This Way to the Beach

Ah, the beach, our summertime reminder that kids are happiest with simple play of their own design.

Ottawa beaches have been under fire lately, and with just cause. That accidental sewage dump back in 2006 is currently under investigation, so it’s no surprise that “beach confidence” is at an all time low. When high levels of E. coli are detected, other disease-causing organisms are likely to be present, and an innocent little swim can actually cause gastrointestinal disease, skin rashes, throat and ear infections.

Yuck.

That’s why we’re glad to know that Ottawa Public Health tests the water for E. coli bacteria on a daily basis. An official no-swimming advisory is issued if bacteria levels are over 200 E. coli per 100 millimetres of water or if they are over 100 E. coli per 100 ml of water tested on two or more consecutive days.

Swimming advisories are updated late in the morning, so the City recommends beachgoers call the Beach Information Line at (613) 580-6744, ext. 13219 to receive the most up-to-date reports. (Website updates sometimes take a little longer.) But even if you forget, the City uses a red flag/green flag system and one of them will always be prominently displayed at every city beach. Look for these when you arrive.

Ottawa families often head out to Meech or Lac Phillipe for the day, but truth be told, both tend to be very busy in the heat of the summer and we don’t always feel up to a big drive. Sometimes all we want is to pack up (we know it’s hard to travel light!) and just get somewhere, fast, and be able to turn around and return home if the clouds start to roll in.

Westboro Beach is a sweet little place (the smallest of the city beaches), with enough sand to fill our buckets but with limited shade and green space. Our favourite thing to do at Westboro Beach is enjoy a cheesy pizza and follow it up with a soft serve cone and a cooling dip before bedtime.

Mooney’s Bay Beach is another good option for the sun lovers (and volleyball players), although we think the best time to go is the evenings to take in Hog’s Back Falls which are located just to the North of the beach. 

There is plenty to do at Petrie Island Beach even if you’re not planning on doing any swimming, with easy trails to explore and plenty of native wildlife to be seen. This small complex of wetlands, forest, and shoreline supports a diverse variety of plant and animal life. No special hiking equipment required!

But it’s Britannia Beach that wins our savvy award for best city beach. Parking is free and plentiful, and there are washrooms, change rooms and a snack bar for blue slushie emergencies. You’ll find something for everyone here: big stretches of grass and plenty of shade, play structures, picnic tables and BYOC barbeques (Bring Your Own Charcoal). E.coli levels tend to be lower here since they installed anti-bird devices, the sand is clean and the swimming area is the kind that is “fenced in” by floating buoys. In our experience, the lifeguards are totally on the ball too. 

Here’s a tip: when you arrive, pick a spot close to the lifeguard chair (on duty at all beaches between noon and 7 pm) and near parents with kids the same age as your own. The kids are likely to play together and you’ll have the benefit of some extra pairs of eyes.

Have fun, and don’t forget to bring the sunscreen!

City of Ottawa Daily Beach Updates
ottawa.ca

Mooney’s Bay Beach
2926 Riverside Drive

Hog’s Back Falls
Hog’s Back Road at Colonel By Dr.

Petrie Island Beach
727 Trim Road

Britannia Beach
2805 Carling Ave.
(Beach access at the end of Greenview Road)

P.S. Don’t forget about the CHEO 25th Anniversary Teddy Bear Picnic on Saturday, July 5. Here’s the right link this time.

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