dennis.ca

While trying to dredge up a list of dog-friendly public swimming spots in Ottawa, my girlfriend discovered the National Capital Coalition for People and Dogs:

"...a volunteer organization that exists to represent the interests of dog owners and dog walkers in the National Capital Region."

I've never heard of this group, but their website contains a plethora of information for dog owners in the Ottawa area. They were kind enough to forward a list of dog swimming areas (reformatted and reprinted below), and their site contains all sorts of useful information for Ottawa-area dog owners including a list of city parks and dog park etiquette.

Dog Friendly Swimming Areas in Ottawa:

1. Brewer Park on Bronson Avenue (opposite Carleton University): Take the road to the right towards the Rideau River. Be careful of the swans -- they don't like dogs.
2. Saint Paul University on Main Street: This is private property but they welcome the dogs. There is a strict rule about well-behaved dogs. You will be asked to leave if the dogs are not well-behaved.
3. Jock River Landing (Highway 16): This is a municipal park area that has been designed off-leash. There is access to the Rideau River.
4. New Edinborough Park (Stanley Park): This is another municipal park that has access to the Rideau. This park is adjoined to Stanley Park which is National Capital Commission property. Caution must be exercised that the dogs do not enter or exit the water on the NCC property as swimming is not permitted and heavy fines are in place for violations of the regulation.
5. Aylmer Quarry (Pink Road and Vanier in Gatineau): This is private property behind the Aylmer SPCA. However, many dog owners, horseback riders and others use this area for swimming. The quarry is very clean and clear and offers many sections of sandy beach and grassy areas.
6. Dovercourt Recreational Centre: Watch for notices on the NCCPD website for the annual pool draining and invitation for dogs to use the pool.
7. David Bartlett Park/Long Island Park (Manotick): 35-acre waterfront park that is off-leash dog-friendly.

Further notes:

• Please be very alert to shoreline that is on National Capital Commission property. The NCC Animal Regulations include a restriction on dogs in the water and must observe a 10-foot clearance of the shoreline. Fines are fairly hefty and there is zero tolerance.
• Whole Dog Journal advises that freshwater ponds, lakes and streams may be deadly to your water dog if they contain toxins borne by blue-green algae. Dog owners should be cautious of water that looks cloudy, with a green or blue-green cast. This water should be considered suspect of having blue-green algae and dogs should not be permitted to swim or drink the water, please see the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for pictures and an in-depth description.