The Rideau Canal's opening and the sizzling long weekend will see many on and in the water in the days to come.
Bill and Louise Desjardins said they've been waiting all winter to get into their new boat, where they'll be spending the Victoria Day weekend.
"We love this stretch," Louise said of the Rideau Canal, which opened Friday. "(It's a) two to three-hour ride to take a look at beautiful scenery."
Police said they'll also be out on the water, checking for life jackets and impaired drivers.
"Close to 50 per cent of drownings are alcohol-related," said Ottawa Fire Services spokesperson Marc Messier. "If people are drinking, keep an eye on them if they are going in the water."
Forecasts around 30 C Sunday and Monday will almost surely have people hitting Ottawa's beaches, although they technically don't open until June 16 and will have no lifeguards.
"It would be more reassuring with them for sure," said mother Lena Bootsma.
The City of Ottawa's splash pads are open for your cooling-off purposes.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Vanessa Lee
