Top 13 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ottawa to Visit in 2026

Ottawa is a gorgeous city that’s a wonderful place to live or visit. There are many things to see and do, which can include a day at the beach with your best friend.

However, it’s important to ensure that any public place that you plan to spend time at is dog friendly. To make your life easier, we compiled this list of swimming holes and beaches that will welcome you and your pup.

We divided the list into off-leash and on-leash categories, as some locations will allow your dog to visit, but they need to remain on a leash at all times. We hope that you’ll discover a few new places to check out and find the perfect swimming spot that both you and your pet will love!

• The 8 Off-Leash Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ottawa

• The 5 On-Leash Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ottawa

The 8 Off-Leash Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ottawa

1. Beryl Gaffney Park

• Dogs can play and swim in the water along the Rideau River
• 96 acres of park and woodlands
• Dog-friendly trails for hiking, birding, and snowshoeing
• The park is off-leash, but remember to pick up after your dog, and they should be on their best behaviour

2. Brewer Park

• Dogs can access the water in the Rideau River
• The park is on the north banks of the Rideau River
• Lots of activities with hockey arenas, baseball, and soccer fields
• Excellent playground for children
• Skating rink in the winter

3. David Bartlett Park

• Off-leash dog park and swimming along the Rideau River
• 35 acres of space for dogs to run in
• Trails for walking and hiking
• No fences or gates, so keep a close eye on your dog
• Also, watch your dog and keep them leashed when near the lock and dam, as there can be strong currents

4. Dutchie’s Hole Park

• A great haven found in downtown Ottawa
• Sandy beach for dogs to hang around and splash in the river
• Children’s wading pool that dogs can’t go near
• Robinson Field is an off-leash area
• Great for cycling and walking

5. Jock River Landing

• Used primarily for kayak and canoe launches
• Not exactly a beach, but dogs can get in the water away from the boats
• There’s no rule requiring dogs to be on a leash, but it’s a busy area, so it’s recommended when not swimming
• Check out the annual Jock River Canoe Race every April
• Fishing is popular here and parking is free

6. Kennedy-Craig Forest

• Large forest area makes for some beautiful hiking
• Not a beach, but Barrhaven Creek crosses the hiking trail a number of times, and dogs can splash about
• Most of the forest is off-leash except for areas close to residences
• Lovely little bridges are found throughout
• Some trails are more challenging than others, which you could bear in mind if you have a senior dog or one with mobility issues

7. Lemieux Island

• The park has a river for your dog to splash around in
• The park is off-leash except areas close to the water plant
• Scenic views of the city and Prince of Wales Bridge
• Private area for dogs (except for the water plant)

8. Stanley Dog Park

• Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed on the main beach, but there’s a smaller gravel beach where dogs can play
• Dogs can be off-leash in the park for the most part, except on pathways or around the play area and wading pools
• Biking and walking trails throughout
• Scenic views of Minto Bridge, waterfalls, and the river

The 5 On-Leash Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ottawa

9. Baxter Conservation Area

• Dogs aren’t allowed on the main beach, but there is an area downstream where they can swim
• Dogs must remain on a leash in the conservation area
• Features over 5 km of trails through wetlands, meadows, and forests
• The beach is considered one of the cleanest beaches along the Rideau
• You’ll need to pay a parking fee, which only takes credit cards or coins

10. Constance Bay

• There are two beaches between Constance and Buckham’s Bay that dogs can swim in
• Dogs must be on a leash at both beaches
• Lots of activities, such as water skiing, canoeing, hiking, and cycling
• The Constance Bay beach allows horses
• There are no lifeguards, so keep an eye on your dog

11. Quigley Hill Boat Launch

• There isn’t a leash law here, but it’s still recommended to keep your dog on a leash
• Small beach is used to launch boats, and dogs can access the water here
• Small space but offers lovely views of the Ottawa River
• Picnic tables and fallen logs offer places to sit
• The access to the water is steep and rocky, so use caution

12. Remic Rapids Park

• You and your dog can access the Ottawa River in the park
• Your dog must be on a leash at all times
• This park is known for its rock sculptures by artist John Felice Ceprano
• The groomed Kichi Sibi winter trail runs through the park for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and walkers
• Features a bistro in the summer months in case you need a bite to eat

13. Strathcona Park

• It’s a bit of a long walk to get there, but there are small beaches for dogs to play on
• On-leash only along the river pathway, and dogs aren’t allowed in the rest of the park
• Lovely pedestrian bridge and cycling paths
• Free parking and street parking available
• Nice spot for a picnic

Summing Up

There are multiple parks to choose from in the beautiful city of Ottawa. While there aren’t many beaches, there are still opportunities for your dog to cool off and play in the water, mainly in the rivers that border these parks. Remember to bring supplies like poop bags to clean up after your dog, along with plenty of water, snacks, and a leash.

We hope that this article has highlighted several parks near you and that you’ll find the time to visit them in the coming months.

Featured Image Credit: LyAn Voyages, Unsplash