As the summer sun shines bright and the temperatures rise, nothing beats a day at the beach with your furry friend. Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches that welcome dogs with open paws. In this guide, we’ll explore the top dog-friendly beaches in Ottawa, where you and your furry companion can soak up the sun, play fetch, and take a dip in the cool waters. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and let’s head out to the beach!
1. Britannia Beach
Located on the banks of the Ottawa River, Britannia Beach is a popular destination for dog owners. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play to their heart’s content. The water is shallow and calm, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim with your furry friend. The beach also has picnic tables and washrooms for your convenience.
However, do keep in mind that during the summer months, Britannia Beach can get quite crowded, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. Also, make sure to carry a poop bag and clean up after your dog to keep the beach clean and enjoyable for everyone.
2. Petrie Island
Petrie Island is a hidden gem located on the east end of Ottawa. The beach boasts a beautiful sandy shoreline and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a day of fun and relaxation with your furry friend. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play safely. There are also picnic tables and washrooms available for your convenience.
While at Petrie Island, you and your furry friend can also explore the nearby trails and nature reserves. Keep in mind that Petrie Island can get quite busy during peak hours, so it’s best to arrive early or later in the day to avoid the crowds.
3. Westboro Beach
Westboro Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located in the heart of Ottawa. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play freely. The waters are calm and shallow, making it a perfect spot for your furry friend to take a dip and cool off.
Westboro Beach also has a playground and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for families with kids and dogs. However, do keep in mind that the beach can get quite busy during peak hours, so it’s best to arrive early or later in the day to avoid the crowds.
4. Mooney’s Bay Beach
Mooney’s Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Ottawa, located on the banks of the Rideau River. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play to their heart’s content. The waters are calm and shallow, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim with your furry friend.
Mooney’s Bay Beach also has picnic areas, washrooms, and a playground, making it an ideal spot for families with kids and dogs. However, do keep in mind that the beach can get quite busy during peak hours, so it’s best to arrive early or later in the day to avoid the crowds.
5. Constance Bay Beach
If you’re looking for a secluded and peaceful beach to spend the day with your furry friend, Constance Bay Beach is the perfect spot. The beach is located on the Ottawa River and has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play freely. The beach also has picnic areas and washrooms for your convenience.
Constance Bay Beach is known for its stunning sunsets, making it an ideal spot for an evening stroll with your furry friend. However, do keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your dog while in the water.
6. Lac Philippe Beach
Lac Philippe Beach is located in Gatineau Park, just a short drive from Ottawa. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play to their heart’s content. The beach boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect spot for a day of fun and relaxation with your furry friend.
Lac Philippe Beach also has picnic areas, washrooms, and nearby hiking trails, making it an ideal spot for families with kids and dogs. However, do keep in mind that there is an entrance fee to access Gatineau Park, and dogs must be on a leash while on the hiking trails.
7. Shirley’s Bay Beach
Shirley’s Bay Beach is located on the Ottawa River and is a lesser-known gem that welcomes dogs. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play to their heart’s content. The beach also has picnic areas and washrooms for your convenience.
Shirley’s Bay Beach is known for its calm waters and stunning views, making it an ideal spot for a day of fun and relaxation with your furry friend. However, do keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your dog while in the water.
8. Fitzroy Provincial Park Beach
Fitzroy Provincial Park Beach is located just a short drive from Ottawa and is a beautiful spot to spend the day with your furry friend. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play safely. The beach also has picnic areas, washrooms, and nearby hiking trails for your enjoyment.
Fitzroy Provincial Park Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views, making it an ideal spot for a day of fun and relaxation with your furry friend. However, do keep in mind that there is an entrance fee to access Fitzroy Provincial Park, and dogs must be on a leash while on the hiking trails.
9. Baxter Conservation Area Beach
Baxter Conservation Area Beach is located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley and is a popular destination for dog owners. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play to their heart’s content. The beach also has picnic areas and washrooms for your convenience.
Baxter Conservation Area Beach is known for its beautiful sandy shoreline and calm waters, making it a perfect spot for a day of fun and relaxation with your furry friend. However, do keep in mind that there is an entrance fee to access Baxter Conservation Area, and dogs must be on a leash while on the hiking trails.
10. Cardinal Creek Beach
Cardinal Creek Beach is located in the east end of Ottawa and is a lesser-known gem that welcomes dogs. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play safely. The beach also has picnic areas and washrooms for your convenience.
Cardinal Creek Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful shoreline, making it an ideal spot for a day of fun and relaxation with your furry friend. However, do keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your dog while in the water.
11. Morris Island Conservation Area Beach
Morris Island Conservation Area Beach is located just a short drive from Ottawa and is a perfect spot to spend the day with your furry friend. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play safely. The beach also has picnic areas and washrooms for your convenience.
Morris Island Conservation Area Beach is known for its beautiful shoreline and stunning views, making it an ideal spot for a day of fun and relaxation with your furry friend. However, do keep in mind that there is an entrance fee to access Morris Island Conservation Area, and dogs must be on a leash while on the hiking trails.
12. Petawawa Point Beach
Petawawa Point Beach is located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley and is a popular destination for dog owners. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play to their heart’s content. The beach also has picnic areas, washrooms, and nearby hiking trails for your enjoyment.
Petawawa Point Beach is known for its stunning views of the Ottawa River and beautiful shoreline, making it an ideal spot for a day of fun and relaxation with your furry friend. However, do keep in mind that there is an entrance fee to access Petawawa Point Beach, and dogs must be on a leash while on the hiking trails.
13. Kemptville Creek Conservation Area Beach
Kemptville Creek Conservation Area Beach is located just a short drive from Ottawa and is a beautiful spot to spend the day with your furry friend. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play safely. The beach also has picnic areas and washrooms for your convenience.
Kemptville Creek Conservation Area Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful shoreline, making it an ideal spot for a day of fun and relaxation with your furry friend. However, do keep in mind that there is an entrance fee to access Kemptville Creek Conservation Area, and dogs must be on a leash while on the hiking trails.
14. Champlain Park Beach
Champlain Park Beach is located in the heart of Ottawa and is a lesser-known gem that welcomes dogs. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play safely. The beach also has picnic areas and washrooms for your convenience.
Champlain Park Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the Ottawa River, making it an ideal spot for a day of fun and relaxation with your furry friend. However, do keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your dog while in the water.
15. Lac Leamy Beach
Lac Leamy Beach is located just across the river from Ottawa, in Gatineau. The beach has a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play to their heart’s content. The beach also has picnic areas, washrooms, and nearby hiking trails for your enjoyment.
Lac Leamy Beach is known for its stunning views of the Lac Leamy and beautiful shoreline, making it an ideal spot for a day of fun and relaxation with your furry friend. However, do keep in mind that there is an entrance fee to access Lac Leamy Beach, and dogs must be on a leash while on the hiking trails.
With these top dog-friendly beaches in Ottawa, you and your furry friend can have a paw-some day in the sun! Remember to always follow the local rules and regulations, keep your dog on a leash where required, and clean up after your dog to keep the beaches clean and enjoyable for everyone.