Royal Winnipeg Ballet - Nutcacker - National Arts Centre, December 4-7, 2008

Swimming Guide

Ottawa has four major public beaches that are open in the summer: Mooney's Bay, Britannia Beach, Westboro Beach, and Petrie Island. Add to that more than 50 wading pools and 9 outdoor public pools -- and there are plenty of ways to keep cool. When winter arrives, you can head inside to one of the 18 public swimming complexes. (And that's not even counting all of the facilities on the Gatineau side!)
See also: Kids Guide, Sports & Recreation Guide, Weather Guide, Boating Guide

We appreciate your suggestions for other pools and swimming links to include on this page. Click here to contact us...

Indoor swimming pools

City of Ottawa pools - Ottawa has 18 public pools, ranging from smaller facilities like the Plant Pool, to larger complexes like the Nepean Sportsplex.
Kanata Wave Pool (Kanata Leisure Centre)
Splash (Gloucester Wave Pool)
YMCA pools (Carlingwood & Metro/downtown)
Soloway JCC
Carleton Univeristy pool
In Gatineau, there are three main indoor pool complexes: Centre aquatique Paul-Pelletier in Aylmer, Centre aquatique Lucien-Houle in Buckingham, and École polyvalente Le Carrefour in Gatineau. For pool schedules and information, click here.

Swimming Lessons

Ottawa Beaches

Ottawa has four major beaches with lifeguards, washrooms, and other amenities. Beaches are open from late June to late August each year, with lifeguards on duty from noon until 7:00pm.
Britannia Beach (2085 Carling)
On the Ottawa river at Britannia Bay.
Mooney's Bay (2926 Riverside)
On the east shore of the Rideau River just south of Hogs Back.
Petrie Island (727 Trim Road)
On the Ottawa River in the east end.
Westboro Beach (745 Ottawa River Parkway)
Located at the Kitchissippi look-out on the Ottawa River.
Check before you go: Each day in the summer, health officials sample beach water to test for E.coli bacteria. When the bacteria count is too high, the beaches are closed. You can check the latest beach conditions by clicking here.

City of Gatineau Beaches

There are three public beaches maintained by the City of Gatineau. They're open from June until August each year.
Parc des Cèdres (Rue Raoul-Roy and Ottawa River)
Parc du Lac-Beauchamp (745, boul. Maloney Est)
Parc Mousette (361, boul. de Lucerne)
You can check out the water safety rating at each of the Gatineau beaches by clicking here.

Gatineau Park Beaches

The beaches in Gatineau park are some of the nicest (and quietest) in the region, including
For a complete listing of Gatineau Park beaches, including water safety conditions and maps, click here.

Wading Pools & Outdoor Pools

Ottawa has over 50 public wading pools, open free for kids during the summer from the end of June to the end of August. For a complete listing of wading pools, click here.
There are also 9 public outdoor pools open in the summer. For a complete list, click here.
Ottawa also maintains numerous splash pads (outdoor water parks) for kids all summer long. For a complete list, click here.
RA Centre Outdoor Pool
In Gatineau, there are at least seven public outdoor pools. For a complete list, click here. Access to the city's outdoor pools is free.
Gatineau also has several outdoor wading pools and water parks.

Five great places to take a dip

On July 5, 2008, the Ottawa Citizen published their picks for the top 5 water places in Ottawa. (Click here for the original article)

Lansdowne Wading Pool (Queen Elizabeth Driveway near Fifth Avenue). " Hidden but easily accessible, this wading pool is surrounded by shade, swings and sand. Known to Glebites as "the pool park," its off-the-beaten-path locale keeps away the crowds and evergreen trees filter Driveway fumes."
Brown Lake (Gatineau Park). "Cool, clean water trimmed with rock and surrounded by thick bush, Brown Lake makes an ideal afternoon getaway for nature lovers... Hiking boots or running shoes are suggested for the 20-minute walk in..."
Plant Bath (Somerset at Preston). "This 1920s-era building, beautifully renovated in 2004, offers a little bit of everything -- including a central location. A great gathering spot for neighbourhood kids, seniors and expectant mothers."
Britannia Beach (Pincrest at Carling). "Big and beautiful, there's room to play, horizons to ponder and plenty of people to watch at this breezy beach park, which seems to epitomize summer."
Meech Lake (Gatineau Park). "A mecca for beach frolickers, sun-bathers and long-distance swimmers alike, Meech Lake makes a great go-to place for groups with various interests. Rumour has it there's even an enclave for 'naturists.'"