Ottawa is the stunning capital of Canada. While Ottawa might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover the city’s hidden gems. Whether you’re a local looking for a new spot to soak up in the sun or a visitor seeking a unique beach experience, we’ve got you covered. In this travel blog, we’ll explore the 11 best beaches in Ottawa for a perfect day trip. 

Mooney’s Bay Beach  

If you’ve got kids, you should definitely visit Mooney’s Bay Beach. It features an interesting Canada-themed playground that your little ones will surely enjoy.

It is one of the most popular summer destinations in Ottawa and hence often remains crowded with people. 

Mooney’ Beach hosts various Ottawa festivals and events like H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest, Dragon Boat Race Festival, and many more fun activities for you to enjoy.  

Location: 2926, Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Brittania Beach 

Situated in the west of Ottawa, Brittania Beach is more of a low-key destination with no restaurants and cafes around. 

Nonetheless, it is the perfect spot for swimming and relaxing on the sand while enjoying the beautiful beach views. 

While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the Beach Corners, to enjoy some delicious ice cream flavors after a sunny day at the beach.

Location: 2805 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Petrie Island Beach 

Petrie Island Beach is a true local favorite. The island has three different beaches – East Beach, West Beach & Centennial Beach, with each offering something special to the visitors. 

However, if you want to get into the busy crowd, East Beach is your best option. 

Here, you can also relax under the shady trees, swim, or even rent a paddle board, canoe rentals, and kayak to enjoy some fun water activities. 

Meanwhile, make sure to pack your lunch as you’ll surely need some extra dose of energy to enjoy your time to the fullest. 

Location: 272 Trim Road, Orleans, Ottawa, ON, Canada

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Westboro Beach 

Situated on the west shore of the Ottawa River, Westboro Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful time with your family. 

It has got various beautiful on-site cafes offering meals & drinks along with live music to keep you entertained. 

Westboro Beach is accessible year-round and is among the best beaches in Ottawa. 

Location: 745, Ottawa River Parkway, Canada

Meech Lake/O’Brien Beach (Best beache in Ottawa)

Situated just a 15-minute drive away from downtown Ottawa, Meech Lake is known for its crystal-clear water and white sand.

It makes a great spot for hiking, picnicking, and kayaking with lifeguards always on duty to ensure utmost safety. 

O’Brien is the most famous beach in the area and gets all bustling with people during the hot summer days. 

Location: Chelsea, QC, Canada

Leamy Lake Beach 

If you want to enjoy a good time outdoors, but don’t want to travel far from the city, then Leamy Lake Beach is your place to be. 

The beach is situated amidst the hills, just a short drive away from the main city. 

Here you can engage in a whole lot of water activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, and more.

And if you’re not a fan of getting covered in all sand, you can secure your place in the grassy areas with natural shade beyond the beach. 

Location: Fournier Blvd, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

Lac Phillippe

Situated in the heart of the Saint-Francois-de Sales National Park, Lac Phillippe is a beautiful lake featuring boat rentals, picnic spots, and a wonderful swimming beach.

The location also offers thrilling biking, hiking, and skiing trails to enjoy through. 

Location: Les Collines-de-L’Outaouais Regional County Municipality, QC J0X 3G0, Canada

Constance Bay Beach 

Constance Bay is the only horse-friendly beach in Ottawa. So if you want to enjoy a ride with a fantastic sea view, hop on. 

Besides, you can enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and sailing. Meanwhile, be careful of the mussels in the seawater as they can hurt your toes and may even leave you injured. 

Although the beach doesn’t cover much of an area, it’s evident that you’d get to enjoy a good time here. And the best part? The parking is absolutely free!

Location: Lane St, Ottawa, ON K0A 3M0, Canada

The Pond 

The Pond may not have the most exciting name, but this hidden gem is perfect for anyone looking to avoid crowded beaches. 

Located in the industrial area near the airport, the Pond offers a serene swimming experience with clean and clear water.

Just make sure to be a little cautious as there are no lifeguards available on duty. 

Location: Pond St., Rockcliffe Park

Morrison’s Quarry 

Did you know there’s a blue oasis near Ottawa? Morrison’s Quarry, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, is a beautiful beach for swimming and scuba diving.

