Things to Do in Orleans, Ontario: A Local's Guide to Ottawa's East End

Most people do not expect a suburb of Ottawa to have its own island with sandy beaches. Orleans does. That surprise tends to set the tone for everything else you discover out here.

When you are thinking about a move, the house matters. But so does your Saturday. Where you walk the dog, where the kids burn off energy, where you go when friends visit. This guide covers what life in Orleans actually looks like outside your front door.

Petrie Island: Your Summer Headquarters

Petrie Island is a large nature area on the Ottawa River, at the north end of Trim Road. It has two main beaches, plus a smaller beach suited to young children, according to Ottawa Tourism.

Beyond swimming, you can:

• Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard at the marina
• Walk the nature trails through forest and wetland
• Visit the nature centre run by the Friends of Petrie Island volunteers
• Spot turtles and birds along the shoreline
• Grab a spot at the picnic area for a family afternoon

In summer, check OC Transpo for seasonal transit service to the island from the Orleans area.

The Ottawa River Pathway: Ride, Walk, or Run

Orleans connects to Ottawa's riverside pathway network, which runs along the Ottawa River toward downtown. It is one of the best ways to see the east end at your own pace.

Commuter cyclists use it to ride toward the core. Weekend walkers use it for long, flat strolls with river views. In winter, the Ski Heritage East trail system along the river gives cross-country skiers a local option, as noted by 613today.

Shenkman Arts Centre: Culture Close to Home

The Shenkman Arts Centre on St. Joseph Boulevard is the creative hub of Orleans. It hosts theatre, concerts, comedy, and art exhibits, plus classes for kids and adults in visual arts, music, and more.

If you love a night out but dread the drive downtown, this is a big plus. You can catch a show and be home in minutes.

Parks, Creeks, and Hidden Green Spaces

Orleans is packed with neighbourhood parks and natural corridors. A few worth knowing:

• Bilberry Creek runs through the community with wooded trails, and leads to Princess Louise Falls, a small waterfall right in the suburb.
• Neighbourhood parks in communities like Fallingbrook, Chapel Hill, and Avalon offer splash pads, play structures, and sports fields.
• Rink season brings outdoor rinks to parks across Orleans each winter.

Recreation Centres and Year-Round Sports

Ottawa winters are long, so indoor recreation matters. Orleans has several City of Ottawa recreation complexes with pools, arenas, and fitness programs. Hockey, swimming lessons, and drop-in skating are easy to fit into a weeknight schedule when the rink is close by.

You can browse programs and registration through the City of Ottawa recreation page.

Shopping and Dining Along St. Joseph Boulevard

St. Joseph Boulevard is the main street of Orleans. You will find local restaurants, cafés, and services along it, plus Place d'Orléans Shopping Centre and Orléans Town Centre nearby. Innes Road on the south side adds big-box shopping and more dining choices.

In other words, you rarely have to leave the east end for everyday errands.

Golf, Paddling, and Other Ways to Spend a Weekend

Orleans and the surrounding east end have several golf courses within a short drive. The Petrie Island Canoe Club offers paddling programs for kids and adults. And the river itself gives anglers and paddlers plenty of room to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions