★★★★★ 4.5(3,100 reviews)13.9 km from hotel~28 min drive
Britannia Park and Beach is one of Ottawa's most beloved green spaces, located 13.9 km from Adam's Airport Inn (28 minutes by car). With a 4.5-star rating from 3,100 visitors, it's consistently praised for its natural beauty and well-maintained trails.
Ottawa's parks are stunning in every season — vibrant fall foliage in October, pristine snow-covered trails in winter, and lush greenery from May through September. Pack layers and comfortable walking shoes.
Quick Info
Duration2–4 hours
CostFree (parking is free)
Best TimeSummer weekday mornings for a peaceful swim. Sunset evenings for views over the Ottawa River. Lifeguards on duty mid-June to Labour Day.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
28 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 28 minutes by car. Free parking lot.
Why Guests Love This
Britannia is Ottawa’s most popular urban beach — a long sandy stretch on the Ottawa River with shallow, warm water that families with young children particularly appreciate. The park surrounding the beach includes mature shade trees, picnic pavilions, a playground, and walking trails along the waterfront. Sunset views over the river toward the Gatineau Hills are quietly spectacular. For guests at Adam’s Airport Inn looking for a relaxed afternoon outdoors without driving to cottage country, Britannia delivers a genuine beach experience about 25 minutes from the hotel.
FamiliesNature Lovers
Details
Address2805 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K2B 8K6, Canada
Yes, during supervised hours. Lifeguards are on duty from mid-June through Labour Day, typically 12–7 PM daily. The beach has a gradual entry with shallow water extending well offshore, making it particularly suitable for young children. Water quality is tested regularly — check the City of Ottawa beach status page on the day of your visit, as blue-green algae blooms occasionally close the beach in late summer.
What facilities are available at Britannia Park?
The park has change rooms and washrooms near the beach, picnic tables and covered pavilions (reservable for groups), a children’s playground, walking and cycling trails along the waterfront, and a concession stand open during summer. Barbecues are permitted in designated areas. Free parking is available in the main lot off Carling Avenue.
Is Britannia Beach good for families with young children?
Excellent. The shallow, gently sloping entry to the water is ideal for toddlers and young swimmers. The adjacent playground keeps children occupied when they tire of the water. Shade trees and picnic pavilions allow families to settle in for a full afternoon. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-oriented throughout the summer.
Can I walk or cycle along the waterfront at Britannia?
Yes. The Britannia section of the Ottawa River Pathway is a paved multi-use trail running along the waterfront. It connects west toward Andrew Haydon Park and east toward Westboro Beach and beyond. The trail is flat and scenic — ideal for a morning jog, a family bike ride, or a leisurely walk along the river.
How do I get to Britannia Park and Beach from Ottawa Airport?
Britannia Park at 2805 Carling Avenue is approximately 18 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). From Adam’s Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal), drive about 25 minutes west via Hunt Club Road to Moodie Drive, then north to Carling Avenue. Free parking is available in the main lot.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 28 minutes from Britannia Park and Beach. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.
