10 Great Outdoor Spots in Ottawa

Located in the middle of the Ottawa River just off Trim Road in Orleans, Petrie Island has just about everything. The west end of the island is a nature preserve, featuring a short trail that ends in a lookout where you can spot beavers and turtles. The onsite Interpretive Centre and a summertime Junior Naturalist Program are run by the Friends of Petrie Island group. On the east end, don't forget to cool down with a visit to their shady picnic area, and a dip in the river from the nearby sandy beach. Good to know: save on parking and help keep the island pristine by taking the new OC Transpo island shuttle bus that leaves from Place D'Orleans.