The current pandemic and the need for social distancing have us revising summer plans. Goodbye, summer camp! But if it’s the outdoors you crave, Quebec has no shortage of water and sand to enjoy. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches throughout the province where you can safely relax.
Remember to call or book online before heading to the beach, as some may be full given current restrictions on the number of visitors.
Photo Credit: iStock.com/ Yves
Verdun
It's hard to get more urban than the Verdun beach, just a short walk from De L'Église metro station. It’s located behind the Auditorium, for those who know the area. Access is free of charge.
Île Notre-Dame
No need to go far to enjoy the benefits of Jean-Doré Beach, located about five minutes from downtown Montreal by car. It can also be easily reached by public transport or bicycle. Soak up the sun, take a swim or rent a canoe or kayak.
Old Port
Enjoy fine sand and beach umbrellas at the Clock Tower Beach in Montreal’s Old Port. While you can’t swim at this urban beach, you can enjoy a refreshing mist and a treat from the snack bar. Bring your own chair this year.
Saint-Zotique
Saint-Zotique Beach is a great spot for fun in, and on the water, 45-minutes from Montreal. Besides the sandy beach, you’ll find watercraft rentals, hiking trails, picnic tables by the hundreds and you can rent a charcoal BBQ. Pack a lunch as the restaurant remains closed. Reserve your tickets online.
Oka
Lake swimming in a national park? Yes, please. Head out to Oka Beach on the shores of Lac des Deux-Montagnes to enjoy a 7-km long sandy beach, hiking trails, water sports and campgrounds. The restaurant and general store are open for business.
Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac
If you prefer a slightly quieter beach experience, why not check out De la Sablière municipal beach? Enjoy the security of trained lifeguards, kayak and pedal boat rental and free parking, just 40 minutes from Montreal.
Pointe-aux-Loups
Circling a quaint fishing village, the wild sand dunes and crystal clear water at Pointe-aux-Loups beach make it worth the long ferry ride or short flight to the Magdalen Islands. The water is warm and bird watchers will enjoy the many seabirds who call the area home.
Aguanish
You could easily drive right through this tiny hamlet of 300 located along Route 138 on Quebec’s North Coast, but it would be a mistake not to get out of the car and enjoy the hidden gem that is Aguanish beach. There’s a small campground where you can sleep directly on the beach. Bonus: this is whale-watching country.
Saint-Irénée
Horseback riding, restaurants, antique shops, a scenic lookout, and sandy beach await you at Saint-Irénée municipal beach, situated on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. This charming town is classified as one of the 40 most beautiful villages in the province, so have your camera ready.
Gaspé
You only have to travel 8 short kilometres from the city of Gaspé to get to the shallow waters and fine sand of Haldimand Beach. From here you can enjoy views of Forillon National Park and kids will have fun in the play areas. This is where the Haldimand-Gaspé sandcastle competition usually takes place each July, but not in 2020.
Saint-Donat
The municipal beach at Parc des Pionniers, located in the centre of the village overlooking Lake Archambault, offers magnificent views of surrounding mountains. Besides a supervised beach, visitors will appreciate the many playgrounds for kids and hiking and biking trails.
Duhamel
The beach at Lac-Simon Tourist Centre sits between the water and the forest and is part of a complete resort with a 2-kilometre-long beach, bike and watercraft rentals and playgrounds for the little beach goers among us.
Yamaska National Park
The Choinière Reservoir offers a supervised beach set in the woods and almost 5 square kilometres of space for nautical activities. Visitors come to this national park to enjoy the beach, of course, but also to canoe, kayak, SUP and fish.
Mont-Orford
The beach at Mont-Orford National Park is actually TWO separate beaches (Stukely and Fraser) and both are supervised and designed to be family-friendly. The park is known for its spectacular mature forest and is home to many white-tailed deer and Great Blue Heron.
Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier
On the edge of Lac Saint-Joseph, 30 minutes from Quebec City, sits Duchesnay Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, boat and bike rentals. For the 2020 season access is only available for visitors who have accommodation on-site, so book a room or cabin and make it an overnight getaway.
