In this blog post, I am going to tell you about Shirleys Bay. A beach that I often visit for a walk, kayak, paddle board and sometimes fish from a boat.
Shirleys Bay is one of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the Ottawa area, and it has something for everyone.
Whether you are into birdwatching, boating, hiking, picnicking, or fishing, you will find it at Shirleys Bay.
In this blog post, I will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing beach, such as its natural features, its recreational opportunities, its environmental issues, and its fishing spots. I will also share with you some of the events and programs that take place at the beach throughout the year. So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a virtual tour of Shirleys Bay. 😊
Briefly About Shirleys Bay Beach
Shirleys Bay Beach is a hidden gem in the Ottawa area. It is located on the west end of the city, along the Ottawa River. It is part of the Shirleys Bay Conservation Area, which covers over 900 hectares of land and water. The beach is open to the public from May to October, and it is free to access. You can get there by car or bike. I am not very sure if you can get there by bus though 🤔.
I love going to Shirleys Bay Beach because it is so peaceful and relaxing. It is not always crowded like some other beaches in the city, and it has a natural and rustic feel.
The beach is NOT sandy though. It is mostly a flat rock. But it is clean, and the water is calm and clear. You can swim but because the surface is rocky, it is very slippery. So be careful. But enough though it is pretty slippery and there is no sand, you will see a lot of people swimming there.
Shirleys Bay Beach Parking
One of the things that make Shirleys Bay Beach awesome is that its parking is very close to the beach. And it is FREE.
The parking lot by the beach is not very large and is pretty busy during the weekend. But there is a second one, a couple of minutes away, and it almost always has a vacant spot.
Shirleys Bay Beach Facilities
One of the things that make Shirleys Bay Beach a great place to visit is that it has some nice facilities that you can use. You don’t have to worry about finding a place to eat, drink, or go to the bathroom. There are some facilities that you can find at the beach and near the parking lot. Here are some of them:
- Toilets: There are two outhouses at parking lot #1 that you can use. They are clean and well-maintained by the National Capital Commission (NCC). They are also universally accessible, which means they can accommodate people with disabilities.
- Picnic tables: There are several picnic tables at parking lot #1 that you can use. They are sheltered and unsheltered, so you can choose the one that suits your preference. They are also spacious and sturdy, so you can enjoy your food and drinks comfortably.
- Boat launch: There is a boat launch for small boats at parking lot #1 that you can use. It is located right at the beach. It has a ramp but there is no dock. You can launch your kayak, canoe, or paddle board from there and explore the Ottawa River.
Is Shirleys Bay Beach Dog Friendly?
No. Shirleys Bay Beach is not dog friendly. Dogs are not allowed at the beach and there are often bylaw officers checking to make sure the rule is followed.
Fishing at Shirleys Bay
One of the things that I enjoy the most about Shirleys Bay is fishing. It is one of the best fishing spots in the Ottawa area, and it has a lot of fish to catch. You can fish from the shore, from a boat, or from a kayak. You can also fish all year round, even in the winter.
Shirleys Bay has a variety of fish species, such as walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, channel catfish, yellow perch, sauger, muskellunge, and goldeye. You can use different baits and techniques to catch them, depending on the season and the location.
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed reading my blog post about Shirleys Bay Beach in Ottawa. It is a wonderful place to visit, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves nature, recreation, and fishing. Shirleys Bay Beach is one of my favourite beaches in Ottawa, and I hope you will love it too. 😊
If you want to learn more about other good beaches for swimming in Ottawa, you can check out another article that I wrote. It is called “Best Beaches in Ottawa 2023”, and it features some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the city.
Thank you for reading my blog post, and I hope to see you again soon. Have a great day! 😊
