Summer is in full swing, and there’s no better way to enjoy the warm weather than by spending lazy days at the beach or by the water. Lucky for you, Ottawa has no shortage of beautiful sandy spots perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach games. Here are our top picks, all conveniently close to Envie and accessible by walking, biking, driving, or public transportation.
Britannia Beach
Address: 2805 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Britannia Beach is the place to be for all your beach volleyball needs! This sandy spot on the Ottawa River has courts set up all summer long. Grab some friends, bring your A-game, and get ready for some friendly competition. When you need a break from spiking, take a dip in the lifeguard-supervised swimming area.
Britannia Beach offers visitors the following:
-Free parking
-Washrooms and change rooms
-Canteen – Baja Burger Shack
-Picnic tables and BBQ pits
-Play structures
-Volleyball net rental ($63 daily, $20 hourly)
-Stand-up paddleboard rental ($24 hourly)
-Lifeguards
Petrie Island
Address: 795 Tweddle Rd, Ottawa, ON
Petrie Island is a nature lover’s paradise, with hiking trails, wildlife, and a sandy beach. It’s just a quick drive from downtown Ottawa, making it an easy escape from the city. Spend the day exploring the island or simply relax on the beach.
Petrie Island offers visitors the following:
-Paid parking from 7am-6pm with seasonal passes available (from May 18-September 2, 2024)
-Canteen – Baja Burger Shack
-Washrooms
-Picnic tables
-Play structure
-Volleyball net rental ($63 daily, $20 hourly)
-Stand-up paddleboard rental ($24 hourly)
-Kayak, canoe, pedal boat, and rowboat rental from the Petrie Island Marina
-Lifeguards
Mooney’s Bay
Address: 2926 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON
Home to the Dragon Boat Festival, Mooney’s Bay is a beautiful spot for a picnic or a game of beach volleyball. The kids will love the huge Giver 150 playground, and you can cool off in the sandy beach area. With plenty of space to spread out and relax, Mooney’s Bay is a great choice for a lazy summer day.
Mooney’s Bay offers visitors the following:
-Paid parking from 7am-6pm (from May 18-September 2, 2024) – $1.25/30 mins
-Canteen – Baja Burger Shack
-Washrooms and change rooms
-Picnic tables
-BBQ pits in the park
-Play structures
-Volleyball net rental ($63 daily, $20 hourly)
-Stand-up paddleboard rental ($24 hourly)
-Lifeguards
Westboro Beach
Address: 745 Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway, Ottawa, ON
Westboro Beach is a small and intimate location, another great option for a day of relaxation. Due to ongoing construction at the site, things are a bit different this year. The city won’t be providing lifeguard supervision, and the NCC is only offering reduced, unsupervised access to the beach. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying this scenic spot! Grab a towel, lather on the sunscreen, and work on your tan while taking in the beautiful views of the Ottawa River. You can access the open section of Westboro Beach via the Lanark underpass, with parking available at the corner of Lanark and Kirchoffer Avenue.
NCC River House
Address: 501 Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Pkwy, Ottawa, ON
This century-old heritage building has been given a fresh makeover and is now open to the public year-round. The best part? It’s got a free supervised swimming area with 25-metre lap lanes, perfect for cooling off on hot days. You can also rent kayaks and paddle boards, grab a snack at the café, or just relax on the outdoor patio with stunning river views. The NCC River House is super easy to get to – you can even take a water taxi from the Ottawa Locks! With its universal accessibility and fun amenities, it’s quickly becoming Ottawa’s hottest (or should we say coolest?) summer hangout.
NCC River House offers visitors the following:
-Free parking available at P3 (15-20 spots) with P4 is a short walk away (40 spots)
-Café & Bistro with sandwiches, salads, pizza, ice cream, cold drinks, etc.
-Patio tables
-Stand-up paddle board, kayak, and bike rentals from Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals
-Washrooms and change rooms
-Adirondack chairs on the dock
-Lifeguards
Dominion Arboretum and Dow’s Lake
Address: Address: 72 Arboretum | 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway
Summer at the Dominion Arboretum and Dow’s Lake is like nature’s playground for grown-ups and it’s just a short walk or bike ride away from Envie Little Italy! Although you can’t swim here, you can bike along the Rideau Canal pathway, have a picnic under one of the 4,000 trees at the Arboretum, or snap some pics in the Ornamental Gardens. When it gets hot, head to Dow’s Lake Pavilion and rent a kayak or paddleboard for some water fun. Pro tip: Paddle out at sunset for amazing views. Feeling creative? Bring your sketchbook or camera – the Arboretum’s perfect for that. Whether you’re after a chill hangout or a unique date spot, this duo’s got you covered.
Dominion Arboretum and Dow’s Lake offers visitors the following:
-Limited free parking at Arboretum (15 spots); street parking or paid parking available on Champagne Ave./Carling
-Stand-up paddleboard, kayak, canoe, and paddleboat rentals at Dow’s Lake
-Restaurants including Mexicali Rosa’s and Umbrella Bar
-Picnic tables
-Washrooms
-Bike paths
Secret Pond in Rockcliffe Park
Looking for a secret spot to beat the summer heat? Check out “The Pond” in Rockcliffe Park, one of Ottawa’s best-kept secrets. This hidden gem is tucked away behind some swanky mansions, offering a slice of paradise right in the city. The crystal-clear water is perfect for a refreshing dip, but heads up – there are some rules. Swimming is only allowed from 7 AM to 2 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. While it’s a public spot, it feels like a private oasis, making it ideal for a chill hangout or a unique date. To find it, head to the Caldwell-Carver Conservation Area entrance off Hillsdale Road. Just remember to keep it low-key and respect the area to keep this urban oasis open for everyone. Trust us, it’s worth seeking out for a taste of secluded bliss in the heart of Ottawa!
So there you have it! Ottawa’s best beaches for lazy summer days. Whether you prefer a quiet spot to relax or a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities, there’s a beach in the city perfect for you. Get out there and soak up the sun, but don’t forget to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Happy summer!