Picnics with prosecco? These are the Ottawa parks people can drink in
Posted Jun 2, 2026 03:18:37 PM.
Last Updated Jun 2, 2026 03:22:17 PM.
The City of Ottawa is continuing a pilot project that allows people to drink booze in some parks throughout the summer.
Following a decision by council in 2025, the city released a list of the parks where people can drink alcohol between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. This year’s list is slightly different, offering a wide range of data to be collected.
People are allowed to drink in parks from June 1 until Oct. 31.
The current designated parks for 2026 include:
- Minto Park, 102 Lewis St.
- McNabb Park, 180 Percy St.
- Queenswood Ridge Park, 346 Kennedy Ln. E.
- Brewer Park, 100 Brewer Way
- Heirloom Orchard, Lansdowne Park, 450 Queen Elizabeth Dr.
- Primrose Park, 179 Primrose Ave.
- Champlain Park, 140 Carleton Ave.
- Strathcona Park, 25 Range Rd.
- Riverain Park, 400 North River Rd.
Signs will be posted in the areas where people can crack open a cold one. There are several places in the park where drinking is not allowed, such as playgrounds, wading pools and splash pads, beaches, fields and ball diamonds, courts, skateboard parks and parking lots.
“Please take your empty alcoholic beverage containers home with you. Remember, alcohol bottles and cans can be returned for deposit refunds at any Beer Store retailer,” the city notes.
People can drink almost anywhere in provincial parks
Earlier this year, the Doug Ford government passed an amendment allowing people to drink almost anywhere in Ontario’s Provincial Parks. Previously, alcohol was restricted to campsites only.
“It’s 2026, and we’re not here to treat our fellow citizens like children,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, who bills the change as one “intended to improve the overall park experience, support local tourism, while continuing to prioritize safety.”
Some areas of provincial parks will remain off limits to alcohol, including near playgrounds and sports areas. Parks will post clear signage to identify areas that will remain alcohol-free.
This is just the latest move by the Ford government to modernize alcohol rules. Previously, it announced that it would allow “bring-your-own” alcoholic beverages at outdoor public events.
