Last Updated: January 15, 2026
I’ll never forget my first round at Kanata Lakes—the sound of a Daredevil disc hitting the chains of hole 9 just as the sun dipped behind the Beaverbrook trees. It’s a distinctively Ottawa sound, one that has echoed through our public parks since 2004 and has recently exploded into a city-wide movement that bridges the gap between casual weekend hikers and serious competitive athletes.
The National Capital Region has quietly evolved into one of Ontario’s premier disc golf destinations. What was once a niche hobby confined to a handful of dedicated players has transformed into a robust ecosystem featuring over 10 playable courses within a 90-minute radius of Parliament Hill. From the zero-cost accessibility of Centrepointe Park to the grueling, mountainous terrain of Camp Fortune, Ottawa’s disc golf scene offers a layout for every skill level and a community that is arguably the most welcoming in the province.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first putter at a local shop, join the high-energy LETS league nights, or simply find a free outdoor activity that doesn’t require a tee time or a collared shirt, this guide covers everything you need to know about playing disc golf in Ottawa. We’ve walked the fairways, dodged the “mando” trees, and consulted with the Ottawa Disc Golf Club (ODGC) to bring you the “soul” of the scene—not just the addresses, but the strategies, the local warnings, and the hidden gems that only regulars know.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s disc golf scene is anchored by free public courses in Kanata and Centrepointe, complemented by premium “destination” venues like Ettyville SuperSpin and Camp Fortune. The community is centralized around the ODGC, which manages leagues and major tournaments like the Plaid Jacket Championship. For beginners, start at Kanata or Ferguson Forest with understable, slow discs.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛳ Total Courses | 10+ within 90-minute radius |
| 💰 Average Cost | FREE to $15 (Day Pass) |
| 📅 Best Season | May to October (Year-round at select spots) |
| 👥 Community | 1,200+ active ODGC members |
| 🏆 Major Event | ODGC Plaid Jacket Championship (October) |
| 📍 Top Starter Course | Kanata Disc Golf Course (Beaverbrook) |
The Heart of the City: Free Public Courses
The beauty of disc golf in Ottawa lies in its accessibility. Unlike traditional golf, which often carries high barriers to entry, our city’s foundational courses are located in public parks and are completely free to use.
Kanata Disc Golf Course (Beaverbrook)
The recently upgraded baskets at Kanata DGC have breathed new life into Ottawa’s oldest course.
If Ottawa disc golf has a “home,” it’s Beaverbrook Park. Established in 2004, the Kanata Disc Golf Course is the heart of the local scene. It’s a 9-hole layout that winds intimately through a suburban park, offering a technical challenge that emphasizes accuracy over raw power.
The Experience: Kanata is what players call a “technical” course. You won’t find 1,000-foot par 5s here; instead, you’ll find tight windows through mature trees and “mando” (mandatory) routes that force you to learn how to shape your shots. The ODGC recently completed significant upgrades here, installing brand-new baskets on holes 1, 2, and 9, along with a dedicated practice basket near the first tee.
Local Insight: Regulars describe Kanata as playing in a “Pokemon world”—it’s small, vibrant, and perfectly manicured. However, don’t let the short distances fool you. The “long” tees provide a significantly different look and can frustrate even intermediate players who underestimate the tree gaps.
- Location: Beaverbrook Park, Kanata (Off Campeau Drive)
- Holes: 9 (with Dual Tees for 18 unique looks)
- Cost: FREE
- Best For: Casual rounds, technical practice, and neighborhood vibes.
Centrepointe Park Disc Golf Course
Centrepointe offers concrete tee pads, a premium feature for a free public course.
The newest addition to the city’s portfolio, Centrepointe Park, represents a major milestone: a publicly-funded course right in the geographic center of Ottawa. Located across from the Ben Franklin Library, it’s the most accessible spot for residents in Nepean and central Ottawa.
