Swimming
Petrie Island has two public beaches that provide a great place to swim in the Ottawa River. During the summer City of Ottawa lifeguards are present from noon to 7 pm. All inquiries regarding the beach should be directed to the City of Ottawa.
Picnicking
Approximately 40 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.
Nature Trails
There are 7 kilometres of nature trails on Petrie. Even when there are thousands of people at the beach, the nature trails remain surprisingly tranquil. Maps are posted and a trail guide is available at the office. Trails are maintained by volunteers. Guided tours can be arranged by emailing: Inquiries@petrieisland.org
Paddling
You may launch your own canoes, kayaks and skiffs at the free ramp west of the main parking area. Please do not disturb the wildlife in Turtle Pond. Paddleboats, canoes and kayaks may be rented at the Petrie Island Marina.
Petrie Island Canoe Club
The Petrie Island Canoe Club offers two day-camp options for children 9-12 years old. The two-week introduction to canoe-kayak is our Regatta-Ready Program, and the eight-week canoe-kayak program is our Competitive Sprint Program. Paddlers will be usually be divided into groups, and will spend an equal amount of time rotating through practices for team boat canoe, single boat kayaks, dragon boat, and dryland. Dryland includes games, running, circuit training, and environmental stewardship/education. http://petriecanoe.ca.
Fishing
Petrie Island is one of the best fishing spots in the area. But parts of Petrie Island are an ecological reserve, with sectors where fishing is not allowed, as shown on the accompanying map.
Fishing is permitted along the Basswood and Sunrise Trails only. Many people like to fish along the causeway where the river passes under the main access road. Do not fish on the public beach or on the turtle pond. You can purchase bait and lures or rent a boat at Petrie Island Marina. Please take out all empty containers including old fishing line.
During the winter, ice fishing is very popular in the bay to the east of the main beach; huts can be rented.
Special Event Tent Rental
The Friends of Petrie Island have a special event tent that is available for rental. It is 8 by 9 m (20 x 30 feet) and has removable sides for protection from weather. Picnic tables can be arranged to accommodate different group sizes.
Nature Interpretation
The Friends of Petrie Island operates an interpretative area with an office, environmental displays and aquariums. Check out the wildflower garden with plants of ethnobotanical (used by humans) interest, including those used for food and medicine. The Friends of Petrie Island organize events and activities during the summer and fall, including nature walks, theme days and other special activities. Details
Children’s Programs
Naturalist Program: The Friends of Petrie Island offers Naturalist Programs for children ages 2-12. 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. See video.
Family and Friends Guided Tours
Perfect for outing with grandparents or a child’s birthday party. This program is designed for pre-formed groups and offers a tour tailored to participants interests.
For birthday parties the program is 2 hours of nature oriented entertainment and includes a nature walk, a scavenger hunt and/or a nature craft.
Beach Volleyball
The City offers organized beach volleyball almost every weekend during the summer. Volleyball leagues and net rentals are offered by the City. Inquire at the Lifeguard office or call 613-580-2854.
Book your event at the beach. Contact City Wide Allocations at 613-580-2595 or e-mail sports@ottawa.ca.
Environmental Stewardship
Periodically, the Friends of Petrie Island organize activities that protect the environmental integrity of the Island and the plants and animals that live there. Examples include clean up days, removal of invasive species, turtle education and conservation, tree planting. Check the Facebook page by Friends of Petrie Island or the website for event updates. Get involved!
Powerboats
Powerboats should exercise caution on the back channels, and respect the provincial and federal speed limit of 10 kmh (6 mph, 5 kn) within 30 m (100 feet) of shoreline. Keep clear of swimming areas. There are two boat ramps at Petrie Island Marina.