Spending a day at the beach is one of the best ways to beat the heat this summer. Ottawa and the area’s best beaches all offer something a little different. But with so many options, how do you find the one that’s best suited to what you’re looking for?
Mooney’s Bay Beach
2960 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON
If you’re planning on spending the day cooking up some BBQ, playing sports with friends, or taking the whole family along, Mooney’s Bay Beach is worth checking out. The popular, sandy beach hosts various events, such as Dragon Boat Races and volleyball, and is equipped with picnic tables, BBQ pits, and a canteen. There are also lifeguards on duty, and you can rent paddleboards and volleyball nets, making it an excellent place for safe and accessible fun in the sun.
Britannia Beach
2805 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON
Britannia Beach on the Ottawa River is a smaller spot, but it remains a popular destination for swimming and outdoor activities. You can do everything you can at Mooney’s at Britannia, including BBQ or rent paddleboards, but you’ll also have access to free parking. This beach also has lifeguards on duty, making it an optimal choice if you’re looking for a smaller, equally fun, supervised place to take your family.
Petrie Island
795 Tweddle Rd., Ottawa, ON
Petrie Island is home to two beaches to enjoy: River Beach and East Beach. The supervised area features a canteen for those who prefer not to bring their own food, but also has a picnic area for those who are always ready with packed lunches for the family. Paid parking is in effect for the summer months, but the views of the Ottawa River are well worth the two-dollar (for five hours) price tag. If you plan to spend a lot of time there this summer, you can also buy a seasonal pass.
Burnstown Beach
1537 Calabogie Rd., Renfrew, ON
A short drive from Ottawa, you’ll find Burnstown Beach along the Madawaska River. The large, sandy beach has been recently upgraded for even more fun in the sun and features a boat launch, rowing area, clear water, and a play structure for the kids. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the river. Since there are no fires or BBQs allowed, Jaydog, a farm-to-table restaurant in Arnprior, operates the Burnstown Beach canteen if you need some fuel between activities.
Robert Simpson Park Beach
400 John St. N, Arnprior, ON
At the confluence of the Ottawa and Madawaska Rivers is Robert Simpson Park. The well-maintained beach offers clean and soft sand, a playground, a splash pad, a basketball court, and more to keep the whole family entertained. It’s also supervised for added security while swimming, and when you’ve had a bit too much beach, you can take off into the nearby walking trails to enjoy the best that nature has to offer. You can have a picnic on the tables, eat at the restaurant, or attend one of their many events and concerts.
Taking advantage of the summer at one of the best beaches in Ottawa is a great way to make the most of the warm weather while it’s still around.