The Warning: While the concrete tee pads and high-end DiscGolfPark targets are impressive, the course design is a frequent topic of debate on Reddit and UDisc. The layout runs through an active multi-use park. Pedestrian pathways cross several fairways, requiring players to exercise extreme caution and patience. Blind shots on holes 2 and 8 are particularly notorious for safety risks.
Pro Tip: “Hole 2 doesn’t even have proper placement—the basket is directly beside the tee,” one local player noted recently. In fact, basket 2 was recently removed after being hit by a city mower, so check the ODGC Discord for current status before heading out.
- Location: Centrepointe Park (Nepean)
- Holes: 9
- Cost: FREE
- Best For: Absolute beginners and families living central.
Destination Venues: The Heavy Hitters
When you’re ready to test your mettle on championship-level tracks, you need to head just outside the city limits. These courses are the reason Ottawa is considered a legitimate disc golf hub in Eastern Canada.
Ettyville SuperSpin (The “Crown Jewel”)
Ettyville SuperSpin is a world-class complex featuring two distinct 18-hole layouts.
Located in Curran (about 45 minutes east of Ottawa), Ettyville SuperSpin is a private facility that offers what many consider the best disc golf experience in Ontario. This isn’t just a course; it’s a destination.
The Layouts: Ettyville features 36 holes split into two legendary tracks: Island Dunes and Prodigy Dream.
- Island Dunes is known for its unique sandy terrain and technical forest shots.
- Prodigy Dream is a “bomber” course that allows you to let it rip across rolling hills and open fields.
The Vibe: The owners have cultivated a “pro-tour” atmosphere, complete with an on-site pro shop where you can buy discs and drinks. It has hosted the Ontario Provincial Championships, and for good reason—the maintenance is immaculate, and the design is world-class.
- Holes: 36 (2 x 18)
- Cost: $15 Day Pass (approx.)
- Best For: A full day of serious play, testing your distance, and that “pro” feeling.
Camp Fortune Disc Golf
Playing at Camp Fortune means navigating extreme elevation changes in the heart of Gatineau Park.
If you want a workout with your round, cross the bridge to Chelsea, QC. Camp Fortune transforms its ski hills into an 18-hole disc golf beast during the summer months (May to October).
The Challenge: This is extreme disc golf. You will be throwing off the sides of mountains and hiking back up them. The elevation changes are so significant that your discs will behave differently—putters will fly like drivers, and drivers will skip off the rocky terrain.
Warning: “Bring extra discs for hole 5,” is a common refrain among locals due to the unforgiving terrain and potential for lost plastic in the brush. Also, remember that you are sharing the mountain with high-speed mountain bikers; they always have the right of way.
- Holes: 18
- Cost: Paid (includes lift access on select days)
- Season: Summer only (May–October)
- Best For: Adrenaline seekers and those looking to practice extreme uphill/downhill shots.
Larrimac Golf & Tennis Club
Located just down the road from Camp Fortune, Larrimac offers a unique “hybrid” experience. The 18-hole disc golf course flows alongside the traditional 9-hole ball golf course.
Why it’s unique: It offers some of the most scenic views in the Gatineau Hills. Because it shares space with ball golfers, the etiquette is slightly more formal, but the fairways are wide and beautifully maintained. It is also the home of the legendary LETS (Larrimac Evening Tags Series), the primary summer league for the region.
Regional Hidden Gems
Ferguson Forest (Kemptville)
Maintained by the Kemptville Disc Golf Club (KDGC), this 18-hole course is a local favorite for its mix of “open bombs” and “tight wooded tunnels.” It is free to play and offers a much more peaceful, natural setting than the urban Ottawa courses.
UPI Daredevil (Greely)
Owned by the Ottawa Carleton Ultimate Association (OCUA), this 9-basket course features dual tees and is the home of Daredevil Discs, a local manufacturer. It’s primarily playable when Ultimate games aren’t taking place, so check the schedule first.
Beginner’s Guide: Starting Right in Ottawa
If you’re new to the sport, Ottawa is the perfect place to learn. Here is how to get started without the “AI-style” generic advice—just real local knowledge.
