The best sandy beaches near Ottawa, Ontario

Britannia Beach

Ottawa’s most westerly public beach has been drawing families and sunseekers for over a century. In 1900, a streetcar line opened to bring weary downtown dwellers to what was then the rural village of Britannia, to enjoy waterfront amusements like a pier and a carousel.

Those early amusements are long gone, but a pleasant beach overlooking a wide stretch of the Ottawa River — technically, a lake known as Lac Deschênes —remains. The water is often dotted with sailboats from two nearby sailing clubs.

Access: The streetcar line was repurposed as part of the multi-use recreational pathway network, which makes the beach easy to reach on foot or by bike. OC Transpo also provides bus service to the park. To drive there from downtown, take Highway 417 west to the Pinecrest Road exit, then follow Pinecrest Road to the beach.

Nearby: Drop into Beachconers Microcreamery for ice cream made in small batches with herbs, fruit and other fresh ingredients, or get coffees, pastries and light meals at the Britannia Coffeehouse.

Amenities: Snack bar, picnic tables, barbecue pits (in the surrounding park), play structures, beach volleyball net and standup paddleboard rentals, washrooms (including an accessible washroom), lifeguards, free parking

Petrie Island Beach

Petrie Island in the east-end suburb of Orléans has three beaches: the North Beach looks toward the Quebec shore, the East Bay Beach looks downriver toward Cumberland and a third small beach is geared toward families with young children.

There’s lots to do at Petrie Island besides swimming. Petrie Island Marina, near the park entrance, rents canoes and kayaks. You can explore hiking trails, check out a turtle pond and a wildflower garden, or fish (in certain areas). 

The Friends of Petrie Island group organizes public activities from spring through fall, such as nature walks and children’s events, and maintains a small nature interpretation centre.

Access: The island is a 20-kilometre bike ride from downtown, primarily along the Ottawa River Pathway multi-use pathway. Alternatively, you can take an OC Transpo bus to the Trim Road park-and-ride station, which is a 20-minute walk from the beach. In summer, OC Transpo may also offer a shuttle service to the island from the Trim Road and Place d’Orléans stations. If you’re driving, take Highway 417 east and then Highway 174 to the Trim Road exit, then follow Trim Road north to the beach.

Amenities: Baja Burger Shack, picnic tables, washrooms, lifeguards, beach volleyball net rentals, paid parking

Mooney's Bay Beach

Ottawa’s only public beach on the Rideau River, Mooney’s Bay offers a large, sandy expanse that’s great for sunbathers and sandcastle builders. The beach is surrounded by a large park that hosts a number of lively summer events, including the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival (June) and the HOPE Volleyball SummerFest (July).

Young families will likely enjoy the park’s large Giver 150 Playground, an accessible, Canada-themed site that children helped design.

Access: The multi-use recreational path along the eastern side of the Rideau Canal takes you south from downtown to Mooney’s Bay, and there are several OC Transpo bus routes within a few minutes’ walk. To drive from downtown, take Bronson Avenue south to Riverside Drive, then follow Riverside Drive south to the beach.

Nearby: A 10-minute walk north brings you to photogenic Hog’s Back Falls and spacious Vincent Massey Park, bordering the Rideau River.

Amenities: Snack bar, barbecue pits (in the park), picnic tables, washrooms, lifeguards, beach volleyball net and standup paddleboard rentals, paid parking

Westboro Beach

Plan a day of fun and the sun at Westboro Beach! The beach is located west of downtown Ottawa along the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, with stunning views of the Ottawa River and looks across to Québec. 

The beach and hill are popular with locals for evening picnics, swimming, or launching a paddleboard and kayak. 

The new beach pavilion features The Grand Pizzeria restaurant and the Westboro Beach Club featuring live music, water equipment rentals, and a simple but refined café menu. Check out the new volleyball courts and improved showers and accessible washrooms. 

Access: Get there by car via the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, or on foot or by bike via the multi-use recreational pathway along the Ottawa River. In addition, OC Transpo bus stops along Churchill Avenue North, Scott Street and Richmond Road are within walking distance. 

Nearby: You’ll find many shops and eateries within a 15-minute walk of the beach in Westboro Village.

Amenities: Two restaurants, volleyball courts, accessible washrooms, lifeguards, watercraft rentals, paid parking