Best Beaches and Water Activities in Ottawa

Ottawa has four supervised public beaches, lakes in Gatineau Park, and over 200 km of waterways for paddling — from calm canal routes to whitewater rapids. The swimming season runs mid-June through late August, and paddling extends from May through October.

City Beaches

The City of Ottawa operates four supervised beaches with lifeguards on duty daily from noon to 7 PM during the summer season (typically mid-June to late August). All are free to access.

Mooney's Bay Beach

Mooney's Bay Park has a sandy beach on the Rideau River with a gradual, shallow entry — good for young children. The park also has one of Canada's largest playgrounds (Giver 150), beach volleyball courts, and the seasonal Baja Burger Shack.

• Water: Rideau River
• Parking: Paid ($2/hour, May–Thanksgiving). Free in winter
• Transit: Mooney's Bay Station (O-Train Line 2)
• Extras: SUP rentals, boat launch, picnic areas with BBQ pits

Britannia Beach

Britannia Beach is a spacious sandy beach on the Ottawa River, about 15 km west of downtown. The shallow water extends well out from shore. Adjacent Mud Lake is one of Canada's premier birding sites (248+ species).

• Water: Ottawa River
• Parking: Free
• Transit: OC Transpo Route 51
• Extras: Baja Burger Shack, Beachconers Microcreamery, cycling pathway connection

Westboro Beach

Westboro Beach sits on the Ottawa River along the Kichi Zibi Mikan (formerly Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway), about 6 km west of downtown. The recently renovated beach pavilion has a year-round restaurant and seasonal café.

• Water: Ottawa River
• Address: 745 Kichi Zibi Mikan
• Extras: Volleyball courts, playground, water equipment rentals

Petrie Island Beach

Petrie Island has two sandy beaches on the Ottawa River in the Orleans area — a quieter alternative to the west-end beaches. The River Beach faces the Quebec shore with wide views.

• Water: Ottawa River
• Address: 789 Trim Road, Orleans
• Parking: $2 for 5 hours (cash only, Victoria Day to Labour Day)

Beach tips:

• Water quality is tested weekly by Ottawa Public Health. Check results on the city website before swimming, especially after heavy rain
• Free lifejacket lending (child, youth, adult sizes) is available at all four beaches during supervised hours
• Beach-accessible wheelchairs are available at Mooney's Bay and Britannia

Gatineau Park Lakes

Gatineau Park has three lakes with supervised public beaches, all about 20–30 minutes from downtown. Lifeguards are on duty 10 AM–6 PM daily from mid-June through Labour Day.

Meech Lake

Two access points: O'Brien Beach (P11) and Blanchet Beach (P13). Clear water with a sandy shore, surrounded by forest. Popular and can fill up on weekends.

Philippe Lake (Lac Philippe)

Deeper into the park, about 40 minutes from downtown. Two beaches (Breton Beach and Parent Beach) on a large, scenic lake.

Lac La Pêche

The most remote of the three — quieter and less crowded.

• Parking: $2.75 per 30 minutes, daily max$15 at all three lakes
• No pets at beach areas
• Tip: Arrive by 10 AM on summer weekends to get parking, especially at Meech Lake

Paddling

Dow's Lake

Dow's Lake Pavilion rents pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards from May through early October. It's a calm, scenic spot right on the Rideau Canal — great for beginners and families.

All rentals include life jackets, paddles, and a safety kit.

Rideau Canal and Rideau River

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most scenic paddling routes in the city — paddle past the Château Laurier, Parliament Hill, and the Ottawa Locks.

Rental locations on the Rideau River/Canal:

• Ottawa SUP (main base: Brantwood Park, 140 Clegg St) — SUP and kayak rentals, lessons, SUP yoga. Also at Mooney's Bay, Britannia, and Petrie Island
• Escape Tours & Rentals (501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway) — Kayaks, SUPs, and guided tours on the Ottawa River

Ottawa River Paddling

The Ottawa River offers both calm shoreline paddling and serious whitewater. For a relaxed paddle, launch from Britannia Beach or Westboro Beach. For guided whitewater experiences, several outfitters operate about 90 minutes northwest of Ottawa:

• Wilderness Tours (Foresters Falls) — Canada's largest rafting resort. Half-day and full-day trips on Class I–V rapids. From $169/adult
• OWL Rafting (Foresters Falls) — Family-run since 1981. Low, medium, and high intensity trips. Day trips and multi-night packages
• Ottawa City Rafting — A 3-hour urban rafting trip departing from the Britannia area, paddling past Parliament Hill. Class I–II rapids

Practical Tips

• Beach season: Lifeguards are on duty mid-June through late August. Beaches are open outside these dates but unsupervised
• Paddling season: Rentals at Dow's Lake typically run May through early October
• Bug note: Mosquitoes can be active near water at dawn and dusk. Bring repellent for evening paddles
• What to bring: Sunscreen, water, and a hat. For paddling, a dry bag for your phone and keys
• Best for families: Mooney's Bay (shallow entry, huge playground) or Dow's Lake pedal boats
• Best for a quieter beach: Petrie Island or Lac La Pêche in Gatineau Park