Mooney's Bay Park and Beach
Ottawa's vibrant waterfront park and beach, offering swimming, playgrounds, scenic trails, and lively festivals.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Mooney's Bay Park and Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ottawa's vibrant waterfront park and beach, offering swimming, playgrounds, scenic trails, and lively festivals.
"A fantastic park and beach with something for everyone, perfect for a day out with family and friends."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking is paid and limited. Arrive early, especially on weekends, or consider parking at nearby Canada Post during events.
💧 Stay Hydrated
There's a water fountain available to refill your bottles, a great eco-friendly option.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sandy Beach
Mooney's Bay Beach
Spacious sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles. Water access is good, preventing overcrowding.

Playgrounds Galore
Mooney's Bay Park
Multiple large play structures cater to all ages, ensuring fun for younger visitors.

Scenic Bike Paths
Connecting trails
Explore the riverfront on well-maintained bike paths, offering fantastic views and a great way to exercise.

Pirate Adventures
Mooney's Bay
Catch a unique children's theatre performance by Pirate Life, often featuring a pirate ship!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Event Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking is paid and limited. Arrive early, especially on weekends, or consider parking at nearby Canada Post during events.
💧 Stay Hydrated
There's a water fountain available to refill your bottles, a great eco-friendly option.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
While there's a concession stand, bringing your own food and drinks can save money.
☀️ Shade Seekers
Plenty of trees offer natural shade, but consider bringing an umbrella for extra comfort.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking is paid and limited. Arrive early, especially on weekends, or consider parking at nearby Canada Post during events.
💧 Stay Hydrated
There's a water fountain available to refill your bottles, a great eco-friendly option.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
While there's a concession stand, bringing your own food and drinks can save money.
☀️ Shade Seekers
Plenty of trees offer natural shade, but consider bringing an umbrella for extra comfort.
🎭 Check Event Schedules
Know about festivals like AfroFest to enjoy them or plan around them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mooney's Bay is widely praised as a fantastic park and beach offering something for everyone, from spacious sandy shores and excellent playgrounds to scenic bike paths. Visitors appreciate the ample green space and shade, making it ideal for family outings and picnics. The main drawback cited is the limited and paid parking, which can be challenging, especially on busy weekends and during events.
"This park is a great way to spend a sunny day solo or with family and friends. There is a beach, park benches, picnic tables, trails, and playground structures. Parking is not too far and plentiful during the week. It can get busy even during the week so weekends are super crowded. The bathroom situation was limited but better than nothing."
S Foo
"This is a fantastic park and beach. There is something here for everyone.
There are multiple large play structures for all ages. The beach is large, with lots of space for everyone and good water access so it doesn't feel crowded. Green space is plentiful and there are many trees for shade, even in the beach area.
You can purchase snacks, ice cream, and such at a concession stand, though you'll pay a fair bit as you would expect at such a location. There are a few tables available to sit at and also plenty of green space with trees for shade nearby as well. Also note, you can fill up your water bottle here at a water fountain.
Public bathrooms are available with changing facilities for the beach as well.
The only issue is that there is very limited parking, which is paid, so unless you get there early in the day, you will have difficulty finding parking. Other than that, it's a fantastic place to spend an entire day with the family and friends."
Jeff Eng
"Great outdoor park and beach for those looking for outdoor activities with family and friends.
A little messy, and my advice to everyone to please pick after yourself. If you're not going to respect and clean the surrounding, then how else you're going to love yourself.
Great swings and mini playground for kids.
The sand at the beach was clean.
It's a fun and lively area to spend weekends."
Asif A. Ali
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mooney's Bay is accessible by car, with paid parking available. OC Transpo buses also serve the area. The park is also connected to extensive bike paths, making it a great cycling destination.
Typically, parking is paid. During major events like the Dragon Boat Festival, there might be alternative free parking options nearby, such as at the Canada Post building across the street.
Absolutely! Mooney's Bay is connected to Ottawa's extensive network of scenic bike paths along the river, making it a popular cycling destination.
Yes, OC Transpo buses service the area around Mooney's Bay, making it accessible for those relying on public transportation. Check the OC Transpo schedule for specific routes and times.
