Summer is winding down, have you enjoyed it to the fullest? When we think about summer, we think about swimming! Here are the best places to swim in and around Ottawa this summer.

Meech Lake

If you want to get (slightly) out of town, be sure to go for a dip in Meech Lake. It’s the closest lake to the city and features two beaches (O’Brien and Blanchet) and a launch for non-motorized boats. It’s also great for hiking. There are lifeguards on duty at both beaches in summer from 10 am to 6 pm, dry toilets and change rooms. Parking is available, too.

Ottawa River

The Ottawa River offers ample excellent swimming opportunities at its glorious beaches. We love these in particular:

Petrie Island Beaches
 

Petrie Island’s beaches are operated by the City of Ottawa. They are located on the northeast corner of the island. They include North Beach or River Beach, and East Bay Beach. There is $2 public parking available here from 7am to 6 pm, 7 days a week. There is also a picnic area to enjoy that is maintained by Friends of Petrie Island that has a supervised beach, in a shaded area, with a fun play area for small children.

Britannia Beach

Located on Britannia Bay in the Ottawa River, Britannia Beach is great for swimming, volleyball (nets available for rent by the day or hour), picnics and more. You can spend the day here with ease as the beach features washrooms, change rooms and outdoor showers. There is free parking, a canteen for snacks, picnic tables and barbecue pits, play structures for kids, and fields. Lifeguards supervise swimming from 12 to 7 pm in the summer.

Mooney’s Bay

Mooney’s Bay Beach is located on the east shore of the Rideau River and is beloved by swimmers, rowers, and volleyball players. It’s supervised by lifeguards in summer from 12 to 7pm. You can rent volleyball nets by the hour or the day and stand-up paddleboards by the hour.  There are washrooms and change rooms, paid parking spots, a canteen for snacks, picnic tables and barbecue pits, tennis courts and play structures for the kids.

We hope you take some time to go for a dip at one of these fabulous Ottawa destinations this summer.

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