Relax, swim, picnic and enjoy the Ottawa River
Located along the Ottawa River, L'Orignal Beach offers a sandy beach, designated swimming area, picnic spaces, a boat launch, and beautiful waterfront views for residents and visitors.
Visit the Beach
Stay Safe
Know the Rules
Launch Your Boat
Visit the Beach
Hours of Operation
L'Orignal Beach is open daily, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The beach is closed from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Amenities
L'Orignal Beach includes:
- Sandy beach
- Designated swimming area
- Children's swings
- Lounge chairs
- Palapas
- Picnic areas
- Boat launch
- On-site parking
- Portable toilets
Please note that parking is limited.
Food and Drinks
There are no food trucks or shops directly on the beach. Local shops and restaurants are available within a 5 to 10-minute drive.
Designated Swimming Area
Swimming buoys are usually installed during the first week of June, depending on Ottawa River water levels.
For your safety, please stay within the swimming area marked by the buoys.
Water Quality Testing
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit tests the swimming water at local public beaches during the operating season. Beach water quality is tested for E. coli bacteria.
If bacteria levels are above the safe swimming limit, signs are posted to advise visitors that the water is unsafe for swimming. The beach reopens for swimming once water quality returns to acceptable levels.
Check beach water quality results
Safe Swimming Tips
L'Orignal Beach is an unsupervised beach. There are no lifeguards on duty. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and should take precautions when swimming or participating in water activities.
Stay Within the Designated Swimming Area
Swim only within the buoyed area. The designated swimming zone is generally shallower and provides safer conditions for swimmers.
Supervise Children at All Times
Children should always be actively supervised near or in the water. Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD). Never leave them unsupervised near water or in water, regardless of how shallow it may be. Keep a close eye on them at all times.
The Canadian Red Cross points out that “the absence of adult supervision is a factor in most child drownings”, whether or not the child can swim.Items such as water wings and inflatable tubes are great, but they are not a substitute for a PFD or full-time adult supervision.
Never Swim Alone
Always swim with a friend or family member. Having someone nearby can make a critical difference in an emergency. Swimmers or waders can be swept away in an instant, particularly if non-swimmers or weak swimmers get caught by current in rivers or out of their depth in abrupt drop-offs. By swimming with a group of friends, you can have more fun with extra supervision.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during hot weather. Take breaks in the shade and watch for signs of dehydration.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, balance, and reaction time. Never combine them with swimming, boating, or water activities.
Wear a Lifejacket
If you are not a strong swimmer, wear a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device when near or on the water.
Watch Water and Weather Conditions
River conditions can change quickly due to currents, weather, and water levels. Follow posted advisories and stay out of the water if conditions appear unsafe.
Rules & Regulations
To help keep L'Orignal Beach safe and enjoyable, the following are not permitted:
- Alcohol
- Glass containers
- Barbecues
- Campfires
- Smoking or vaping
- Driving motor vehicles on the beach
- Public urination or defecation
- Tents, pavilions, sport-brellas, or shade structures mounted on supports
Only umbrellas with a centre pole are permitted. The umbrella must be no more than 7 feet, 6 inches high and must have a maximum shade diameter of 9 feet.
Beach rules are enforced by on-site beach staff and Municipal By-law Enforcement.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in the park area, but not on the sand or mulch areas. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Please pick up after your pet and use the garbage cans provided.
Children at the Beach
All children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Located near L'Orignal Beach, the boat launch offers a simple and convenient way to launch your vessel and enjoy recreational boating on the Ottawa River. Parking is available in the shared beach and park parking lot; however, spaces are limited during peak summer periods.
Looking to launch a larger vessel or rent a seasonal slip? Visit the L'Orignal Marina page for information about marina facilities, dockage, seasonal rentals, and boating services.
Important Safety Notice
Use extreme caution when boating on the Ottawa River. The river may have strong currents, shallow water, submerged rocks, and heavy boat traffic, especially on weekends.
The designated swimming area is located near the boat launch. Please leave the dock slowly and watch for swimmers, paddlers, and other water users.
Boat Launch Rules
To help keep the boat launch safe and accessible for everyone:
- Swimming, diving, and fishing from the dock are prohibited.
- Overnight mooring is not permitted.
- Boats may not be stored at the launch or dock.
- Docking is limited to a maximum of 15 minutes.
- Share the waterway with canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other human-powered watercraft.
- Respect navigation rules and operate at a safe and reasonable speed.
- The Township is not responsible for civil liability related to users of the boat launch