Aylmer Beach
Only a few blocks from Aylmer’s downtown core, the sprawling public beach is a busy spot on weekends, but don’t let that deter you. With a wealth of amenities — including change rooms, washrooms, playground, plenty of greenspace, cycling paths, and a sandy beachfront — it’s a great family destination.
The nearby Aylmer Marina Restaurant is a great place to enjoy some shade under the patio umbrellas and watch passersby.
Directions: Take the Champlain Bridge, left on Rue Principale, follow to the end.
Baskin’s Beach
At the end of Baskin’s Beach Rd. sits a small stretch of sandy lakefront belonging to the trailer park across the street. Named after William Baskin, the area’s first lighthouse keeper in the late 1800s, it’s a quaint beach with a sandy shoreline that looks across to the majestic Gatineau Hills and upriver toward Twelve Mile Island.
Despite the signs noting its private ownership, according to a resident there, a nominal fee for day use can be paid to the owner of the Baskin’s Beach Campsite, which also boasts a small canteen. There are no bathrooms on site and no pets allowed, but the Port of Call Marina is only a short drive away.
A small grassy area offers a place to picnic under the shade of surrounding trees.
Directions: Take Hwy. 417 to March Rd. north. Right on Dunrobin Rd. Right at Vances Sd. Rd. to Baskin’s Beach Rd. Follow to Baskin’s Beach Campsite on the left.
The Point Beach, Constance Bay
There is ongoing debate over the ownership of the beachfront in Constance Bay. A number of area residents have recently posted signs at the edge of the beach reading “No Stopping, No Alcohol, No Walking after Sunset.”
The Point, however, remains one of the only public access points to the Ottawa River in the quiet village beyond the bucolic pastures of Dunrobin. A beautiful stretch of hot sand and calm water, the beach is an enticing spot for families during the day.
Amenities include limited parking and outhouses. The Point Dining Lounge also offers a place to take refuge from the sun to enjoy some food or a cold drink.
Directions: Take Hwy. 417 to March Rd. north. Right on Dunrobin Rd. Right on Constance Bay Rd. follow left to Bayview Dr. Turn right at the corner of Bishop Davis Dr. and Lane St.
Crown Point
West Carleton’s Crown Point is really a hidden gem. Though there are no amenities, there’s enough parking for a few vehicles at the end of Dunrobin Rd. where it meets the beach. The narrow, sandy, secluded beachfront is the perfect destination for a romantic afternoon picnic and a great place to launch a canoe or kayak. Parts of the waterline are grassy, but there is ample opportunity for a good swim.
Directions: Take Hwy. 417 to March Rd. north. Right on Dunrobin Rd. Follow to the end.
Fitzroy Provincial Park, Fitzroy Harbour
Nestled in the provincial park not far from the former home of Charles Shirreff, the founder of Fitzroy Harbour, is an idyllic setting for an afternoon on the water. The long, well-kept beach fronts onto a narrow straight. Boasting ample parkland with plenty of space to throw a baseball or frisbee, the beach is the perfect place for families. There is a beach volleyball court, a playground, plenty of picnic tables and charcoal barbeques and amenities including washrooms and change rooms.
Overnight camping is also an option if you’re looking for a cheap weekend away.
Directions: Take Hwy. 417 west to Kinburn Sd. Rd. Exit right, then left on Hwy. 17. Right on Galetta Sd. Rd. to Canon Smith Dr. Follow signs to park.
Robert Simpson Park, Arnprior
If for nothing other than a change of scenery, the beach at Robert Simpson Park is worth the hour drive. Set on a sandy point on the Ottawa River just above the mouth of the Madawaska, the area is steeped in local history. It’s the site where Daniel McLachlin, one of the region’s most successful businessmen, built a huge sawmill in the mid-1800s.
On the hill above the beach is a well-maintained park with a playground and splash pad for children and a gazebo and bandstand that overlooks the point. Other amenities include bathrooms and a park canteen, which opens July 1.
Directions: Hwy. 417 to Daniel St. in Arnprior. Left on Madawaska St., right on John St. Follow to the end.
La Peche
Take a dip under the stars at Lac La Peche, which boasts 32 campsites spread out over 12 spots across the lake. At $35 a night, it’s a great way to enjoy the wilderness and take advantage of the beautiful beach. If camping is not your thing, a day trip by car will cost you $10. The long, sandy, supervised beach set in the pristine Gatineau Park is a popular destination for families and is very accessible. The location offers opportunities to play, canoe and hike. Change rooms, washrooms, and charcoal barbecues are a few of the amenities.
Directions: Take the Macdonald-Cartier bridge to Hwy. 5. From Hwy. 5 North, take Hwy. 105 North. Turn left on Hwy 366 West. In the village of Saint-Francois-de-Marsham, turn left on Eardley Rd. and follow signage to the lake.
Lavant Community Centre Park Beach
For a township dotted mostly with swamps, the beach at the Lavant Community Centre Park is a haven for local residents and cottagers alike. The sandy lakefront is small but set on the picturesque Robertson Lake, a great day-trip destination for swimming and canoeing.
The park features a baseball diamond, an old swing set, a few picnic tables and change rooms. The new community centre, once opened, will also offer visitors bathrooms.
Directions: Take Hwy. 417 to Regional Road 49, turn left and follow through Almonte to Hopetown. Turn right on Hwy. 511, then left on South Lavant Rd. Follow to Lavant, stay right, left into park.
O’Brien Beach, Meech Lake
Set at the southeast end of Meech Lake, O’Brien Beach is another gorgeous spot for day-trippers to Gatineau Park. A small beach sunk into the Gatineau Hills, the spot is very popular among weekend visitors.
Amenities include picnic tables, park benches, washrooms and change rooms. The small grassy area offers opportunities to picnic or kick a ball around.
Directions: Take the Macdonald-Cartier bridge to Hwy. 5. From Hwy. 5 North, take Hwy. 105 North. Turn left on Hwy. 366 West. In the village of Saint-Francois-de-Marsham, turn left on Eardley Rd., then right at Sincennes Rd. Drive until you reach La Peche Lake.
Plage-Baie-Noire, Luskville
Perhaps one the region’s most beautiful beaches, Plage-Baie-Noire is a well-hidden jewel. Cottages dot the shoreline along Chemin des Pins, a private road, and public access is very limited via a well-hidden pedestrian path in between two properties. You have to keep your eyes peeled.
No amenities, not even parking (though you can park along Chemin de la Baie nearby), the beach might not be for everyone. But for the true adventurer, Plage-Baie-Noire is certainly worth the treasure hunt. Across the river from Constance Bay, the hot, sandy beach is a pleasure to tromp around on and the water is perfect.
Directions: Take the Chaudieres Bridge, left on Alexandre-Tache Blvd., right on Montcalm, turn left des Allumettieres Blvd./Hwy. 148. Follow to Aylmer, stay right on 148. Left at Chemin du Village, left at Chemin Damas Perrier, right onto Chemin de la Baie, right on Chemin des Pins.
Parking meter: 75 years old todayExploring on two wheels
