Petrie
Island is a complex of islands and wetlands located on the south shore
of the Ottawa River in suburban Ottawa, Canada. It features a large
public beach, boat launch, interpretation center, and an extensive
nature preserve with access trails where you may view many birds,
reptiles and other animals as well as rare trees and other plant
species.
The site is owned by the City of Ottawa, which operates the beach.
The Friends of Petrie Island operate the interpretation center and
oversee the nature preserve, which covers most of the western portion of
the site.
When You Visit
The Petrie Island area consists of wetlands and backwaters that are
environmentally sensitive. When you visit, please be respectful of the
site and mindful of others.
Dogs are prohibited everywhere on Petrie Island.
Stay on trails - do not disturb or harm wildlife, pick wildflowers or
damage trees and other plants. Many birds and animals inhabit and breed
in this area.
Do not catch turtles and frogs along the shoreline. It is illegal to
catch turtles or disturb their nests; handling of frogs can harm them
(you are toxic to them) and the shoreline is easily damaged by trampling
Do not fish along the Turtle Trail or beaches – discarded fish hooks
and lines are dangerous to people and to wildlife.
Bicycles are not allowed on the trails.
Do not litter.
If you observe wild animals acting strangely, please let staff know.
Fires and camping are prohibited. |
The Friends of Petrie Island and the Ottawa Stewardship
Council are conducting a survey of species at risk turtles
in and around Petrie Island. We need to learn more about the
numbers, distribution, and habitat of these turtles,
especially the Blanding’s turtle and the Northern Map
turtle, both of which have been observed on Petrie Island in
past years.
