Sun and sand: Ottawa’s beaches prepare to open for summer season
Posted Jun 16, 2023 12:57:40 PM.
Last Updated Jun 16, 2023 12:58:28 PM.
Get ready to ride the summer waves as Ottawa’s beaches prepare to open for the season.
Starting Saturday, June 16, Mooney’s Bay, Britannia, and Petrie Island will be open for supervised swimming between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
However, the city will not be providing lifeguard supervision at Westboro Beach this year due to construction at the site, and as such, there will only be reduced unsupervised access to the beach.
If you’re looking to dip your toes in the water a day early, the National Capital Commission (NCC) has announced that the beaches in Gatineau Park and Leamy Lake are already open.
In Gatineau Park, lifeguards will be on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the O’Brien, Blanchet, Breton, Parent, and La Pêche Lake beaches until September 4, while lifeguards will be on duty at Leamy Lake beach daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Smith Beach is closed for the season due to the rehabilitation of the Philippe Lake campground.
The NCC also noted in their release that given staff shortages, some beaches may be unsupervised at certain times.
There is a fee to park from June 16 to September 4 at the following beach and boat launch parking lots:
- Meech Lake (P11, P12, P13)
- Philippe Lake
- La Pêche Lake
- Leamy Lake
- Parking fees at Mackenzie King Estate apply until October 22
Season parking passes for access to all beach parking lots in Gatineau Park, Leamy Lake Park, and the Mackenzie King Estate are available for purchase. Hourly parking is also available on-site.
Before diving in, residents are asked to check out the Swim Guide for water quality results.
