Your Guide to Ottawa’s Beaches

Ottawa might not be the first option as a beach destination since it’s not a coastal city and it’s famous for the cold winters. However, you’d be surprised by the large selection of beaches locals and visitors can choose from during the sunny and humid summers.

As you can imagine, Ottawa’s beaches are either located in the surrounding lakes, rivers, and the popular city canal. Some of them are suited for nature lovers, others for those who like water sports such as kayaking, or for the people who just want to cool down in the pristine freshwaters.

O’Brien Beach

Image via Flickr by benrobinsonnz

If you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then O’Brien Beach might be the perfect option. It’s located on the shores of Lake Meech, in Gatineau Park, which is just a 30-minute drive away. It’s a great place to take your kids and go for hiking on the park trails.

Petrie Island Beach

Petrie Island Beach is one of four beaches in Ottawa that people are allowed to swim in. It’s located in the east part of the city (Orleans neighborhood) and provides amazing views of Ottawa River. There are picnic tables, lifeguards, and roughly seven kilometers of trails for you to explore. It’s also the perfect spot to celebrate Canada Day and watch the fireworks.

Mooney’s Bay Beach

As Mooney’s Bay Beach is close to Carleton University, the area is the ideal spot for students to hang out between classes. It’s also the host of the HOPE festival, the largest one-day recreational volleyball event in the world. Unsurprisingly, visitors can find many volleyball courts as well as barbecue pits, and picnic tables.

Westboro Beach

If you happen to book your hotel around the hip Westboro neighborhood, you’ll be within walking distance to the beach of the same name. Apart from picnic tables, Westboro Beach also provides a patio with bands playing live and a bar serving cold drinks. Visitors can also go to the nearby Kitchissippi Lookout for a panoramic view of the Gatineau Park.

Britannia Beach

Image via flickr by Dick Penn

Britannia Beach is considered one of the prettiest beaches in Ottawa. It’s located in the west of the city in a park with the same name. Due to the surrounding tall trees, there’s a shaded area that’s ideal for picnics, and to watch locals practice windsurfing. Visitors can also head into the park to enjoy the bike paths, or eat a burger at one of the nearby kiosks.

Breton Beach

Image via flickr by Michel Rathwell

For those looking for a secluded and calm spot, Breton Beach is definitely the way to go. It’s located on the west side of Philippe Lake, in Gatineau Park. Apart from using the many picnic tables, visitors can also rent canoes or kayaks to make the most of the lake.

Ottawa might not be the same as Hawaii or the Caribbean, but it’s a lot more than snow and hot chocolates. As soon as the temperatures begin to rise, the city shows its true colors and visitors can thoroughly enjoy the summer beaches. Just don’t forget to take some sunscreen!

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