The beautiful turquoise waters and sandy beach area are perfect for relaxation. 

The site also features picnic tables, BBQ pits, and even a waterslide, providing fun for all ages. 

Location: 1780 Quebec Rte 105, Chelsea

Fitzroy Provincial Park Beach  

Situated just an hour away from the capital, Fitzroy Provincial Park is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a peaceful escape into nature. 

The park features two beaches each carrying its own unique charm. 

The main beach features washrooms, picnic tables, barbecues, and canoe/kayak rentals, while the camper’s beach located in Two Rivers Campground is perfect for families with small kids. 

While you’re here, don’t forget to take a short hike through the century-old white pine forest and explore the meandering Carp River by paddle.

Location: 5201 Canon Smith Dr, Fitzroy Harbour, ON K0A 1X0, Canada

Burnstown Beach 

Situated along the Madawaska River, Burnstown Beach features a large sandy swimming area, a boat launch, and even a rowing area for those seeking adventure. 

On land, you’ll find a play structure, picnic tables, a seasonal snack bar, change rooms, washrooms, and a shaded grassy area. 

While at it, make sure not to miss out on Burnstown’s renowned artist galleries, shops, and eateries, all housed in heritage buildings, within walking distance from the beach. 

Location: 1537 Calabogie Rd, Renfrew, ON K7V 3Z4, Canada

Direction Burnstown Beach 

Petawawa Point Beach 

At the junction of the Petawawa and Ottawa rivers lies the town of Petawawa’s premiere waterfront park – Petawawa Point. 

Here, you’ll find amazing vistas, a sandy beach, a boat launch, a snack bar & canoe/kayak rentals. 

The beach might be unsupervised but rest assured, it’s well maintained and monitored regularly by the municipal staff. 

Beyond the beach, Petawawa Point stretches as a series of islands across the Ottawa River into Quebec that’s worth exploring. 

Location: Petawawa Point, Petawawa, ON K8H 3M4, Canada

Bon Echo Provincial Park Beaches 

Just a 2-hour drive from Ottawa lies the Bon Echo Provincial Park, where Mazinaw rock stands tall as a testament to indigenous heritage. 

This 1.5-km-long sheer rock face rises 100 meters from Mazinaw Lake and features over 260 indigenous pictographs – the largest visible collection in Canada. 

White at Bon Echo, take an interpretive boat tour to get up close to the cliffs or climb to the lookout atop the rock. 

Bon Echo’s main beach on Lower Mazinaw lake is a popular spot with a spacious sandy beach, a buoyed swimming area (note that there are no lifeguards), and shaded picnic spots. 

North and south beaches offer quieter alternatives for campers and day-trippers. 

Location: 16151 Hwy 41, Cloyne, ON K0H 1K0, Canada

Pine Point Beach

Nestled along the tranquil Ottawa River in the charming town of Deep River, Pine Point Beach is a true hidden treasure. 

With over 200 meters of golden, sandy shoreline, it’s a beachcomber’s paradise. The beach also offers amenities like washrooms and convenient parking. 

Surrounding the beach, you’ll find a magnificent mixed forest with winding walking trails, perfect for an afternoon stroll. 

Location: Pine Point Rd, Deep River, ON, Canada

Conclusion

Ottawa might not be the Carribean, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day or more at the beach. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, water, snacks, and lunch. If you’re planning on swimming, don’t forget your swimsuit, towel and goggles. And if you have little ones, bring them along with some sand toys for added fun. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is the water clean at Ottawa beaches?

A. Yes, the water at Ottawa beaches is clean for swimming.

Q. What are some of the best beaches around Ottawa?

A. Iroquois Beach, Almonte Beach, Foy’s Beach, Murphy’s Point Provincial Park Beach, and Robert Simpson Park are some of the best beaches around Ottawa.

Q. Do I need to know French to explore Ottawa?
A. No. English is the primary language of Ottawa and until and unless you’re well-versed with English, you don’t need any other language to explore Ottawa.

Q. What is the temperature of water in Ottawa?

A. The temperature varies depending on the time of the year and the location of the beach you visit. The ideal temperature for swimming in Ottawa is during the months of July and August. 

I hope you found the article about the “Top 15 Best Beaches in Ottawa” to be enjoyable.

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