Ottawa might have a few sandy spots for a quick beach day, but when you're dreaming of a tropical escape, let's be honest — those city beaches just don't cut it.
Often crowded, small and less than pristine, Ottawa's city beaches can't compare to the hidden gems just a short drive away from the city. Fortunately, there are so many other gorgeous beaches near Ottawa if you're willing to take a short day trip, and many will make you feel as if you've just hopped off a plane in the tropics.
The truth is that even though it may not look like it, the Ottawa Valley and the surrounding area are filled with island beaches with long stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters — you just have to know where to look. These stunning spots offer the perfect escape for those looking to savour the last days of summer in style.
So grab your beach towel, slip into your swimsuit, and get ready for a relaxing day at one of these five sandy beaches near Ottawa that'll satisfy all the tropical vibes you've been craving.
Morrison's Quarry
Price: $20 per adult (cash only)
Address: 1780 Quebec Rte. 105, Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: Morrison's Quarry isn't your traditional beach, but perhaps that's precisely why it's worth visiting. This old quarry is filled with bright turquoise waters. The best part? It's only a 30-minute drive from downtown Ottawa.
Sand surrounds the quarry, providing swimmers plenty of places to lay down a towel and lounge around. There are also a bunch of picnic tables for those who don't like getting too sandy. There's even a waterslide, which makes Morrison's Quarry the ultimate place to hang out and socialize with friends while beating the Ottawa heat.
If you're a fan of scuba diving, Morrison's Quarry is one of the best spots nearby for it! There's a plane wreck just below the surface of the water, making for a one-of-a-kind swimming experience.
Big Sandy Bay Beach
Price: $15 per person (cash only)
Address: Big Sandy Bay Beach, Wolfe Island, ON
From there, it's a short drive to the island's best-known attraction, Big Sandy Bay Beach. Admission to the beach is $15 per person for those arriving by car. After paying admission, you'll be given a wristband and will have to walk down a 20-minute trail to the bay, where, finally, you'll be met with a heavenly beach that looks out of this world.
If you work up an appetite, there are plenty of delicious restaurants in nearby Marysville, as well as a burger and hot dog truck known as the Mustard Station along the route to the beach.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Price: $21 per car
Address: 3004 County Rd. 12, Picton, ON
Why You Need To Go: Only a three-hour drive from Ottawa is a huge hidden gem of a beach. Embedded in one of Ontario's most vibrant lakeside communities, Prince Edward County, is the largest bay-mouth barrier dune formation on the entire planet.
There are three sandy beaches to enjoy with plenty of lakeside sandy dunes in one of Mother Nature's most beautiful works of art in the entire province. If you get bored of lounging around on the vast strip of sand and swimming in the warm waters of Lake Ontario, you can even rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard. There are also plenty of things to do throughout Prince Edward County.
There are plenty of scenic trails through Sandbanks that are definitely worth exploring. Sandbanks Provincial Park isn't just a beach; it's a breathtaking natural wonder.
Back Beach
Price: $20 per car
Address: 551 Back Beach Rd., Stella, ON
Why You Need To Go: Back Beach is a pristine sandy beach on the southern coast of Amherst Island, which sits near the mouth of the St. Lawrence in Lake Ontario. It's a three-hour drive from downtown Ottawa and is definitely worth the trip if you're craving an island beach experience.
Hop on the Amherst Island ferry at Millhaven and take the 20-minute voyage crossing to the small island community of Stella. The ferry costs $10 each way for regular-sized vehicles, $2 for motorcycles, $1.50 for bikes and free if you're on foot.
Back Beach is only a convenient 15-minute drive from Stella and offers a long, quiet stretch of sand — perfect if you're a fan of long walks along the beach. This is a true hidden gem in the area, and you can expect a peaceful beachgoing experience that would be completely unheard of in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Bon Echo Provincial Park
Price: $18 per vehicle
Address: 16151 Hwy. 41, Cloyne, ON
Why You Need To Go: Bon Echo Provincial Park is a gorgeous natural wonder only two and a half hours from downtown Ottawa. Its Main Beach has a soft sandy shore that makes the perfect escape into nature. As you relax and take it easy in the water, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the 100-metre-high cliff known as Mazinaw Rock.
If you get tired of swimming, there are plenty of hiking trails in the park, including one to the top of Mazinaw Rock, where you can get a great view of the lake from above. You can also rent a canoe and paddle over to the rock to see one of Canada's largest visible collections of Indigenous pictographs.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on July 22, 2024.
