds pick up.
Facilities: Lifeguards, snack bar, change rooms, showers, picnic tables, playground
Parking: Free
Parc Moussette Beach – Gatineau, QC
If you’re looking for a charming beach close to downtown Gatineau, head to Parc Moussette. This small clean beach on the banks of the Ottawa River is easily accessed by the Voyageurs Pathway, and is often less-crowded than other Ottawa area beaches. It offers a wide range of activities aside from its sandy shore including tennis courts, a baseball field and volleyball courts.
Facilities: Lifeguards, washrooms, changing rooms, showers, picnic area, snack bar, tennis courts, playground
Parking: Free
Important Tips for Visiting Ottawa Area Beaches
Water Quality
Water quality is tested at most beaches listed above, both in Ontario or Quebec. Please check the status of your beach before you go in for a dip.
Ottawa City Beaches:
Beaches in Gatineau Park:
Other beaches along the Ottawa River:
Lifeguards
Beaches are only supervised during specific hours and at certain times of the year. Please check the hours of lifeguards at your beach of choice before planning your visit if you need that extra set of eyes.
Pets
It’s important to note that dogs are not permitted on any beach listed above accept Constance Bay Beach. At Constance Bay be sure to keep your dog on leash and clean up after your furry friend.
