Six ways to cool off in Ottawa during the record-breaking heat

A dog enjoys a splash pad in Kanata. June 24, 2022. (Ian Urbach/CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa Public Health and the City of Ottawa are urging people to stay cool during this stretch of hot and humid weather.

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Ottawa, calling for a high of 36 C on Monday and 34 C on Tuesday, with the humidex making it feel like 42 to 46.

• ‘Dangerously hot” heat continues in Ottawa. Temperature could hit 36 C today

CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at ways you can stay cool and beat the heat during this first blast of hot summer weather.

Beaches

You can go for a swim at beaches in Ottawa, Gatineau and in Gatineau Park.

Lifeguards are on duty at the four City of Ottawa beaches daily between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Ottawa beaches are:

• Britannia Beach
• Mooney’s Bay Beach
• Petrie Island Beach
• Westboro Beach

The National Capital Commission offers two spots to swim in Ottawa

• NCC River House – Lifeguards are not on duty Monday to Friday until June 27
• Dow’s Lake - Swimming is allowed at the recreational dock at Dow’s Lake. There are no lifeguards on duty.

Beaches in Gatineau

• Aylmer – Parc des Cèdres. Lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Gatineau – Parc du Lac-Beauchamp. Lifeguards on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Hull – Parc Moussette. Lifeguards on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

NCC beaches in Gatineau Park and in Gatineau

Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• La Peche Lake
• Meech Lake (Blanchet and O’Brien beaches)
• Philippe Lake (Breton, Parent and Smith beaches)
• Lac Leamy Beach

Splash pads

You can cool off at City of Ottawa splash pads.

For a list of splash pads, visit the City of Ottawa’s website.

Wading pools and swimming pools

Some City of Ottawa swimming pools and wading pools are open for the summer.

For the schedule, visit www.ottawa.ca.

Ottawa Public Library branches and community centres

The City of Ottawa says you can cool off at Ottawa Public Library branches and at community centres.

The city says there are over 100 city facilities available as cooling locations.

Visit the city’s website for a list of locations and hours of service.

Museums

You can visit a museum to cool off during this June heat wave.

The Canada Strong Pass provides free admission at national museums in Ottawa to children and youth under the age of 17.

Green spaces

Parks and multi-purpose trails are open across Ottawa and Gatineau. Ottawa Public Health recommends cooling off in the shade or at a park or green space.

Gatineau Park is also open for visitors.

Tips to keep cool

Ottawa Public Health offers the following tips to protect yourself and others during the hot weather.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Avoid heavy outdoor activity.
• Wear a hat, light and loose-fitting clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses when outside.
• Cool off in an air-conditioned space when available, including malls, museums, libraries, and movie theatres.
• Cool off in the shade or at a park or green space.
• Use a fan and mist your skin with water.
• Take cool baths and showers as often as needed.
• Open windows at night once the outdoor air is cooler than the indoor air; close windows in the morning before hotter air comes in.
• Use fans at night to help exhaust warm indoor air and/or bring in cool outdoor air.