Put on your bathing suits and head out to the beach!

Ottawa and Gatineau beaches are officially open! Download the Swim Guide app and experience the freedom of beach-hunting from your Apple or Android smartphone.

Check out the 4 main beaches in the Ottawa region, described here in order of their location, from the west to the east end of the city. Don’t forget about the other side of the river – Gatineau is also home to 4 beautiful beaches! For more detailed information about the beaches, visit ottawa.ca or download the Swim Guide app find this information beach locations as well as updates on water quality right on your phone!


Britannia Beach

plage britannia

Located near Lincoln Fields and on the Ottawa River at Britannia Bay, this beach is great for swimming, picnics or just watching the sailboats go by on a beautiful summer day. There you will find all that you need such as washrooms, change rooms and outdoor showers. There is also a canteen, picnic tables, barbecue pits, and play structures and fields. Parking is free, volleyball nets are available for rent and lifeguards are on duty daily from noon to 7pm from June 20th to August 16th.


Westboro Beach

Westboro

Where else in the city can you walk, rollerblade or bike to a beach, go for a swim, and enjoy a refreshing drink on a patio? Westboro Beach is a cozy beach and park located on NCC property at the Kitchissippi Lookout on the Ottawa River. Key amenities include a restaurant and patio with tables; washrooms and change rooms. Parking is free, volleyball nets are available for rent and lifeguards are on duty daily from noon to 7pm from June 20th to August 16th.


Mooney’s Bay

Mooney's Bay

A popular summer destination for swimmers, rowers, and volleyball enthusiasts, the beach is located on the east shore of the Rideau River just south of Carleton University. Key amenities include washrooms and change rooms; pay parking (7 am to 6 pm), canteen, picnic tables and barbecue pits. There is also tennis courts and play structures. Volleyball nets are available for rent and lifeguards are on duty daily between noon and 7 pm from June 20th to August 16th. Mooney’s Bay is the only main Ottawa beach found on the Rideau River. This beach is also the site of the annual HOPE Beach Volleyball tournament.


Petrie Island River Beaches

Petrie

Note: There are two beaches on Petrie Island sharing common facilities. There is a main beach overlooking the Ottawa River and an East Beach, which is more sheltered in a bay.

Ottawa’s newest beach offers a wonderful expanse of sand and spectacular views across the Ottawa River. Key amenities include washrooms (10:30 am – 9 pm); pay parking (7 am to 6 pm); a nature and interpretation center; a canteen and 12 picnic tables. Lifeguards are on duty daily between noon and 7 from June 20th to August 16th . Volleyball nets and peddle boats/kayaks are available to rent. The Petrie Island beaches are home to several events and activities throughout the summer, such as Volleyball tournaments.

Let’s not forget about the other side of the river. Gatineau is home to 4 beautiful beaches. Those beaches opened earlier this month. For more information, visit gatineau.ca or read about Petrie Island in our blog.


Parc Moussette

Moussette
Moussette Park is located in the Hull sector of Gatineau on the Ottawa River. There are numerous outdoor activities available, such as tennis, basketball, baseball, volleyball and swimming for all ages. Key services and facilities include toilets, changing rooms and showers; picnic tables; four tennis courts; and a playground. Lifeguards are on duty daily between 11 am and 7 pm during the summer season.


Parc des Cèdres

Parc des cèdres

Des Cèdres Park is located in the Aylmer sector of Gatineau on the Ottawa River. The park is equipped with a service cabin, changing rooms, toilets, picnic tables and a playground. There is also a snack bar and a restaurant on site. Lifeguards are on duty daily between 11 am and 7 pm during the summer season. The festival Outaouais en Fête is also at this location during the summer, check out their website for more information.


Parc du Lac-Beauchamp

Lac-Beauchamp

Lac-Beauchamp Park is located on Beauchamp Lake in the Gatineau sector. The park is equipped with an air-conditioned service cabin; changing rooms and toilets; picnic tables; vending machines; a first aid service; and canoe and paddleboat rentals. There is also assisted wheelchair accessibility, free exterior parking and public transportation nearby. Lifeguards are on duty daily between 11 am and 7 pm during the summer season.


Parc du Lac-Leamy

plage lac leamy

Leamy Lake Park is located in the Hull sector of Gatineau and is the largest urban park in Canada’s capital region. Leamy Lake is connected to two rivers, the Gatineau River and the Ottawa River. The park has two volleyball courts and a play area for children, as well as a picnic area with tables and barbecue pits. There is also a food concession stand, public washrooms, and paid parking. Lifeguards are on duty daily between 11 am and 7 pm during the summer season.


sophie swim guide coordinatorI’ll be visiting beaches in the Ottawa and Gatineau area all summer to let you know more about your Ottawa River and the Swim Guide. Be sure to stop by to also chat about what we’re up to at Ottawa Riverkeeper and how you can get involved.

See you on the beach!

Sophie Lafrance
Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Swim Guide Coordinator


Take the Swim Guide with you, wherever you go!

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Download the Swim Guide app for free to find the above information and more about beaches in your area! You can also use the swim guide to report pollution.