Westboro Beach Reopens with $21M Revamp: Scenic Views, New Pavilion, and Year-Round Fun
Ottawa’s Westboro Beach is back — and it’s better than ever. After a multi-year closure and a $21 million revitalization, the beloved shoreline destination officially reopened to the public on June 1, 2025. The National Capital Commission (NCC) unveiled major upgrades, including a zero-carbon pavilion, scenic boardwalks, accessible pathways, and a year-round café and beach bar.
A New Era for Westboro Beach
Part of the Ottawa River South Shore Riverfront Park Plan, the revamped Westboro Beach now features a 9-kilometre accessible shoreline stretching from Lebreton Flats to Mud Lake. The centerpiece? A modern pavilion built with sustainable, low-carbon materials and powered by a geothermal system.
This new structure houses:
- Gender-neutral washrooms and changing rooms
- Lockers for beach gear and rentals
- A café and outdoor bar operated by Wilderness Tours
- Artworks representing the “Three Sisters” rivers that feed into the Ottawa River
While the full-service restaurant by The Grand Pizzeria is still under development, visitors can already sip espresso or grab a snack with a view of the river.
History Meets Modern Design
The redesign blends the area’s rich past with modern features. The beach now includes interpretive panels, fossil displays dating back 500 million years, and the preserved Skead’s Mill ruins. There’s even a children’s play area inspired by local history and nature.
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Architectural updates were guided by a 2019 NCC design competition, later delayed by the pandemic. The final product, though years in the making, is now a striking example of how Ottawa is building green, inclusive public spaces.
Fun on Land and Water
Whether you’re here to chill or get active, Westboro Beach has options:
- Beach volleyball courts
- Outdoor showers
- Scenic picnic areas
- Boardwalk trails for walking and biking
- Stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals
- Lazy river tube and canoe tours
Wilderness Tours runs many of these offerings, with routes that wind past the Deschenes Rapids and Deschenes Ruins, giving residents and visitors a fresh way to explore the Ottawa River.
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A Community-Driven Success
Local leaders, including MP Yasir Naqvi and NCC Chair Maryse Gaudreault, praised the transformation. Long-time residents like Rick Robinson called the upgrade “spectacular,” emphasizing how the refreshed beach enhances the neighbourhood without losing its charm.
Despite opening on a chilly June morning, the buzz was undeniable. Now that summer is around the corner, Westboro Beach is ready for sunbathers, swimmers, families, and tourists alike.
What are you most excited to check out at the new Westboro Beach — the paddleboard rentals, the café, or the lazy river ride? Let us know in the comments.
More…
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/ncc-unveils-new-westboro-beach-area-now-open-to-the-public
- https://ottawacitizen.com/news/westboro-beach-reopens
- https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/news/westboro-beach-reopens
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