A day at any of the beaches in Ottawa is always fun and relaxing. You can bask in the sun, surf, bond with your family, or simply unwind. The great thing about Ottawa beaches is that they cater to different preferences and you can enjoy the beaches all summer long.
If you live in the area or just traveling, here are some of the best beaches in Ottawa you can visit. Whether you want a fun time with your family and friends or a quiet day at the beach, there is a beach in Ottawa just for you.
- QUICK OVERVIEW
- Most Popular Beach: Britannia Beach
- Top-Rated Hotel in Ottawa: Novotel Ottawa City Center
- Best Thing To Do In Ottawa: Sightseeing on a River Cruise
Most Popular Beach In Ottawa
Britannia Beach – A Fun Beach In Ottawa
When it comes to the most popular beach in Ottawa, Brittania Beach takes the cake. If you want a fun-filled day at the beach and a variety of options, this beach is for you. Britannia beach is also one of the most beautiful Ottawa Beaches.
Britannia Beach features picnic tables, BBQ pits, shaded spots, and volleyball nets. You can rent the volleyball nets for a game at the beach or go to the ice cream shop for yummy ice cream. Also, the beach is large and has a playground for the kids.
This beach has scenic views of the sea and sailboats on the water. Lifeguards are always there for extra protection and care. It also has washrooms and outdoor showers, a canteen, and a parking lot for your vehicle.
You can visit Britannia Beach any time you come to Ottawa. You can lounge and soak in the sun, enjoy some yummy ice cream, have fun with your family, or play games. Britannia Beach is located in Britannia Bay and has all the amenities you need.
Best Beaches In Ottawa For Families
Westboro Beach – An Ottawa Beach For Enjoying Nature
Westboro Beach is one of the beaches in Ottawa with breathtaking views. The beach is an ideal setting for a quiet getaway with your family to relax and bask in the beauty of nature. It is located in Kitchissippi Lockout.
The many trees at Westboro Beach give it an ample amount of shade for you and your family. There are trails close to the beach, lifeguards on site for added safety, and a swimming lane. The beach also has washrooms, a parking spot, and a canteen.
If you need a place to lodge with your family, you can stay at the Best Western hotel close to the beach. The beach is open all year round and is supervised from June to August. You can visit the beach for a great time with your family.
Mooney’s Bay Beach – An Ottawa Beach For The Family
Mooney’s Bay Beach is all about having a fun-filled time with your loved ones. Located at 2926 Riverside Drive, it is one of the best Ottawa beaches for a great time with the kids.
There are many amenities at Mooney’s Bay Beach for you and your family. They include a playground for the kids, picnic areas, and paths for biking. It also has lifeguards, washrooms, and changing rooms.
You can rent volleyball nets and paddle boards for fun games at Mooney’s Bay Beach during summer. This is a great outdoor spot for you to bond with your kids.
Brenton Beach – A Safe Ottawa Beach
Brenton Beach also known as Philippe Lake takes safety to the next level. It is one of six beaches in Ottawa located at Gatineau Park. This is a convenient and ideal location for visiting.
At Brenton Beach, you can only swim between 10 am and 6 pm when the lifeguards are around. The water on the beach is very safe as it is tested every two weeks. There are also beach items from beach toys and towels to hats and sunscreen for you to purchase at the beach.
The surrounding area features trails for long walks, a snack and ice cream shop, picnic tables, washrooms, and changing rooms. Brenton Beach also has a lift chair and ramp access for wheelchairs. It is a well-facilitated beach where you can enjoy a day out with your family.
Lemay Lake Park – A Stunning Ottawa Beach
Lemay Lake Park is located at Fournier Blvd, Gatineau Quebec, and has been open since 1961. It is one of the best Ottawa Beaches for some nice family time. The beach takes up a major portion of Lemay Lake Park, hence the name.
The whole of Lemay Lake Park is huge and occupies about 174 hectares. There are lots of supervising lifeguards at the beach to ensure everyone is safe. Supervised swimming at the beach generally happens between July to September.
As one of the most cared-for beaches In Ottawa, it has a lot of amenities for the family. There are two volleyball courts, large picnic areas, a playground for children and concession stands for you. It is a nice beach to visit with your family when you are in Ottawa.
Parc Des Cèdres Beach – An Ideal Summer Location
Parc Des Cèdres Beach is one of the best beaches in Ottawa for summer. It has all the fun amenities for summer and is a great place for the family to enjoy. It is located in Gatineau, Ottawa.