1. Where to Buy Discs
While most big-box sports stores carry a few generic discs, local players support discsports.ca. It is an Ottawa-based online store that offers local pickup and the widest selection of plastic in the region. They carry everything from local Daredevil Discs to major brands like Innova, Discraft, and Kastaplast.
2. The “Slow and Understable” Rule
Don’t walk into a shop and buy the fastest driver you can find. Local pros always recommend starting with “understable” plastic and slower speeds (putters and midranges).
- Pro Tip: “Understable plastic is your friend when you’re starting. It helps keep the disc flat and prevents it from immediately diving to the left (for right-handed players).“
3. Practice Etiquette
- Right of Way: In Ottawa’s multi-use parks (like Centrepointe and Kanata), pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way. Never throw if someone is within range.
- Spotting: On wooded courses like Ferguson Forest or Ettyville, play with a buddy and take turns “spotting” (standing ahead to see where the disc lands). It saves hours of searching in the brush.
- The “Doubles” Method: If you’re playing alone, play “doubles” style—throw two discs from every spot and play the better one. It gives you twice the practice in half the time.
The Community: Joining the ODGC
The Ottawa Disc Golf Club is the lifeblood of the scene. With over 1,200 members in their Facebook group and a very active Discord, it’s where you find out about course conditions, lost discs, and upcoming events.
League Nights
- LETS (Larrimac Evening Tags Series): The premier summer league. It’s competitive but features divisions for all skill levels.
- Winter Leagues: Don’t think the season ends in November. Ottawa has a dedicated “Glow” scene and winter leagues that play through the snow at courses like Kanata and Centrepointe.
Major Tournaments
The Plaid Jacket Championship is the highlight of the year. Held every October, it draws players from across Ontario and Quebec for a two-day battle for the coveted plaid jacket.
Comparison: Ottawa Courses at a Glance
| Course | Difficulty | Terrain | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanata (Beaverbrook) | Moderate | Wooded/Suburban | Tech Practice | FREE |
| Centrepointe | Easy/Moderate | Open/Urban | Accessibility | FREE |
| Ettyville | Hard/Pro | Mixed/Sandy | All-Day Trip | Paid |
| Camp Fortune | Extreme | Mountainous | Adventure | Paid |
| Ferguson Forest | Moderate | Forest/Meadow | Natural Beauty | FREE |
| Larrimac | Technical | Hills/Golf Course | Scenic Views | Paid |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is disc golf free in Ottawa? A: Mostly, yes. The two main courses within the city limits (Kanata and Centrepointe) are completely free. Destination courses like Ettyville and Camp Fortune charge a daily fee (usually $10-$15).
Q: Do I need to book a tee time? A: For public parks like Kanata, no. It is first-come, first-served. For private courses like Ettyville or Larrimac, it is always best to check their website or UDisc for availability, especially during tournament weekends.
Q: Can I play in the winter? A: Absolutely. While courses like Camp Fortune are pulled for ski season, Kanata and Centrepointe remain playable. Many locals use “ribbons” taped to the bottom of their discs to find them in deep snow, and “Glow” rounds (using LED lights on discs) are very popular on winter evenings.
Q: Where can I find people to play with? A: The Ottawa Disc Golf Club Facebook group is the best place to start. Just post your skill level and when you’re looking to play—you’ll almost certainly find someone to join you for a round.
Q: What should I bring for a round at Camp Fortune? A: Sturdy hiking boots are non-negotiable. Bring at least 2 liters of water, bug spray (the Gatineau black flies are legendary), and high-visibility discs that won’t get lost in the thick mountain brush.
Final Summary
Ottawa’s disc golf scene is defined by its duality: the casual, community-driven rounds at neighborhood parks and the world-class, professional-grade challenges waiting in the surrounding forests and hills. Whether you are aiming for your first “Ace” at Kanata or trying to survive the Eardley Escarpment at Camp Fortune, you are participating in a sport that celebrates the best of the National Capital Region’s outdoors. Grab a couple of discs from a local shop, respect the park users, and we’ll see you at the next league night.
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