Boat Launch in Ottawa, Ontario
Dick Bell Park Boat Launch
Dick Bell Park is Ottawa's west-end paved launch into the Ottawa River beside Nepean Sailing Club. It is a practical trailered-boat access if you plan ahead for the pass purchase, use the signed trailer spaces, and avoid the road and grass parking that NSC says is ticketed.
Dick Bell Park Boat Launch
Plan your visit
What to know before you go.
Dick Bell Park, Nepean.
City of Ottawa boat-launch listing.
The City directs pass purchase to Nepean Sailing Club.
NSC says day visitors do not need a parking pass.
Large vehicle/trailer spaces are across from the launch ramp.
City park overnight parking is generally prohibited from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
City launch listing with pass and parking details through NSC.
Best For
Good To Know
The City lists this as a paved boat launch and specifically notes that passes are purchased at Nepean Sailing Club, so confirm the current price and purchase method before towing over.
Launch pass holders should use the designated large vehicle/trailer spots directly across from the launch ramp and follow posted signage.
NSC says the City of Ottawa and bylaw officers enforce the parking area, including road, grass, overnight, and outside-stall violations.
Launch Details
- Ramp listing
- The City of Ottawa lists Dick Bell Park at 3259 Carling Avenue as a boat launch with a paved surface.
- Pass workflow
- The same City listing directs users to purchase launch passes at Nepean Sailing Club.
- Harbour setting
- A City council report describes the Dick Bell Park site as being on the Ottawa River beside Nepean Sailing Club and its harbour.
Parking
- Public parking
- NSC says all parking areas in Dick Bell Park are open to the public, including NSC members, guests, and other park visitors.
- Day visits
- NSC says day visitors do not need a parking pass and that parking is free at all times.
- Trailer spaces
- For public boat launch users, NSC says launch pass holders are generally allowed to park in designated large vehicle/trailer spaces directly across from the ramp.
Restrictions
- No roadside parking
- NSC says parking along roadways may result in a ticket, and parking on the grass along the road from Carling Avenue to the yard gate is strictly prohibited.
- Overflow areas
- NSC says grass overflow parking is coordinated with the City only during certain peak club activity and is otherwise not allowed.
- Overnight
- Parking in City of Ottawa parks, including Dick Bell Park, is generally prohibited between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless an NSC pass exception applies.
Official Info
- City launch listing
- Use the City of Ottawa outdoor recreation page for the current public boat-launch listing and surface note. Open City page
- NSC parking page
- Use the Nepean Sailing Club parking page for trailer parking, day parking, overnight parking, overflow, and ticketing rules. Open NSC parking
Questions People Ask
Is Dick Bell Park a public boat launch?
Yes. The City of Ottawa lists Dick Bell Park as a boat launch at 3259 Carling Avenue with a paved surface.
Where do I buy a launch pass?
The City listing says launch passes are purchased at Nepean Sailing Club. The current public pass price was not posted in the reviewed public pages, so call NSC before towing over.
Can I park my truck and trailer there?
Yes, if you follow the posted rules. NSC says launch pass holders are generally allowed to park in the designated large vehicle/trailer spaces directly across from the launch ramp.
Is day parking free?
NSC says day visitors do not need a parking pass and that parking is free at all times. Overnight and specialized parking are different and may require a valid NSC parking pass.
Can I leave a vehicle overnight?
Do not assume so. NSC says parking in City of Ottawa parks, including Dick Bell Park, is generally prohibited between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless an NSC-designated pass exception applies.
SourcesShow source links
Page facts are backed by official, operator, map, or supporting source links. Internal social research signals are not shown here.
Official And Operator
- City of OttawaOfficial page
- Nepean Sailing ClubOperator page
- Nepean Sailing ClubOperator page
- City of OttawaOfficial page