Leamy Lake Park

Description

Leamy Lake Park is one of those rare city escapes where you can actually forget you’re still in an urban area. It’s big — sprawling over 170+ hectares — and surrounded by water on almost every side, with Leamy Lake itself and the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers framing the landscape. The place has been around since the early 1960s, but its history goes back thousands of years. Archaeological sites here have revealed traces of human life from over 5,000 years ago, which always makes me pause and think about how many footsteps have crossed these same trails.

The park’s charm isn’t just in its size, but in its variety. Families love the supervised beach in summer, where lifeguards keep a watchful eye during swimming hours. There are volleyball courts that always seem to be in use on sunny afternoons, a playground that’s usually buzzing with kids, and picnic areas where the smell of charcoal barbecue drifts through the air. And if you’re more of a wanderer, the network of trails is perfect for hiking or biking — wide, well-kept, and shaded in just the right places. Birdwatchers will find plenty to get excited about too; the northern part of the park is a hotspot for spotting species you might not see anywhere else in the city.

It’s not perfect — sometimes it gets busy, and on peak summer weekends parking can be a headache — but the atmosphere makes up for it. Whether you’re here to swim, grill, take a slow walk, or just listen to the wind in the trees, Leamy Lake Park has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into a calmer, slower space.

Key Features

• Supervised sandy beach with lifeguards during designated swimming hours
• Two well-maintained volleyball courts
• Playground with slides and swings for children
• Charcoal barbecue pits and picnic tables
• Extensive hiking and biking trails
• Exceptional birdwatching opportunities, especially in the northern section
• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking
• Public restrooms available
• Kid-friendly hikes and open spaces for games
• Pet-friendly areas for leashed dogs

Best Time to Visit

Summer is the obvious choice if you’re planning to swim or make the most of the beach. The water’s warmest in July and August, and that’s when the lifeguards are on duty. But here’s the thing — if you’re not a fan of crowds, early mornings or weekday visits are your best bet. In fall, the park transforms into a riot of color, and the trails are quieter, making it perfect for hiking or photography. Winter has its own appeal too; the pathways often become peaceful snow-covered routes for walking or cross-country skiing, and you can spot different bird species than in the warmer months.

Spring is a bit of a wildcard — some trails can be muddy from the thaw, but the fresh greenery and returning birdlife make it worth the occasional messy shoe. Personally, I think late September is underrated here; you get crisp air, gold-and-red leaves, and way fewer people.

How to Get There

Leamy Lake Park is easy to reach whether you’re driving, cycling, or even walking from central Gatineau. If you’re coming by car, there’s a main parking lot near the beach area, though it fills up quickly on sunny weekends. Cyclists can take advantage of the city’s network of bike paths, many of which link directly to the park’s own trails. Public transit is also an option, with bus routes stopping within a short walk of the entrances. And if you’re the adventurous type, you can even arrive by kayak or canoe from the connecting waterways — just be mindful of boat traffic.

Tips for Visiting

First off, bring what you need for the day — snacks, water, sunscreen — because while there are concessions, they’re not always open outside peak season. If you’re planning to barbecue, remember it’s charcoal only, so pack accordingly. On hot weekends, get there early to claim a good spot on the beach or under the shade of a tree. And don’t forget bug spray if you’re visiting in late spring or early summer; the mosquitoes can be persistent.

For birdwatching, head to the quieter northern trails in the early morning. If you’ve got kids, the playground is a solid stop, but the open grassy areas are also perfect for frisbee or a picnic blanket sprawl. And while dogs are welcome on leash, they’re not allowed on the beach itself, so plan your activities with that in mind. Lastly, keep an eye on the weather — a sudden summer storm can roll in fast over the lake, and it’s better to be prepared than scrambling for cover.

Location

Places to Stay Near Leamy Lake Park

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides