The Ultimate Beach List for Ottawa: Where to Splash, Swim, and Sunbathe
Ottawa may not be known as a beach destination, but locals know that some hidden gems in this city are worth exploring.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing day by the water, a fun-filled adventure with your family, or a romantic beach picnic with your partner, there is a beach in Ottawa for you. In this article, I will share some of my recommendations as a frequent beach-goer.
Westboro Beach

Location: 745 Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, Ottawa
Activities: Swimming, Sunbathing, Biking, Dining, Live Music
Westboro Beach offers a stunning view of the Ottawa River and its surrounding environment. While enjoying the beauty of nature, you can stay at the cafe by the beach, which serves delicious food and drinks and hosts live music performances.
Aside from enjoying the water, you can also go for a bike ride and soak in the scenic view. The beach has a bike path that connects to the Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway, a major bike pathway that runs along the Ottawa River.
Britannia Beach
Location: 2805 Carling Ave, Ottawa
Activities: Swimming, Sunbathing, Picnicking, Volleyball
Britannia Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Ottawa with plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy!
The beach has BBQ pits and picnic tables that you can use to grill your own food for a sumptuous lunch by the beach. There are also washrooms and free water fountains available.
If you want to get some tan while you exercise, there’s a volleyball net you can use to play a good game with friends. You can also grab a meal at the restaurants nearby, or try the famous ice cream shop named Beachconers.
Petrie Island Beaches
Location: 795 Trim Rd, Orléans, Ontario
Activities: Swimming, Sunbathing, Picnicking, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding
Petrie Island has three bays you can choose from, each with different attractions. East Beach is the widest bay with the least crowd, while West Beach has a long and attracts the largest crowd.
The smallest bay is called Centennial Beach, which is tucked away in the corner of the island. It has low foot traffic, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the beach away from the crowd.
Petrie Island has great amenities including washrooms, picnic tables, snack bars, and ample parking spaces.
Lemay Lake Park

Location: Fournier Blvd, Gatineau, Quebec
Activities: Swimming, Sunbathing, Volleyball or other games, Playground, Park
Leamy Lake Park in Gatineau is only 14 minutes away from Ottawa. It has a playground, making it a great option if you are taking children on the trip.
Not only that, but this beach has a lot to offer to the rest of the members of the family. It has two volleyball courts, an area for picnics, and a number of concession stands that serve a variety of foods and drinks.
Another attraction is the park nearby, which is home to walking trails, a golf course, and a skate park.
Mille Roches Beach

Location: 15805 Long Sault, Ontario
Activities: Swimming, Sunbathing, Canoeing, Camping
Mille Roches Beach is a beautiful beach located in Ontario, about one hour and 15 minutes away from Ottawa. It is the largest sand beach on the St. Lawrence corridor in the Ontario Parks system.
Despite its distance, I am including this beach on the list because of the soft sand on its shore and the calm water that is perfect for swimming.
Those who love outdoor adventures may also enjoy hiking, camping, and canoeing here.
La Pêche Lake

Location: Chemin du Lac Philippe, La Pêche, Québec
Activities: Swimming, Canoeing, Camping
Le Pêche Lake is the largest lake in Gatineau Park and is about one hour away from Ottawa. The safety of the beach is ensured by lifeguards who are on duty from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the water is tested for bacteria every two weeks.
The great thing about this beach is its facilities, which include washrooms, accessible toilets, parking, and boat launchers. The only thing that our family found discouraging was that we could not bring our pet dog.
Other activities you can enjoy are camping, hiking, and seeing a variety of wildlife such as deer, moose, and beaver. But if you’re more into water adventures, you can go canoeing with your friends or family.
Parc du-Lac Beauchamp

Location: 741 Boulevard Maloney Est, Gatineau, Quebec
Activities: Swimming, Sunbathing, Hiking, Biking, Mini-golf, Skateboarding
The sandy beach of Parc du-Lac Beauchamp is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.
I love bringing my family here because of its facilities, which include nice showers, comfy changing rooms, and the lifeguards who are looking out for visitors. Around the area, there are playgrounds, a skate park, and a mini-golf course.
Nearby, there are also hiking areas for all levels of hikers. There are trails for more experienced visitors and easy paths for those who just want to take a leisurely stroll surrounded by nature.
Constance Bay Beach
Location: Lane St
Activities: Swimming, Sunbathing, Relaxing, Snacking
Constance Bay Beach is a long stretch of sandy shore located on the Ottawa River, about 45 minutes from Ottawa. This beach is a popular destination for families because of its shallow and calm swimming area.
People who visit this beach usually spread a towel to sit on and just bathe under the sun or have a picnic. You can enjoy plenty of picnic spots and barbecue facilities at this beach, or you can buy from a variety of food vendors.
Lac Philippe Beach
Location: Chemin du Lac Philippe, La Pêche, Québec
Activities: Swimming, Sunbathing, Boating, Camping
Lac Philippe Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Ottawa. It is a great place to spend a day with family and friends enjoying many activities such as swimming, boating, and camping.
This beach is safe for swimming, with lifeguards making sure that the guests feel secure. The water is well-maintained and is always tested for bacteria.
One of the best things about beaches in Ottawa is that they are located in parks that offer other activities. You can make the most out of the trip by hiking and camping in Lac Philippe.
There are many beaches in Ottawa to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a beach where the whole family can enjoy or a place where you can have outdoor adventures with your friends, you are sure to find one.
Start planning your next beach day in Ottawa today!