You can rent a bike at the beach to go on the bike trail, store your items in the lockers and grab a bite at the snack bar. There are also showers for washing off at the beach. Parc Des Cèdres Beach is also called Cedar Park.
Lifeguards are on duty from June to September. Parc Des Cèdres. Beach is a great spot to soak in the sun and even do some outdoor activities.
Barnet Park Beach – An Ottawa Beach With A Breathtaking View
This is one of the Ottawa beaches with the best views. From Barnet Park Beach, you can see Calabogie Lake and some of the hills in the Ottawa Valley. The Barnet Park Beach is located in Calabogie.
It is one of the beaches in Ottawa that allows dogs, it is a great spot for you to bond and have fun with your furry companion. The beach has multiple areas where you can sunbathe or just relax. There are also washrooms, picnic tables, and a boat launch at Barnet Park Beach.
The fun does not stop there for you. You can go on a hike or rent a canoe, paddleboard or kayak. You can also lodge at the nearby Somewhere Inn Calabogie with your family when you come visiting.
Most Relaxing Beaches In Ottawa
Lake Clear Beach – A Crystal Clear Beach In Ottawa
Lake Clear Beach is well known for its crystal clear waters and has become an inspiration for many artists over the years. The beach has a stunning landscape and is one of the most relaxing beaches in Ottawa.
It is an ideal place if you just want to relax and enjoy nature. Hurds Creek is close by and you can paddle there to see turtles and peregrine falcons. It is located in the Bonnechere Valley.
If you want to stay for the weekend, there are cottages for you such as the Sands On Golden Lake around the beach. You can visit Lake Clear Beach any time of the year.
The Pond – A Peculiar Beach In Ottawa
The Pond is another peaceful beach in Ottawa. You can go alone or with your partner for a good time at the beach. It is located in Rockcliffe Park.
The Pond is 170 meters long and is surrounded by a couple of homes just beyond the beautiful trees that enclose the beach. For this reason, there are swimming rules and noise rules. You can only swim between 7 am to 2 pm.
Parc du-Lac Beauchamp – A Picnic Spot In Ottawa
Parc du-Lac Beauchamp is one of the Ottawa beaches that is more picnic oriented than sand-dominant. You can have a cool time outdoors and enjoy a picnic at this beach. It is at 741 Boulevard Maloney E, Gatineau.
At Parc du-Lac Beauchamp, you can go on any of the trails or rent a BBQ on-site. You also have the choice between air-conditioned or heated spaces. The beach is open all year long so you can visit it anytime you are in Ottawa.
Fitzroy Provincial Park Beach – A Peaceful Spot In Ottawa
Fitzroy Provincial Park Beach is well known for the privacy it offers. It a tucked away from the capital and is one of the most secluded beaches in Ottawa. You can truly relax your mind and get away from everything at Fitzroy Provincial Park Beach.
Fitzroy Provincial Park has two beaches. There is the main beach that has fun stuff like picnic tables, a volleyball court, washrooms, and a couple of stand-up barbecues. You can also rent a canoe and kayak at this beach.
The second beach is at Two Rivers Camp Ground. If you have small kids, this is the beach for you. Dogs are not allowed at any of these Ottawa beaches.
You can go on a hike through the pine forest and hundreds of years old bur oak when you visit the Fitzroy Provincial Park Beach. There are islands just off the main beach where you can paddle and explore. The Fitzroy Provincial Park Beach is indeed a relaxing place for you.
Robert Simpson Park Beach – A Well Maintained Ottawa Beach
Robert Simpson Park Beach is one of Ottawa’s beaches with stunning views. The beach overlooks the meeting point of two Rivers; the Madawaska River and the Ottawa River. It is located in Arnprior, a couple of minutes from Ottawa.
Robert Simpson Park Beach is always maintained by the town of Arnprior. Its sandy beach is clean and during summer, there are lifeguards on the beach every day. This is one of the dog-friendly beaches in Ottawa.
There is a playground, food stand, picnic area, and splash pad at the beach. There are also washrooms and walking trails. It is one of the Ottawa beaches you should not miss for a convenient and fuss-free time.
Petawawa Point Beach – A Lovely Sandy Ottawa Beach
If you need a beach to relax, get away from the noise and have a good time, Petawawa Point Beach is for you. Though it is one of the unsupervised beaches in Ottawa, it is monitored and cleaned daily. The beach is located at the point between Ottawa River and Petawawa River.
