11 Stunning Beaches Within 2 Hours Of Ottawa That Feel Like A Tropical Vacation
Plan your next staycation. 🏖️
You don't need to fly to the Caribbean to enjoy fine sand and crystal clear water. Instead, you can enjoy a staycation at these Ottawa beaches that feel like a tropical vacation.
There are so many options right in the heart of the city, including a secret swimming hole with sandy shores.
Within a two-hour drive, there are many other bucket-list-worthy sites where you can beat the heat and splash in the refreshing waves.
Here are the beaches that you should add to your bucket list.
Petrie Island Beach
Price: Free admission (paid parking)
Address: 727 Trim Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This east-end gem has a long stretch of golden sand, a hiking trail, and plenty of space to have a picnic.
Mooney’s Bay Beach
Price: Free admission (paid parking)
Address: 2926 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Only a short walk from the impressive Prince of Wales Falls, the beach has soft sand and bright blue water.
Saint-Zotique Beach
Price: Free for residents, $12 for adults
Address: 105 81e Ave., Saint-Zotique, QC
Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like you're on vacation in Mexico at this jaw-dropping beach with thatched-roof cabanas.
Britannia Beach
Price: Free
Address: 2805 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The dreamy beach is expected to re-open this summer after months of construction to restore it and make the water levels better for swimming.
O’Brien Beach
Price: $13 per vehicle (half price after 3 p.m.)
Address: Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: After hiking in Gatineau Park, you can cool off at O'Brien Beach on Meech Lake.
The Pond
Price: Free
Address: 380a Springfield Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Many locals don't know this secret swimming hole exists. But, if you happen to live near Rockcliffe Park, you'll want to check it out.
Westboro Beach
Price: Free
Address: 745 Sir John A. MacDonald Pky., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: It's the perfect spot to relax after work and take a dip in the water.
Breton Beach
Price: $13 per vehicle (half price after 5 p.m.)
Address: Chemin du Lac-Philippe, La Peche, QC
Why You Need To Go: Did you know Philippe Lake has three beaches? The largest one is Breton Beach, which also has fantastic hiking trails nearby.
Cedars Park Beach
Price: Free
Address: 1 Rue Principale, Gatineau, QC
Why You Need To Go: If you live in Gatineau, make sure to check out the sandy beach next to the Alymer Marina. It's a swimmer's paradise.
Robert Simpson Park
Price: Free
Address: 400 John St. N., Arnprior, ON
Why You Need To Go: Only 40 minutes outside of the city, you can find a picturesque beach where you can escape the crowds.
La Peche Lake
Price: $13 per vehicle (half price after 5 p.m.)
Address: Chemin Sincennes, Pontiac, QC
Why You Need To Go: Within Gatineau Park, you can find this public beach perfect for lazy summer days.