The Best Places For Swimming in Ottawa

There’s nothing better than cooling off with a swim on a hot summer day! It’s one of my favourite summer activities. We’re lucky to have lots of great spots for swimming in Ottawa and beyond. Use this as your Ottawa swimming guide this summer when you’re looking for somewhere to go. Make sure to always swim with a buddy and practice water safety and exercise caution at all locations 🙂 

You might also be interested in this kayak, canoe and SUP guide.

Ottawa River

City of Ottawa beaches have multiple amenities and some of them are wheel-chairs accessible. You’ll find these beaches across Ottawa along the Ottawa River. There is a lifeguard on duty every day from noon to 7 pm until August 29th. The beach water is tested daily for quality. You can check here to see if there is a no swim advisory at each beach before you go. These beaches wouldn’t be my first recommendation but a good option if you need something nearby.

Petrie Island Beach 

• Enjoy Ottawa swimming at the east end in Orleans. Interested in renting a kayak, canoe or paddle board? You can rent from Oziles Marina.
• Where: 727 Trim Road
• *Accessible wheel-chairs available to rent at no cost. For availability call 613-824-5704 or email beaches@ottawa.ca. There is no lift on site so must have an attendant to help

Britannia Beach 

• Enjoy Ottawa swimming at Britannia Beach on the west end.
• Where: 2805 Carling Avenue 
• *Accessible wheelchairs available to rent at no cost. For availability call 613-820-1211 or email beaches@ottawa.ca. There is no lift on site so must have an attendant to help

Mooney’s Bay

• Enjoy Ottawa swimming in south Ottawa.
• Where: 2926 Riverside Drive
• *Accessible wheel-chairs available to rent at no cost. For availability call 613-248-0863 or email beaches@ottawa.ca. There is no lift on site so must have an attendant to help

Westboro Beach (Closed for 2022)

• Enjoy Ottawa swimming in Westboro.
• Where: 745 Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway 
• Rentals: stand-up paddleboards $21/hour and volleyball nets ($17/hour or $55/day) until August 25th 

Gatineau Park

Go for a dip with the beautiful backdrop of Gatineau Park. There are 4 lakes and multiple beaches where you can spend a day on the water. You can swim daily from 10am-6pm when lifeguards are on duty. These beaches fill up quick so I recommend going early for a hike and then cooling off at the lake. Even better if you can head here on a weekday. 

Parking is available for the beaches but fees may apply. Check here for details. Each beach also has its own facilities including washrooms. You can check water quality for all lakes in Gatineau Park here. 

Meech Lake

If you’re looking for a nice place to swim close to the city, head to Meech Lake. It offers two beaches, O’Brien Beach and Blanchet Beach. It’s also a launch for non-motorized boats and a great starting point for a hike. Go for a hike then cool off in the lake. 

Interested in renting a paddle board? Check out this post for details.

Philippe Lake

Philippe Lake is a great spot to experience the beauty of Gatineau Park. Enjoy a day here at Breton Beach, Parent Beach (launch your non-motorized boat here), or Smith Beach (for campers only).  There is a lifeguard here daily from 10am-6pm.

After your swim, hike along the lake to get to Lusk Cave. Water levels can be as high as a metre or more. If you’re interested in camping there are plenty of sites around Philippe Lake. 

La Pêche Lake

La Pêche Lake is the largest lake in Gatineau Park. Interested in canoe-camping? There are 33 sites at La Pêche Lake. There is a lifeguard daily from 10am-6pm.

Leamy Lake 

Leamy Lake Park is also found in Gatineau Park. There is a lifeguard on duty daily from 10-6 pm until September 7th. Here you’ll also find two volleyball courts, a playground for children, a picnic area and barbecue pits.

Wakefield 

Covered Bridge (Banned)

Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to swim under the bridge anymore and can face an expensive fine.

Morrison’s Quarry

This spot has been on my swimming in Ottawa bucket list for so long. I’m hoping to get there this summer. It’s just a 30-minute drive from downtown Ottawa. Swim through the clearest blue water while you watch people bungee jump with the Great Canadian Bungee or see people learning to Scuba Dive. Learn more about Morrison’s Quarry/Scuba Diving here. You can also enjoy a bbq and picnic tables here. 

Outskirts of Ottawa

If you’re looking for swimming in Ottawa, these spots aren’t too far away. Sometimes the drive is nice and it’s not as busy if you head out of the city. Here is where to go: 

Constance Bay

Constance Bay is one of my favourite spots to go swimming for the day. Since I grew up in nearby Carp, it was quick to get to. You can bring your pup too. Dana and Taya love swimming here. Type The Point Restaurant (346 Bayview Dr) into your GPS to get there. Make sure to be respectful of the signs on the beach for which areas to go. Check out my guide for things to do in Carp before or after your visit. 

Blakeney Rapids

You’ll find this gem 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa. At the top of the rapids, there’s a calm stream of water you can enjoy. I recommend bringing water shoes for this location. There’s also a beautiful loop full of views of the rapids. Afterward, make sure to explore the charming town of Almonte with my guide of restaurants, sights, and more.

Fitzroy Provincial Park

There are two beaches in Fitzroy Provincial Park. The main beach is for day-use and the second beach is for campers. This is also a great spot to bring a canoe or kayak or rent one. 

Burnstown Beach

Burnstown Beach is just over an hour outside of Ottawa in Calabogie (1537 Calabogie Road). You’ll find it on the Madawaska River. There is a boat launch and also rentals for paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. 

Robert Simpson Park

Robert Simpson Park in Arnprior is located where the Ottawa River and the Madawaska River meet.  There are lifeguards daily from 12pm-6pm. You’ll also find a playground, splash pad and more. Walk on one of the trails that follow the Madawaska River before you leave.

Outaouais

Parc des Cèdres

You’ll find Parc des Cèdres in Aylmer. You can visit from 11am-7pm on weekdays and starting at 10 am on weekends until September 2nd. Find out its amenities and check water level here. 

Parc de Lac Simon

You’ll find this spot just over an hour from downtown Ottawa. Head here to swim for the day or for a vacation close by. It’s set between forest and water, where you can enjoy a 2km beach. You’ll find campsites, cottages and more if you are interested in staying longer. Find all the details here. 

Norway Bay

You’ll find Norway Bay in Bristol, Quebec along the Ottawa River. I went here many times as a kid. I remember there being a lot of cottages surrounding so it’s also a great spot for a quick getaway. You can find more information here.

Carpe Diem Aventures

You’ll find this camping/glamping spot in Gracefield, Quebec. I recommend getting a day pass and you can enjoy the clear blue water or rent a SUP, kayak or paddle board and go even further. There’s also the option to extend your trip and stay overnight.

Swimming Spots Near Ottawa

Ontario Parks Near Ottawa

Ontario Parks have some incredible beaches and some of the best rates on SUP, kayak and canoe rentals. Check out my guide to Ontario Parks Near Ottawa.

1000 Islands

Drive an hour and a half and you’ll reach this water playground that’s perfect for a day in the water. If you’re looking for clear water and multiple locations to go swimming, you need to visit 1000 Islands. Check out my full guide to 1000 Islands here with all the info and day trip or road trip options.

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