To avoid traffic and parking hassles, aim for weekday visits or arrive very early on weekends. Weekday mornings are generally the least crowded.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mooney's Bay Park and Beach are generally free to enter. However, parking is paid. Some special events, like AfroFest, may have free entry but might require online registration.
The park and beach are typically open from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities like washrooms may have limited hours, with some closing seasonally after October.
Entry to the park and beach is free. However, for specific festivals like AfroFest, while entry is free, it's recommended to register online.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned on bringing your own food and drinks. Picnics are common, and there are plenty of green spaces to enjoy them.
Public washrooms are available but may have limited hours and are sometimes closed seasonally, typically after October. It's advisable to check for current availability.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim at the beach, play on the playgrounds, have picnics, cycle on the bike paths, and enjoy seasonal events like festivals and children's theatre.
Yes, Mooney's Bay is very family-friendly with multiple large playgrounds suitable for various ages and a spacious beach area.
Yes, the park has many trees that provide ample shade, especially in the green spaces near the beach.
Public bathrooms are available, including changing facilities for the beach. However, their availability can be limited seasonally.
Absolutely! Mooney's Bay offers plenty of green space and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a picnic with family and friends.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a concession stand where you can purchase snacks and ice cream. Bringing your own food for a picnic is also a popular option.
AfroFest Ottawa features a variety of food vendors offering delicious African cuisine, alongside live performances and art.
Food from the concession stand can be a bit pricey, as is typical for attractions. Packing your own food is a more budget-friendly choice.
Yes, there is a water fountain available for refilling water bottles, which is convenient and environmentally friendly.
While Mooney's Bay has onsite concessions, you can find a wider variety of restaurants in the surrounding Ottawa area, a short drive or bike ride away.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself, the scenic bike paths along the river, and the green spaces with mature trees offer beautiful backdrops. The pirate ship from Pirate Life Theatre can also make for fun shots.
Yes, the west-facing beach and river views can offer lovely sunset opportunities, especially during the late summer evenings.
During public events like festivals, photography is generally permitted for personal use. Be mindful of performers and other attendees.
The Pirate Life Theatre performances often involve a pirate ship, which can provide unique and playful photo opportunities, especially for families.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the best natural light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing beach activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🏃♀️ Active Visitors & Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Fun at Mooney's Bay
Beyond the playgrounds and beach, the park offers plentiful green space with mature trees, perfect for picnics and letting kids run around. The presence of picnic tables and the option to refill water bottles further enhance the family-friendly experience. While washrooms are available, it's worth noting they may have seasonal closures, so planning ahead is advisable. The park's layout and amenities make it easy to spend an entire day here, keeping children engaged and happy.
For added entertainment, keep an eye out for seasonal events like the Pirate Life Theatre, which brings a pirate ship and engaging performances to the bay, delighting younger audiences. These events add an extra layer of magic to a family outing at Mooney's Bay.
Events and Festivals at Mooney's Bay
Other notable events include the Dragon Boat Festival, which can significantly impact parking and crowd levels, so checking the schedule is crucial. The park's open spaces and waterfront location make it an ideal venue for large gatherings, concerts, and community celebrations.
When planning a visit during a festival, be prepared for increased crowds and potential parking challenges. However, the energy and unique experiences offered by these events, from cultural celebrations to theatrical performances like those by Pirate Life Theatre, make Mooney's Bay a dynamic destination.
Exploring Mooney's Bay by Bike
The pedestrian bridge near Carleton University is also a key part of the cycling infrastructure, enhancing connectivity. Cyclists can enjoy the fresh air, beautiful views, and the convenience of reaching Mooney's Bay without dealing with parking. It's a popular route for both leisurely rides and more vigorous exercise.
Whether you're looking for a short ride to the beach or a longer excursion through the city's green spaces, the bike paths around Mooney's Bay are a major asset, offering a healthy and scenic way to experience the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit