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Nature and Interpretation Center
The Friends of Petrie Island have built a nature center in an
old cottage near the picnic area. It contains samples of
nature found on Petrie, nature books, and facts on Petrie.
Natural and historical information and notice boards are
provided to educate the public on various aspects of the island.
Interpretation centre is open weekends in May, June and Sept and
daily in July and August, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
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Summer Children's Programs
The Friends of Petrie Island would like to invite children ages 2-5
or 6-12 to attend the Petrie Island Junior Naturalist program.
Children accompanied by an adult will spend a fun hour and a half
becoming Junior Naturalists by participating in various hands-on
activities; hikes, crafts, games, songs. The cost is a nominal $2.
Further info.
See video. |
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Hiking
There are many kilometers of
nature trails on Petrie. Even when there are thousands of
people at the beach, the nature trails remain surprisingly tranquil.
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Rideau Canoe Club Olympic SPRINT Kayak Program
The Rideau Canoe Club runs a 1/2-day summer program for children to
learn about kayaking. Each program runs for 2-weeks. For
further information, visit the
Rideau Canoe Club. |
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Tent Rental
FOPI has a new tent to provide
shelter for activities. It has portable sides and can be enclosed. It
can be rented out for special events at $100 to $125. Contact Al Tweddle
for further details.
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FOPI Nature Walks and Events
The Friends of Petrie Island
organize events and activities during the summer and fall months. Please
join us on the island. Details on what is upcoming can be found on our
Events page.
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Swimming
The public
beach provides a great place to swim in the Ottawa River.
During the summer lifeguards are present from noon to 7 pm.
For water quality information, call 613-580-2424 ext.13219. The
information is updated at noon daily, based on the previous day's water
samples. Or look at our link
here.
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Beach Volleyball
- There is organized beach volleyball almost every weekend during
the summer
- Volleyball net rentals: $14.50 per hour or $49.50 per day.
Inquire at the Lifeguard office.
- Join a volleyball league. Call 613-580-2854
- Book your event at the beach. Contact City
Wide Allocations at
613-580-2595 or e-mail sports@ottawa.ca.
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Canoeing and Kayaking
You can launch your own non-motorized boat at the free boat launch at
the west end of the main parking lot. You will have to carry the
boat from your rooftop to the launch area in Crappie Bay.
You can rent peddle boats and kayaks from the
Petrie Island Bait and
Tackle Shop, located on the main access road, just down the hill from
the Queensway.
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Fishing
Many people like to fish along the causeway where the river passes
under the main access road. We ask that you do not fish on the
public beach or on the turtle pond. You can purchase bait and
lures or rent a boat at the
Petrie Island Bait and Tackle Shop. During the winter, ice
fishing is very popular in the bay to the east of the main beach; huts
can be rented. |
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Motor Boats
Although motor boats are not permitted inside the waterways
of Petrie Island, it is still a good place from which to explore
the Ottawa River.
For a small fee, you can launch your trailered boat at the
Petrie Island Bait and Tackle Shop, run by Yves Grandmaitre. |
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Picnicking
Approximately 30 picnic tables are in the picnic area to the
west of the main beach, available from May to October.
Several are left year round. The picnic tables are used on a first come basis, but
group reservations are available.
For reservations on other parts of the island, call the City of
Ottawa information line at 311.
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