Westboro Beach & Summer in Westboro: What to Do This Summer

When summer arrives in Ottawa, Westboro becomes one of the city’s most active neighbourhoods. With its mix of outdoor space, local cafés, and walkable streets, it’s a place where people naturally spend more time outside.

At the centre of it all is Westboro Beach, a destination that draws residents from across the city, but feels like part of everyday life for those nearby.

Whether you’re planning a full day by the water or just looking for ways to enjoy the neighbourhood, here’s what makes Westboro one of the best places to spend time this summer.

Westboro Beach: A Summer Staple

Westboro Beach is one of Ottawa’s most recognizable summer destinations.

Located along the Ottawa River, it offers a wide stretch of sand and calm water, as well as enough space to relax. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an entire afternoon or stop by for a quick break from the day. Swimming areas are supervised during the summer months, and the surrounding space makes it easy to settle in.

The Ottawa River Pathway: Walking, Biking, Running and More

Just steps from the beach, the Ottawa River Pathway is one of the most used routes in the city during the summer.

Cyclists, runners, and walkers all share the space, creating a steady rhythm throughout the day. For many residents, the river pathway becomes a part of everyday routine.

Coffee Stops That Turn Into Longer Breaks

Westboro’s café scene plays a big role in how people spend their time in the neighbourhood.

Spots like Equator Coffee Roasters, Cloudforest Coffee, and Drip House are popular for morning drink stops, a place to sit, meet someone, or take a break before heading back outside.

In the summer, patios fill up quickly, and it’s common to see people lingering a little longer than planned.

Local Dining That Keeps You Nearby

One of the reasons Westboro works so well in the summer is that you don’t need to leave the area to find a good meal.

Restaurants like Supply and Demand, Gezellig, and The Grand offer a mix of casual and more elevated dining, all within walking distance of the main strip.

It’s easy to go from the beach to dinner without needing to plan ahead. That kind of flow is what makes the neighbourhood feel effortless.

Shopping and Everyday Stops on Richmond Road

Richmond Road runs through the heart of Westboro and brings together a mix of local shops and well-known retailers.

In the summer, it feels especially active. People move between shops, cafés, and patios, creating a steady energy throughout the day.

Whether you’re picking something up or just passing through, it adds another layer to the neighbourhood experience.

Parks and Open Space Beyond the Beach

While Westboro Beach gets most of the attention during the summer, the neighbourhood also offers smaller parks and green spaces that locals use every day.

Westboro Kiwanis Park is a quieter option tucked into the neighbourhood, offering open green space, tennis courts, and shaded areas that work well for slower afternoons or casual walks. Nearby, Clare Gardens Park provides another residential green space that feels calm and removed from the busier parts of Richmond Road.

A short drive west also brings you to Britannia Park and Beach, another popular summer destination known for its waterfront access, picnic areas, and sunset views along the river.

Summer Living in Westboro

What makes Westboro stand out in the summer is how everything around it connects.

You can spend the morning on the Ottawa River Pathway, stop for coffee on Richmond Road, walk to dinner in the evening, and still feel like you haven’t left the neighbourhood. Parks, patios, local shops, and waterfront access all become part of everyday life rather than occasional destinations.

For those looking to live in the middle of that lifestyle, CLV Group’s community at 288 Byron Avenue places residents right in the heart of Westboro. With easy access to Westboro Beach, local cafés, restaurants, shopping, and river pathways, the neighbourhood becomes an extension of home.

Living in Westboro means having the city and the outdoors within easy reach, whether it’s a quick bike ride along the river or dinner on a patio after work.

Explore 288 Byron Avenue and discover what summer living in Westboro can look like.