Beach Safety Advisory: Before taking a dip, review swimming ratings to ensure a safe beach experience; certain areas may be unsuitable for swimming due to hazardous conditions.
The summer season is in full swing, and several beaches in the Ottawa Valley are now open for the public to enjoy. Here's a roundup of some of the beaches that have welcomed swimmers and sunbathers, along with some important information on water safety and testing.
As of early August 2025, there is no direct, publicly available information about current beach water safety ratings specifically for beaches in the Ottawa Valley. However, for regional water safety concerns, such as the Ottawa River near Ottawa, the Deschênes Rapids area has been highlighted for frequent water rescues, indicating danger in swimming or paddling there [1].
To find official and current water quality or safety ratings for beaches in the Ottawa Valley, you should visit the websites of the Renfrew County and District Health Unit and the South East Health Unit. These health units typically post updated beach water testing results and water quality advisories on their official websites, which are the authoritative local sources for such information.
On the Renfrew County and District Health Unit website, look for a section labeled “Beach Water Quality” or “Recreational Water Testing.” This is usually under Environmental Health or a similar category. On the South East Health Unit website, similarly check for a dedicated page or link named “Beach Water Quality,” “The Beaches Program,” or “Water Safety Reports” – these often provide weekly updates during the summer months.
Some beaches in the Ottawa Valley have official opening dates. For instance, the Renfrew County health unit will begin testing beach water in the area during the week of June 16. Information on the status of beaches can be found on the Renfrew County and District Health Unit website.
Here's a list of some of the beaches that are currently open in the Ottawa Valley:
- South Crosby (Sand Lake) Beach, Rideau Lakes
- Smiths Falls Junior Beach, Smiths Falls in Lanark County
- Petawawa Point Beach, Petawawa
- Genrick Beach, Greater Madawaska
- Little Lakes Beach, Whitewater Region
- White Lake Beach, McNab-Braeside
- McLean Avenue Beach, Arnprior
- Lake Clear Beach, Bonnechere Valley
- Burnstown Beach, McNab-Braeside
- Riverside Park Beach, Carleton Place in Lanark County (under caution)
- Dalhousie Lake Beach, McDonald's Corners in Lanark County (under caution)
- Braeside Beach, McNab-Braeside
- Smiths Falls Senior Beach in Lanark County
- Cobden Beach, Whitewater Region
- Barnet park, Greater Madawaska
- Portland Campbell Street Beach, Rideau Lake
- Robb's Lake Beach, Lanark Highlands
- Pakenham Beach, Pakenham in Lanark County (under caution)
- Other beaches in the Ottawa Valley are unsupervised
- Merrickville Beach in Lanark County (under caution)
- Lanark Beach, Lanark Highlands
- Rotary Park, Bonnechere Valley
- Lower Beverly Lake Park in Rideau Lakes
- Centennial Park, Carleton Place in Lanark County (under caution)
- Riverside Park, Pembroke
- Rideau Ferry Yacht Club, Perth in Lanark County
- Robertson Lake Beach, Lanark Highlands
- Public beaches in the Ottawa Valley are tested weekly for bacteria like E. coli.
- Robert Simpson Beach, Arnprior
- Almonte Beach, Almonte in Lanark County (under caution)
Remember, it's crucial to always check the local health unit websites or contact them directly for the most recent test results and safety advisories. Enjoy your time at the beach, but prioritise safety and always follow any posted warnings or instructions.
[1] Ottawa River water safety concerns: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-river-water-safety-concerns-1.6078544
- The summer season offers a variety of entertainment options, with sports, politics, science, health, and fitness-and-exercise also providing engaging content.
- Meanwhile, in the Ottawa Valley, the business of tourism is thriving as several beaches have opened for the public, albeit with water safety concerns.
- For instance, the Deschênes Rapids area near Ottawa River has been flagged for frequent water rescues, emphasizing the importance of water safety.
- To ensure a health-and-wellness experience at Ottawa Valley beaches, one should consult the Renfrew County and District Health Unit and the South East Health Unit for water quality or safety ratings.
- In addition to enjoying the weather at these beaches, it's essential to prioritize opinion and personal judgment, adhering to any posted warnings or instructions for a safe and enjoyable summer season.
