
Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Ottawa, Canada
1. Mooney's Bay Beach
A popular urban beach offering a sandy shore and clear waters, perfect for swimming and picnicking.
- Urban Setting: Offers an unique urban beach experience in the heart of Ottawa
- Swimming Area: Features a designated swimming area supervised by lifeguards during summer season.
- Picnic Spots: Offers numerous picnic areas for a relaxing afternoon by the water.
2. Westboro Beach
A picturesque beach with stunning views of Dow's Lake and the Rideau Canal. Popular for swimming, volleyball, and sunbathing.
- Dow's Lake View: Offers breathtaking views of Dow's Lake and the Rideau Canal.
- Volleyball Court: Features a well-maintained volleyball court for recreational play.
- Beachside Cafes: Surrounded by charming beachside cafes and restaurants.
3. Petrie Island Beach
A unique sandy peninsula offering a calm swimming area, perfect for families. Features picnic areas, bike trails and a bird sanctuary.
- Calm Swimming Area: Features a calm, shallow swimming area ideal for families with young children.
- Bird Sanctuary: Home to the Petrie Island Bird Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers.
- Bike Trails: Offers bike trails for leisurely cycling around the island.
4. Remic Rapids Park
A serene waterfront park offering a beautiful view of the Rideau River. Perfect for picnicking, bird watching, and canoeing.
- Rideau River View: Offers a stunning view of the Rideau River.
- Bird Watching: Ideal for bird watching, with a variety of bird species that can be spotted.
- Canoeing Opportunities: Allows canoe rental and easy access to the Rideau River for canoeing adventures.
5. Vanier Beach
A vibrant urban beach with a diverse community feel. Offers swimming, volleyball and beautiful sunsets.
- Diverse Community: Boasts a diverse and welcoming community.
- Sunset Views: Offers beautiful sunset views over the Ottawa River.
- Volleyball Court: Features a volleyball court for recreational play.
6. Lansdowne Park Beach
A city beach located in the Lansdowne Park, offering a sandy shore and clear waters for swimming.
- City Location: Located within Lansdowne Park, offers easy access to other city amenities.
- Swimming Area: Features a designated swimming area supervised by lifeguards during summer season.
- Festival Grounds: Surrounded by festival grounds, offering events and concerts throughout the year.
7. Mer Bleue Bog
A unique ecosystem featuring boardwalks over a marshy bog. Offers bird watching, hiking and educational programs.
- Boardwalks Over Wetlands: Features extensive boardwalks over the marshy wetlands.
- Bird Watching: Ideal for bird watching, with a variety of bird species that can be spotted.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the ecosystem and its conservation efforts.
8. Greenbelt Trails - Waterfront Pathway
A network of trails along the Ottawa River, perfect for hiking, biking and picnicking.
- Network of Trails: Part of a vast network of trails offering various length options.
- Waterfront Views: Offers stunning views of the Ottawa River and its surrounding landscape.
- Hiking & Biking: Ideal for hiking, biking or a leisurely walk along the waterfront.
9. Queen Elizabeth Driveway
A scenic driveway offering breathtaking views of the Ottawa River and the downtown skyline.
- Scenic Driveway: Provides a scenic driveway along the Ottawa River.
- Downtown Skyline Views: Offers stunning views of the downtown Ottawa skyline.
- Picnic Spots: Features numerous picnic spots along the route for a relaxing break.
10. Hog's Back Falls
A scenic waterfall on the Rideau River offering photo opportunities and picnic spots.
- Scenic Waterfall: Features a picturesque waterfall on the Rideau River.
- Photo Opportunities: Offers numerous photo opportunities of the waterfall and surrounding area.
- Picnic Spots: Features picnic spots for a relaxing break by the falls.
11. Gatineau Park Beaches
Numerous sandy beaches in Gatineau Park offering swimming, picnicking and hiking.
- Sandy Beaches: Offers numerous sandy beaches for a day at the lake.
- Hiking Trails: Surrounded by hiking trails perfect for exploring the park.
- Swimming Area: Features designated swimming areas supervised by lifeguards during summer season.
12. Meech Creek Ravine Park
A beautiful park featuring a creek and walking trails. Ideal for picnicking, hiking, and bird watching.
- Walking Trails: Features extensive walking trails through the ravine.
- Creek Side Views: Offers scenic views of Meech Creek.
- Bird Watching: Ideal for bird watching, with a variety of bird species that can be spotted.
13. Parc du Capitaine Maisonneuve
A peaceful waterfront park offering stunning views of the Ottawa River and downtown Gatineau.
- Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Ottawa River and downtown Gatineau.
- Picnic Spots: Features numerous picnic spots for a relaxing break by the waterfront.
- Walking Trails: Surrounded by walking trails, perfect for exploring the area.
14. Aylmer Marina Beach
A peaceful beach located in Aylmer, offering swimming, picnicking and scenic views of the Ottawa River.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
- Scenic Views: Features stunning views of the Ottawa River and Aylmer township.
- Beachside Cafes: Surrounded by charming beachside cafes and restaurants.
15. Pink Lake Beach
A unique pink-colored lake offering a peaceful setting for swimming and picnicking.
- Unique Pink Color: Features a unique pink color due to the high levels of dissolved minerals.
- Swimming Area: Features a designated swimming area supervised by lifeguards during summer season.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere for relaxation.