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Summer getaways, easy day trips, and urban retreats—these are the top spots on and near the island for swimming and sunbathing this summer
The city may be on an island, but Montreal beaches are often overlooked—until the heat hits. In and around Montreal, you’ll find sandy riverbanks, lakeshore views, and plenty of spots to splash and swim or relax and unwind.
This guide compiles the best true beach-style escapes in or near Montreal: places with water access, soft sand, and space to stretch out, perfect for a weekend day-trip or easy afternoon outing with the kids. If a whole beach day isn’t in the cards, you can always lounge, picnic, and tan at some of Montreal’s best parks or cool off in the city’s top swimming pools.
Here are the best beaches near Montreal to seek out this summer—breezy, inviting, and closer than you might think. Pack your towel, grab some sunscreen, and let Montreal’s shores surprise you.
Jean-Doré Beach at Parc Jean-Drapeau is a Montreal summer classic. The massive swimming zone, daily-cleaned sand, and shady trees make it the perfect spot for splashing with kids, sunbathing solo, or playing volleyball with friends. The water is monitored, the sand is soft, and the energy stays low-key even on busy days. This is an easy, accessible option on Île Saint-Helene to spend a hot afternoon outdoors.
This urban riverside beach keeps it simple. Verdun Beach offers a surprisingly calm slice of the St. Lawrence riverfront with buoy-marked water and grassy areas for lounging. The swimming area is shielded by a rock jetty, making the water gentle and inviting, though strong currents outside the marked zone mean sticking to the safe area is non-negotiable. Plus, the beach is fully stroller- and wheelchair-friendly and just steps from De l’Église metro. Locals love it for its accessibility and neighbourhood charm: an easy, low-fuss option for an impromptu swim on a hot day.
With soft sand, clear water, and endless picnic tables, Saint-Zotique Beach is a day trip destination. About 45 minutes west of Montreal, this expansive beach comes with a long list of extras: water obstacle course, boat rentals, splash pad, BBQs, and even a boardwalk. The lakeside spot has a distinctly summery feel, with families spread out under umbrellas, kids darting across the shoreline, and the scent of barbecue lingering in the air. If you’re after a full-on beach day, Saint-Zotique delivers with space to sprawl, swim, play, and picnic.
Clock Tower Beach isn’t your typical waterfront hangout. Perched on the quay below Montreal’s historic Clock Tower, this urban beach swaps waves for views—offering soft sand, misting stations, parasols, and a front-row seat to the St. Lawrence River. There’s no swimming here, but that hasn’t stopped locals and visitors from claiming the iconic blue loungers for sunbathing, reading, or watching boats drift past. Open from late June, it’s five minutes from downtown but feels worlds away, framed by the skyline, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, and the river’s slow churn. Originally part of the Old Port’s redevelopment in the 1990s, the beach has since become a seasonal escape for those craving summer without leaving the city. Add in snacks, a boardwalk, and proximity to Old Montreal’s streets, and you’ve got one of the more laid-back vantage points in the city—minimal fuss, maximum sun.
Pointe-Calumet Beach is a sandy, family-friendly stretch just outside the city, known for its clean water, sweeping views, and lively atmosphere. Here, kids can jump between inflatable games, pedal boats, and sandy playgrounds while parents lounge on chairs or fire up a BBQ in the picnic areas. There are plenty of rentals—kayaks, sports equipment, towels—and on-site lifeguards keep things safe for everyone. Though it shares its grounds with the Beachclub (a separate, adults-only party zone), the beach itself stays laid-back and welcoming to families.
Set within one of Québec’s most scenic provincial parks, the beach at Parc national d’Oka offers natural beauty and a peaceful, family-friendly vibe. Just under an hour from Montréal, it’s a spot where wetlands, forest, and lake meet, with a long stretch of sand and calm waters supervised by lifeguards. Visitors can hike up to the historic Calvaire trail for sweeping views of Lac des Deux Montagnes, then return to picnic under shady trees or grill on the provided charcoal barbecues. Parking passes and park entry fees apply, and pets aren’t allowed on the beach—but the serene setting, gentle waters, and nature more than make up for it.
With a wide sandy shoreline on the banks of the St. Lawrence, RécréoParc offers a safe, family-friendly beach experience close to Montréal. The site features a playground, picnic areas, and a casual snack bar with a terrace for when you need a bite between swims. The water, fed by the river’s rapids, is clean and regularly tested, and lifeguards are on duty during open hours. Citizens of partner municipalities enjoy free access with proof of residency, while others can opt for day passes or seasonal rates. While BBQs, glass containers, and pets are not allowed, you can bring your own towel, snacks, and enjoy a carefree day by the water.
On the shores of Lac Saint-Louis, Village des Écluses offers beachside relaxation with unbeatable lake views just 40 minutes from Montreal. Set on a heritage estate where the Soulanges Canal meets the river, this free-entry beach has soft sand, calm water, and plenty of charm. Visitors can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or even try surfing, then unwind on the large covered terrace with craft beer and live music on Thursdays. Beyond the beach, there are hiking and cycling paths, camping options, and cultural events all summer long.
Just 45 minutes from Montreal, Le Sablon offers golden sandy beaches and a campground perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Paid reservations are needed and both day and season passes are available. With beach volleyball, a rope swing, floating water courses, and plenty of space to lounge, every visit to Le Sablon Beach promises fun and relaxation.
On the shores of Lake Val-des-Sables, just a short drive from Montreal, this family-friendly beach offers a safe and welcoming atmosphere for visitors with lifeguards on duty. Enjoy a sandy beach, picnic areas, a volleyball court, and rentals including kayaks, pedal boats, and paddleboards to help you explore the lake at any pace. During peak season, capacity is limited to 350 swimmers, with priority given to city residents.
About an hour from Montreal, this turquoise-water beach on Lac Saint-François offers free beach access, supervised swimming during opening hours, and a snack shack. While there isn’t much of a sandy “beach” area, a park with picnic tables offers space to relax, and water quality is carefully monitored. Saint-Anicet Beach is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and catching some sun.
St. Timothée Islands Regional Park features a sandy beach with crystal-clear waters. Beach volleyball, playgrounds, hiking trails, and a watersport rental kiosk complete with paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, and SUPs are all among the beach’s offerings, making it easy to spend a full day by the water. The beach is open June through August, and entry requires an online reservation.
Located on Lac Rawdon, this municipal beach has a natural sandy slope leading to a supervised swimming area. Open daily June through September, the beach is a popular attraction with safe, family-friendly swimming and access to nearby parks. Amenities include picnic areas, non-motorized boat rentals, free parking, sports equipment, and barbecue facilities.
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