Who doesn’t like beaches? Ottawa is such a sandy paradise with a splash of refreshing water. It has 4 public beaches and more than 900 lakes. Ottawa beaches are adored for their beautiful settings to have picnics, sunbathe, barbecue sessions, swim, or relax. They also rent out kayaks, canoes, and more. They also offer various facilities like change rooms, lifeguards, snack bars, picnic tables, washrooms, wheelchair-friendly, and walking trails. Some playgrounds have volleyball nets and can play various games. While these beaches are quite crowded sometimes, the visit is so worth it.

So, check out the best beaches in Ottawa you must not miss!

1. Rideau Yacht Club Beach

This beach is one of the secluded beaches in the province. It is at Rideau Ferry Yacht Club’s Conservation Area in the Lower region of Lake Rideau between Smith and Perth’s Falls. This region is a 10-acre area renowned park offering a beach famous for swimming, changing rooms, barbeque & picnic areas, boat launches, and Outhouse. There is a certain fee for parking. It’s pet-friendly, so bring your pets along.

2. Mooney’s Bay Beach

This is one of the only public beaches in the city, on the Rideau River. This is situated at 2926, Riverside Drive. The Mooney’s Bay beach has a huge area for sunbathing and kids. You can also see the Hogs Back Falls, near the beach. There is also a park next to it known for its events in summer. These events include the renowned HOPE Volleyball Fest in July and much more. This park also has a theme playground known as Giver 150 Playground.

This beach offers many amenities like a picnic site, snack bar, and walking trails perfect for biking, washrooms, change rooms, supervised swimming, and much more. You can also see paddle board rentals, and volleyball net rentals at Mooney’s Bay.

The Canada Hustle team talked to Wishine Ali, CEO/Founder of Best in Ottawa, about how Ottawa’s diverse beaches enrich city life. Here is what she said:

“Ottawa, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant city life, also offers a diverse range of beach experiences that contribute to residents’ and tourists’ appreciation of the city’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

From tranquil secluded spots along the Ottawa River to bustling public areas such as Mooney’s Bay Beach, Ottawa’s beaches provide a refreshing escape from urban life and showcase the region’s stunning landscapes.

Ottawa’s diverse range of beach experiences caters to different preferences and interests, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether seeking solitude and relaxation or seeking vibrant social atmospheres, residents and tourists can choose from a variety of beach destinations to suit their needs.

Tranquil spots like Britannia Beach or Westboro Beach provide peaceful retreats for those looking to unwind and connect with nature, while popular destinations like Petrie Island Beach offer lively amenities and activities for families and groups.

The city’s beaches offer opportunities for residents and tourists to appreciate Ottawa’s natural beauty and scenic surroundings.

Nestled along the banks of the Ottawa River and other waterways, these beaches provide stunning views of the waterfront, lush greenery, and picturesque landscapes.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors, whether enjoying a stroll along the shoreline, picnicking with friends and family, or engaging in water sports and recreational activities.

Ottawa’s beaches serve as hubs for outdoor recreation and leisure activities, enhancing residents’ and tourists’ appreciation of the city’s recreational opportunities.

From swimming and sunbathing to kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball, these destinations offer a myriad of activities to enjoy in the warmer months.

Additionally, many beaches host events, festivals, and community gatherings, fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection among visitors while promoting active and healthy lifestyles.”

3. Petrie Island Beaches, Orleans

This is a combination of 3 beaches. These three beaches are West Beach, East Beach, and Centennial Beach. This is one of the preferred beaches. This is at the end of east Ottawa in Orleans. It is very crowded during the summer due to its great settings but it is a great public beach for families and kids. This place is also a fishing ground.

It is a great place to go swimming and relax. This place is also a go-to site for naturists and gets to hike across the island. There are trees on the beach that give you a more natural feel to the beach. You can rent out beach volleyball, SUP, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. There are also many picnic tables to sit at and have a bite at. There is also a parking area which has a certain fee. There are lifeguards here who supervise the beach.

4. Robert Simpson Park Beach

This is a great, maintained, and clean beach that is in Arnprior, Ottawa. This is so where the Madawaska River and Ottawa River meet. It is almost 30 minutes or so away from Ottawa. This beach is taken care of by the town, and it is heavily supervised by lifeguards. This park is dog-friendly and is loved by dog lovers and owners.

Robert Simpson Park Beach also has walking trails that go to the falls and dam on the Madawaska River. There are also gardens where you can sit and relax, making it one of the perfect beaches for a family or a weekend getaway. There are also fountains, band-shells, and much more here to experience. They also avail amenities like picnic tables, splash pad, gazebo, food stand, play structure, and washrooms.

5. Britannia Beach, Ottawa

This is one of the most popular beaches in Canada. This beach has been a core tourist attraction for more than a century. It is at 2805 Carling Ave, near Ottawa Downtown.

It overlooks a large stretch of Ottawa river or Lac Deschênes remains. In the 1900s, the beach was lined up with waterfront piers and carousels. But now all these are long gone.

Britannia Beach has picnic tables, washrooms, lifeguards, shaded sports, volleyball, and a free parking lot. There are play structures for kids and water fountains too. For ice cream lovers, there is a hidden ice cream store known as Beachconers for the best ice creams. It is simply the best Ottawa beach to come with family, date, or just by yourself for a moment of peace.

Karina Newman, Real Estate Expert at iBuyers, talked to the Canada Hustle team about the variety of experiences Ottawa beaches offer. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

“Ottawa’s variety of beaches, from peaceful hidden spots to vibrant public areas, really boosts how residents and tourists enjoy the city’s natural beauty and recreational options.

This diversity means everyone can find something they like, whether it’s a quiet place to unwind or a busy area for socializing. The beaches offer different activities throughout the year, keeping people connected to nature no matter the season.

Quiet beaches help people learn about the environment, while popular ones build a sense of community. This mix also draws in more tourists, which helps the local economy, and promotes health and well-being by encouraging outdoor fun and relaxation.

Ottawa’s beaches cater to everyone’s tastes, making the city a more appealing and enjoyable place to live and visit.”

6. Pine Point Beach

This unique Ottawa beach is a must-visit attraction along the Ottawa River and boasts over 200m of sandy shoreline. The riverbed drops over 100m by an immediate plunge into deep water. This is one unsupervised sandy beach. It is also rich in water where you can find clams and weed patches.

While this place has no specific picnic areas or supervision, they do have a majestic mixed forest, walking trails, washrooms, and a parking area. Near the Deep River Marina, you can also find a boat launch. Always keep your eyes open for Bald eagles while visiting Pine Point. The water here is very safe, as the water here is checked weekly by the Ottawa Public Health.

7. Westboro Beach

This super beach is in the city of Ottawa on Sir John A MacDonald’s path on the western shore of the Ottawa River. This beach is one of the most famous beaches in the country as it has the most amazing views. This is a perfect place to visit with your family or partners to relax and have a calm time here. The trees here give a natural touch to the beach with enough shade and greenery.

You can lie down, sunbathe, or have a drink or meal. They facilitate washrooms, change rooms, parking spots, lifeguards all the time, and a canteen. There are also hotels to stay in near the beach. One of the must-visit cafes here is the Westboro Beach Cafe where they serve the best snacks with live karaoke and music. It is one of the preferred beaches.

So, these are some of the famous and unique beaches in and around Ottawa. They are just perfect for having a calm and relaxing time for family getaways and romantic weekends. Make sure to visit the list above to plan the perfect beach day on the perfect beach.

Guest Author: Saket Kumar

Last Updated on June 2, 2024 by Saket