L'Orignal Beach

Hours of Operation

Monday to Sunday (including holidays) from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

• Consume alcohol;

• Have glass containers;

• Drive a motor vehicle;

• Barbecuing;

• Have campfires;

• Vape or smoke;

• Defecate or urinate in public;

• Set up pavilions, tents, sport-brellas or any mounted on supports. Only umbrellas with a centre pole no greater than seven feet, six inches in height and a maximum shade diameter of nine feet is permitted.

L'Orignal Beach rules are enforced by onsite beach staff, security and by-law enforcement.

I am from outside of the Township of Champlain. Can I still come to the beach?

L’Orignal Beach is open to everyone.

Can my child access the beach alone?

All children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

What are the beach’s hours of operation?

L’Orignal Beach hours of operation are Monday to Sunday (including holidays) from 8am-9pm.  L’Orignal Beach is closed from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily. 

Are there any food trucks or shops to purchase food on the beach?

No. However, there are local shops and restaurants within a 5 to 10-minute drive of the beach. 

How often is the water tested at L’Orignal Beach? If so, where can I find these results?

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit tests the water quality at L’Orignal Beach and results are posted bi-weekly on their website.

Is alcohol allowed on the beach?

No, alcohol is not allowed on the beach. Please make sure to read and learn beach rules upon your arrival.

Can I bring a small barbecue on the beach?

No, barbecuing is prohibited, please pack a cold lunch.

Is there a charge for parking?

No, there is currently no parking fees however parking is very limited. 

 Safe Swimming Tips

We want everyone to have fun in the water, and that starts with safety. If you are not a strong swimmer, please wear a PFD or stay out of the water.

Stay in the designated swimming area

We have a designated swimming area that is easily identified by buoys.
Visitors are encouraged to take a dip inside the buoys, closer to shoreline, as these areas generally include gently sloped beaches and softer bottoms.

Always watch children actively around water

Bring a PFD for younger children and those who can't swim, and never leave them unsupervised near water or - especially - 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.

Always swim with a buddy

You may think that swimming alone in open water is safe, but it can leave you vulnerable.  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.

Avoid alcoholic beverages and stay hydrated

Chances are, you won't be going to the beach when it's cold, but rather when it's warm and sunny. Therefore, dehydration may be more common than you think and affect your ability to enjoy the beach. Try to drink plenty of water throughout the day and also avoid alcoholic beverages, as they can impair your judgment and lead to dehydration.

 Safe Tips For Boaters

Safety should be your first concern before you leave the shoreline.

Every year in Canada hundreds of Canadians drown while boating.  Most of them never intended to be in the water, they were just enjoying their boating activity. Only 12.5 % of people who died were wearing a properly fastened and fitted lifejacket or PFD.

Wear a PFD at all times

All persons on board, even strong swimmers, should be wearing a lifejacket. Sudden immersion in cold water can affect your ability to function, including your ability to swim. Your PFD will not only keep you above water, but will also keep you warm until help arrives. Also, a simple fall can go wrong and if you lose consciousness, the PFD can save your life.

Be safe and responsible

Every year hundreds of people die as a result of boating-related activities. Almost 65% of these deaths involve the use of alcohol.

There is no safe way to mix alcohol and drugs with boating. Boat Smart... Boat Sober!

Wait until you are off the water before consuming alcohol. Remember, if you drink after a day of boating, be sure you have a designated driver for your vehicle.A person who has consumed alcohol or drugs should not be operating a boat. Provide non-alcoholic beverages for boat operators and passengers.

Make sure you have the minimum safety equipment

Along with your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you are required by law to carry marine safety equipment.

Stand-Up Paddle Board and Paddleboats

• Canadian-approved flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each passenger on board
• Sound-signaling device

• Watertight flashlight

• Buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length

Kayaks and Canoes

• Canadian-approved flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each passenger on board
• Sound-signaling device
• Watertight flashlight
• Buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length

• Bailer or manual bilge pump

• Navigation lights

Powered Pleasure Craft Up to 6 m (19'8")

• Canadian-approved flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each passenger on board
• Buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length

• Manual propelling device or anchor, and at least 15 m (49’3”) of cable, rope or chain in any combination

• Bailer or manual bilge pump

• Sound-signaling device
• Navigation lights

• Fire extinguisher (5 BC), if the pleasure craft is equipped with an inboard engine, a fixed fuel tank of any size, or a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigeration appliance

Consult the list of safety equipment by boat type

 Winter Safety Tips

Many factors affect safety on the ice (temperature, ice thickness, snow cover, water depth, currents).

Almost two thirds of ice-related incidents occur on lakes and the rest occur on rivers. It takes less than five minutes for cold water to start affecting your ability to move your limbs.

Don't trust the depth of the snow

The quality and thickness of ice can change very quickly and its appearance can be misleading. Snow acts as a blanket; it slows down the formation and growth of ice.

A sudden drop in air temperature may cause cracks in the ice.

Check with local authorities for information on local ice conditions before heading out on the ice

The minimum ice thickness should be:

• 10 cm (4 in) for walking or solo skating
• 12 cm (5 in.) for snowmobiling
• 25 cm to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches) for group skating or games

Be ready for any emergency

Bring a small personal safety kit containing:

• Lighter
• Waterproof matches
• Magnesium fire starter
• Pocketknife
• Compass
• Whistle
• Ice pick
• Ice staff
• Rope, and
• Cell phone

Before you leave shore, inform someone of your destination and expected time of return.

You can find more advice on the Red Cross and Lifesaving Society websites.