Best Summer Beach Destinations in Ottawa, Canada
1. Mooney's Bay Beach
A urban beach located on the Rideau River, offering a unique blend of city and nature.
- Urban Atmosphere: Close proximity to downtown Ottawa.
- River Swimming: Safe, freshwater swimming in the Rideau River.
- Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals: Opportunities for outdoor water activities.
2. Petrie Island Beach
A sandy beach on the Ottawa River with stunning views of the city skyline.
- City Skyline Views: Beautiful sunsets and picturesque vistas.
- BBQ Facilities: Equipped with picnic areas and BBQ stations for outdoor cooking.
- Watersports Rentals: Offers kayak, paddleboat, and canoe rentals.
3. Westboro Beach
A popular beach located in the trendy Westboro neighbourhood with a sandy shore and excellent swimming.
- Trendy Westboro Neighbourhood: Access to local shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- Large Swimming Area: Spacious beach area for swimming and lounging.
- Beach Volleyball Courts: Outdoor beach volleyball facilities available.
4. Carleton Beach
A peaceful and secluded beach located on the Ottawa River with a beautiful view of the Carleton University campus.
- Secluded Environment: Quieter atmosphere compared to other beaches.
- Nearby Campus Amenities: Access to nearby campus facilities and services.
- Kite Surfing: Ideal for wind sports enthusiasts, such as kite surfing.
5. Lebreton Flats Beach
An urban beach located on the Rideau Canal with easy access to attractions like the Canadian War Museum.
- Central Location: Conveniently situated near downtown Ottawa.
- Rideau Canal Swimming: Safe, freshwater swimming in the Rideau Canal.
- Cultural Attractions: Proximity to museums and other cultural landmarks.
6. Greystone Beach
A scenic beach on the Ottawa River with a picturesque view of Parliament Hill.
- Iconic Parliament Hill Views: Beautiful backdrop for photos.
- Close Proximity to Downtown: Easy access to downtown attractions and amenities.
- Waterfront Restaurants: Surrounded by restaurants and cafes along the waterfront.
7. West Nepean Beach
A quieter beach on the Rideau River in the West End of Ottawa with ample space for outdoor activities.
- Quiet Environment: Less crowded compared to other beaches.
- Plenty of Green Space: Ample room for picnics, games, and other outdoor activities.
- Fishing Docks: Equipped with fishing docks for anglers.
8. Rockcliffe Beach
A family-friendly beach located on the Ottawa River offering stunning views of the downtown skyline.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Ideal for families with young children.
- Boat Launch Facilities: Access to boat launch facilities for kayaks and canoes.
- Beachside Picnic Areas: Designated picnic areas along the beach.
9. Moose Creek Beach
A serene beach located on the Rideau River with a sandy shore and picturesque views.
- Secluded Environment: Quieter atmosphere compared to other beaches.
- Picnic Areas with Tables: Equipped with picnic tables for outdoor meals.
- Close Proximity to Greenbelt Trails: Adjacent to Greenbelt hiking and biking trails.
10. Hog's Back Falls Beach
A scenic beach located at the base of the Hogs Back Falls on the Rideau River.
- Scenic Waterfall Views: Gorgeous views of Hogs Back Falls.
- Rock Climbing Wall: Adjacent to a rock climbing wall for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Swimming and Wading Pool: Safe swimming area and wading pool for young children.
11. Portage Island Beach
A peaceful beach on the Ottawa River with a sandy shore and picturesque views of the city skyline.
- Quiet Environment: Less crowded compared to other beaches.
- Picnic Areas with Tables: Equipped with picnic tables for outdoor meals.
- Accessible by Ferry: Reachable by a short ferry ride from the mainland.
12. St. Laurent Blvd Beach
A sandy beach on the Rideau River with easy access to restaurants and shops along St. Laurent Boulevard.
- Trendy St. Laurent Boulevard: Close proximity to local shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- River Swimming: Safe, freshwater swimming in the Rideau River.
- Beach Volleyball Courts: Outdoor beach volleyball facilities available.
13. Britannia Beach
A spacious and popular sandy beach on the Ottawa River with a variety of amenities and activities.
- Popular Destination: One of the most frequented beaches in Ottawa.
- Beachside Cafes and Restaurants: Surrounded by beachfront cafes and restaurants.
- Watersports Rentals: Offers kayak, paddleboat, and canoe rentals.
14. Carleton University Beach
A secluded beach located on the Ottawa River with a beautiful view of the Carleton University campus.
- Secluded Environment: Quieter atmosphere compared to other beaches.
- Nearby Campus Amenities: Access to nearby campus facilities and services.
- Kite Surfing: Ideal for wind sports enthusiasts, such as kite surfing.
15. Colonel By Beach
A sandy beach on the Rideau River with a scenic view of the Colonel By Drive Bridge.
- Scenic Views: Gorgeous views of the Colonel By Drive Bridge and surrounding area.
- Urban Atmosphere: Close proximity to downtown Ottawa.
- Beach Volleyball Courts: Outdoor beach volleyball facilities available.