Petawawa Point Beach’s features are stunning. It has a sandy beach, beautiful vistas, and a snack bar. During the summer, you can rent a canoe or kayak for a fun time on the water.
As one of the largest Ottawa beaches, there is plenty of space for you to have a quiet time, relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape. You can visit Petawawa Point Beach any time.
O’Brien Beach – A Quiet Hideout In Ottawa
O’Brien Beach is one of the most relaxing beaches in Ottawa. It is located at Meech Lake and the water is tested regularly. If you need to unwind and enjoy nature, this beach is for you.
The beach has lifeguards, picnic tables, and a toilet. The beach opens in June and you have to pay for parking. You can enjoy the scenic view, lay in the sun, or read a book whenever you visit the beach.
Best Beaches In Ottawa For Activities
Burnstown Beach – A Getaway In Ottawa
Burnstown is one of the Ottawa beaches well known for its fun activities. It is less than an hour’s drive from Ottawa city, in Braeside.
You can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding here. There are picnic tables, a sandy swim area, a snack bar, a play structure, and a shaded area. Amenities such as washrooms and change rooms are also available for you.
Burnstown Beach is one of the unsupervised beaches in Ottawa. Make sure you take a stroll to check out the restaurants, shops, and local artists’ galleries when you visit Burnstown Beach.
Mille Roches Beach – An Ottawa Beach For A Pleasant Time
Mille Roches Beach is located at 15805 Long Sault, on the St. Lawrence Seaway. It is one of the popular Ottawa beaches. It is over an hour away from the city so you should plan for a day trip to enjoy it.
There are rentals for kayaks and boats at the beach between June and September. The beach also has a snack bar, playground, washrooms, changing rooms, and a picnic area. You can also have fun at Upper Canada Village just close by where you can see how Canada looked in the 1800s.
Petrie Island Beach – An Ottawa Island With A Beautiful Beach
Petrie Island Beach is one of the most popular Ottawa beaches. There are lots of fun activities for you at the beach. It is also a place to tour with your family and learn about the wildlife in the area.
You are allowed to fish in certain areas where you will not disturb those swimming. For nature lovers, there is also the option to hike around the island. The beach also has many picnic tables and a parking lot which costs $5. During weekend hours, you can also rent paddle boards and volleyball nets for a great time at the beach.
Petrie Island is open and supervised from Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day weekend.
Lifeguards patrol the beach every day during the summer. It is a nice place to enjoy nature, so if that is your jam, make sure to visit Petrie Island.
Morrison’s Quarry – A Picturesque Beach In Ottawa
Located in Lakefield, Quebec, Morrison’s Quarry is one of the most picturesque beaches in Ottawa. It is a stunning and thus popular Ottawa beach. Remember to go with your camera so you can take beautiful pictures while having fun at the beach.
Morrison’s Quarry is one of the beaches near Ottawa as it is just 30 minutes away from the city. The beach has the most beautiful turquoise waters and is surrounded by stunning cliffs. You can also book scuba diving lessons.
The beach has a waterslide, BBQ, lots of picnic tables, and changing rooms. It costs $10 to enter the beach but it is worth it. You can spend the summer enjoying the beach and taking pictures.
Haliburton Lake South Bay Beach – A Beautiful Ottawa Beach
If you want to spend the whole day outdoors or a weekend getaway, this beach is for you. Haliburton Lake South Bay Beach is three hours away from the main city. It is one of the popular beaches to visit from Ottawa.
You can enjoy the picnic tables, the 75m long sandy beach, and other amenities. There are also accommodations in the area if you want to spend the weekend here.
Aylmer Marina – An Activities Packed Beach
This stunning beach is located on the Quebec side of the Ottawa river. Nonetheless, it is one of the best beaches around Ottawa. If you are in search of a beach with lots of outdoor activities, this beach is for you.
Aylmer Marina offers some fun stuff including biking and swimming. It also has a snack bar, picnic areas, and showers for you. You can visit the beach for a great time outdoors.
Enjoying The Best Beaches In Ottawa Canada
These are just some of the beaches in and around Ottawa. A beach day is always a fun and relaxing day. The beaches in Ottawa offer a good range of selections to meet all your beach and outdoor needs. Whether you are looking to relax and soak in the sun, spend time with your family and friends, or enjoy some outdoor activities, you can find a nice beach in Ottawa.
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