Petrie Island
A 291-hectare island with two Ottawa River beaches, over 7 km of nature trails, and Class 1 wetlands with 450+ plant species and 130+ bird species. Kayak rentals available in summer, ice fishing and cross-country skiing in winter.
Features
About Petrie Island
Petrie Island is a 291-hectare nature area on the Ottawa River in Orleans, about 23 km east of Parliament Hill. It combines supervised beaches with an ecologically significant wetland — designated Class 1 (the highest rating in Ontario's wetland evaluation system) and a regionally significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.
The island is managed by the City of Ottawa, with the Friends of Petrie Island volunteer organization helping to maintain trails and operate the Nature Centre.
Beaches
Petrie Island has two main beaches on the Ottawa River — River Beach (Main Beach) and East Bay Beach — plus a smaller children's beach near the picnic area. Lifeguards are on duty daily from noon to 7 PM, Victoria Day weekend through mid-August.
Facilities include washrooms, a canteen, picnic tables (24 total), and a children's playground.
Trails
Over 7 km of easy walking trails wind through the island's forests and wetlands:
- Bill Holland Trail — 2.4 km main trail with side loops offering views of the Ottawa River and interior wetlands. Named after a local naturalist who catalogued wildlife on the island in the 1960s
- Additional loops: Turtle Trail, River Loop, Beaver Loop
Nature and Wildlife
The island's ecological significance is remarkable for an urban area:
- 450+ plant species including 320 native species and approximately 30 rare species
- 130+ bird species observed — a prime spot during spring and fall migration
- Home to the only major stand of hackberry trees in this part of Canada
- Common sightings include painted turtles, map turtles, great blue herons, and various duck species
The Nature Centre, operated by Friends of Petrie Island, is open weekends in May, June, and September, and daily in July and August.
Water Activities
Petrie Island Marina offers kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals (613-841-0778). The Petrie Island Canoe Club runs paddling programs for kids and adults, including dragon boat and sprint canoe/kayak.
Winter Activities
- Ice fishing — popular for pike, perch, and walleye
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on quiet wooded trails
- The Ski Heritage East trail system runs along the Ottawa River from Blair Road to Petrie Island (13 km)
- Free parking in winter
Getting There
- By Car: From Highway 174, exit at Trim Road, turn north. Summer parking $0.75/30 min or $2 for 5 hours (cash only). Free parking off-season
- By Transit: OC Transpo Route 139 (Place d'Orleans / Petrie Island) operates weekends and holidays during summer
- By Bike: Accessible via local cycling paths; the ride down the causeway to the island is a pleasant route
Information may change. If you spot anything outdated or incorrect, let us know.
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Details
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