Ottawa Introduces More Parks for Alcohol Consumption

The City of Ottawa is moving forward with a pilot program that lets people enjoy alcoholic beverages in select parks during the summer months.

After a council decision made in 2025, the city has an updated list of parks where alcohol consumption is allowed from 11:00 a. m. to 9:00 p. m. This year’s selection features some changes, aimed at gathering more data.

Drinking in these parks is permitted from June 1 through October 31.

The designated parks for 2026 include:

Minto Park, 102 Lewis St. Mc Nabb Park, 180 Percy St. Queenswood Ridge Park, 346 Kennedy Ln. E. Brewer Park, 100 Brewer Way Heirloom Orchard, Lansdowne Park, 450 Queen Elizabeth Dr. Primrose Park, 179 Primrose Ave. Champlain Park, 140 Carleton Ave. Strathcona Park, 25 Range Rd. Riverain Park, 400 North River Rd.

Signs will be placed in the areas where people can enjoy their drinks. However, there are several spots within the park where drinking isn’t allowed-like playgrounds, wading pools and splash pads, beaches, fields and ball diamonds, courts, skateboard parks and parking lots.

“Please take your empty alcoholic beverage containers home with you. Remember, alcohol bottles and cans can be returned for deposit refunds at any Beer Store retailer,” the city advises.

Alcohol Allowed Nearly Everywhere in Provincial Parks

Earlier this year, the Doug Ford government approved a change that permits drinking almost anywhere in Ontario’s Provincial Parks. Previously, alcohol was only allowed at campsites.

“It’s 2026, and we’re not here to treat our fellow citizens like children,” said Todd Mc Carthy, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks. He describes this change as one “intended to improve the overall park experience, support local tourism while continuing to prioritize safety.”

Some sections of provincial parks will still prohibit alcohol consumption near playgrounds and sports areas. The parks will feature clear signage to mark areas that remain alcohol-free.

This latest move by the Ford government aims to modernize regulations around alcohol. They had also announced previously that “bring-your-own” alcoholic beverages would be allowed at outdoor public events.

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