Photo: Leamy Lake Photo Credit: Tashi Farmilo

NCC beaches in Gatineau Park and Leamy Lake open for summer season

Tashi Farmilo

The National Capital Commission (NCC) has announced the opening of the NCC beaches in Gatineau Park and Leamy Lake, welcoming visitors for the summer season. With the warm weather upon us, locals and tourists alike can now enjoy the sandy shores and refreshing waters of these picturesque locations.

From June 16 to September 4, trained lifeguards will be on duty at select beaches within Gatineau Park and Leamy Lake. At O’Brien, Blanchet, Breton, Parent, and La Pêche Lake beaches in Gatineau Park, lifeguards will be available from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. At Leamy Lake beach, lifeguards will be present from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm during the same period. However, it should be noted that, due to staff shortages, some beaches may be unsupervised at certain times. Visitors are urged to exercise caution and prioritize personal safety while enjoying their time at the beaches.

Various facilities, including washrooms, changing rooms, and picnic tables, will be accessible to visitors, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. It is important to note that swimming is only permitted within the designated areas marked by buoys. This measure ensures the safety of swimmers and maintains order on the beaches. The NCC is committed to ensuring water quality at the beaches. Regular water sample testing is conducted throughout the swimming season, and the results are diligently updated on the NCC's website.

In addition to the beach activities, open water swimming is permitted at Meech and Leamy lakes from mid-May to mid-October. However, it is important for individuals engaging in this activity to adhere to open water swimming safety measures and instructions at all times. It is essential to note that no lifeguards are on duty in the designated open water swimming areas, and participants assume their own risk.

To facilitate access to the beaches, parking fees will be in effect at various beach and boat launch parking lots from June 16 to September 4. Visitors to Meech Lake (P11, P12, P13), Philippe Lake, La Pêche Lake, and Leamy Lake will be required to pay the parking fee. Hourly parking passes can be purchased at the parking lot entrance gates, while season parking passes providing access to all beach parking lots in Gatineau Park, Leamy Lake Park, and the Mackenzie King Estate are available for purchase at the Visitor Centre.

For individuals with accessibility needs, the NCC aims to provide an inclusive experience. Vehicles displaying an accessible parking permit will receive four hours of free parking at the paid parking lots. Philippe Lake's Breton Beach has been designed to be the most accessible for people with limited mobility, featuring a paved path with a gentle slope leading to the beach and a wheelchair ramp. A beach wheelchair is also available upon request at the lifeguard station.

Groups planning to visit Gatineau Park's beaches are encouraged to contact the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre in advance. Although it is not possible to reserve the beach or parking space for groups, the Visitor Centre staff will provide important information and tips to ensure a memorable experience. To notify the Visitor Centre of a group visit, individuals can call 819-827-2020.