Friends of Petrie Island

NEW. We are accepting applications for summer employment as Park Monitors at Petrie Island. Please visit https://www.petrieisland.org/summer-employment-2019

Social distancing in nature is a great way to relieve stress, get some exercise and pass the time. Please respect the rules which protect the flora and fauna of Petrie Island and add to our visitors’ enjoyment. For example, dogs are not permitted anywhere on the Island, stay on the trails, and leave no trace.

If you can’t get out to Petrie Island, check out the visitor photos on our website ( upload some of your own), join our Facebook Group and follow our page.

Visitors are welcome to visit Petrie Island as COVID-19 protocols and spring conditions permit. The parking lot is open and is free until the machines are installed. Please enjoy safely :

  • Keep at least two metres away from others.
  • Stay on the trails. You may step off the trail to let others pass safely and maintain physical distancing.
  • Effective April 17, 2021, the Government of Ontario has updated the Stay at Home order and is limiting outdoor gatherings to household members only. Masks are encouraged but are mandatory within 5 m of the playground ( limited exceptions). While playground access is permitted, other amenities including picnic tables are not.
  • Please do not visit the island if you feel unwell or have symptoms.

Friends of Petrie Island –  2021 Activities

Friends of Petrie Island (FOPI) work with partners and summer staff to preserve the ecology of the Island and deliver interpretive resources. Due to COVID-19 the focus this year will be conservation work with some programming for individual households or intact social circles.  

  • Wednesday Work Days- Wednesday mornings 9-12 (Starting in May)
  • Nature Trail maintenance
  • Lookout Benches
  • Clean up Day
  • Tree Inventory
  • Family and Friends Naturalist sessions 
  • Tent and picnic table rentals- https://www.petrieisland.org/picnic-area
  • Barbeque permits- https://www.petrieisland.org/picnic-area
  • Interpretive signage
  • Dogwood maze and Fairy House
  • Driftwood sculptures
  • Wildflower Garden
  • Turtle conservation- ongoing
  • Turtle Release Days
  • Invasive species removal– ongoing

For requests please email us: inquiries@petrieisland.org

To learn more about other activities at Petrie Island please visit:

https://petriecanoe.ca/  – Summer registration open

Swimming | City of Ottawa

Ottawa Marina East at Petrie Island (oziles.com)

Friends of Petrie Island