Beach Chairs - Golden Lake, OttawaWhile our beach waters should be safe and free from harmful contaminants, not surprisingly, the same problems that can threaten our drinking water can also threaten beach water quality. Beach activities such as swimming, windsurfing and wading bring us in direct contact with water, and when beach water quality is contaminated, this contact can pose a risk to our health.

BoatingCanadians regularly enjoy recreational boating, and many use motorboats during the summer and fishing seasons. However, like many other activities boating can have negative environmental impacts, particularly in the marine environment through diesel leaks, engine emissions and sewage (yachts and houseboats) and their effects are far reaching.

How Does Boating Affect Water Quality?

Boating activity can contribute to water pollution in a number of ways, including:

School of FishCanada's fish habitat is critical to the security and sustainability of Canada’s marine and freshwater fisheries resources. Fish habitat, however, can be easily damaged and lost due to human activities that occur in, near or with water. They can result in significant changes to fish habitat and have profound effects on the economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits that marine and freshwater fish provide to Canadians.

CanoeingCanoeing and kayaking is a great way of experiencing nature close up. The huge network of stream, rivers and lakes across the country provide opportunities to get away from the daily grind and explore nature in our local environment.

HikingIn Canada we are blessed with huge areas of open space, numerous parks, conservation and protected areas; where we can explore the wilderness. Hiking or bush-whacking, whatever you like to call it, is a common favourite past-times for Canadian's, and is one of the most basic and enjoyable outdoor activites you can do.

Bird-watchingThe Ottawa Gatineau region has a large and diverse birding community which dates back to the 19th century. Nowadays there are many options for people interested in birds to get involved and enjoy this past-time.

For general information on Birds see the Canadian Museum of Nature's Natural History Notes: Birds.

Wintertime is a great time to explore the outdoors - the snow and frozen lakes become a winter playground for skating, snow-shoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling. These pursuits are a great way to see parts of the country that you normally wouldn't explore. Ontario and Quebec are well suited to winter activities with beautiful landscapes and thousands of trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, numerous ski hills and ice rinks.

When enjoying the outdoors it is important we remember to take nothing and leave only footprints - so what are you waiting for!