Beaches near Montreal
You're probably wondering if there really are beaches in Canada. Yes, there are, and they're fantastic for a day trip or weekend getaway! While Canada isn't exactly famous for its hot summers and sunshine, that doesn't mean they don't happen! Let us take you through Montreal, so you can see what you might be missing out on!
Winters in Montreal can be downright brutal with the record low in a year hitting -38 degrees Celsius. Now, that's chilly! You might still be wondering how anyone can possibly enjoy a day at the beach. Well, here’s how: the summer temperature reaches a sizzling 35 degrees Celsius. And when you're used to such harsh winters, even 10 degrees can feel like a heatwave! So, no wonder Montreal has plenty of beaches!
It doesn't matter when you visit Montreal, there's always something fun to do! We're excited to share some awesome attractions that are near beaches. Just because you're not going there in the summer, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy a day at the beach. Come with us as we explore some great options for beaches near Montreal.
Top 3 Beaches near Montreal
Get ready to discover the best beaches near Montreal! Spend the day sunbathing, partying, or making the most of Montreal’s breathtaking attractions! These are our top picks for more isolated and urban beaches, whatever you're in the mood for!
- Clock Tower Beach
- Jean Doré Beach
- Oka Beach
1. Clock Tower Beach
Let's address the elephant in the room—this isn't an actual beach, and you can't swim there. Now, you might be wondering: Why would you put something that isn't a beach on a list about beaches? Well, here's the scoop: you can kick back on the sand and soak up the sun. Also, there are a lot of fantastic events happening on this side of the Saint Lawrence River that we can’t wait to tell you about!
First of all, how do you get there? You could walk there, which would take you about 35 minutes, but you can also hop on the number 50 bus and get off right at Clock Tower Quay Streat. From here, just follow the large Clock Tower sticking out of the sea, and you won't miss it. The Quay has a lot of photo ops that will make your Instagram followers jealous!
The "beach" is man-made and filled with fine sand. It's just perfect for tanning without getting into the water. The Clock Tower is a sight and a half, and you’ll find refreshing mist stations to cool off on those hot summer days. Best of all, the beach is free except during events, so make sure to check out the Clock Tower Beach program! You can expect top DJs and the best performances in this quirky spot. Craving a snack at an ice cream shop? Visit the Bistro snack bar for a quick bite or drink!
The beach has a large paved parking lot, but it'll set you back $35 for the whole day. It’s pretty pricey, but hey, if carpe diem taught us anything, let’s make the most of it! Right next door, you’ll find La Grande Roue de Montreal Ferris wheel that'll make your jaw drop at the sights of the city. It's open every day from 10 AM to 11 PM, December 9th to March 3rd. Also, take advantage of the La Patinoire de Vieux-Port de Montreal ice skating rink. For just $10, you can enter it, and with another $10, you can rent the skates.
Make the most of your day at Clock Tower Beach
Are you planning a visit to Clock Tower Beach and its attractions? Check out our luggage storage facilities in Montreal and see where you can leave your stuff. There are a lot of pickpockets in tourist destinations, so you don't want to have anything valuable on you that you don't need for the day!
2. Jean Doré Beach
Jean Doré Beach is a wonderful spot to see, full of fun activities to fill your day. Nestled on Notre Dame Island, you’ll find bike paths, hiking trails, and beach volleyball courts to get your blood pumping. To reach the island, you'll need to cross the Saint Lawrence River. We recommend biking there to make the most use of those bike paths. You can also hop on the 777 bus. Notre Dame is an artificial island, along with Saint Helen's Island, it makes up Parc Jean Drapeau. How neat is that?
Jean Doré is a sandy beach on Notre Dame Lake that is surrounded by a little forest. This gives the urban beach an added relaxing nature vibe. You’ll find canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and the Aquazilla at the beach! Aquazilla is a huge inflatable structure with a bunch of slides, trampolines, and ways for your kids to have fun while you get a moment to yourselves!
The beach club is always buzzing, but you can dance like no one's watching! A standard ticket is about $8 for adults and $4 for children. The beach is open from June to September but you can enjoy the rest of the island all year long. We recommend visiting whenever you can and turning your brain off in the lush parks and hiking areas.
The Le Ste-Hélène Bistro-Terrasse restaurant is right next to the beach and it serves wraps, hamburgers, fries, and a bunch of drinks at reasonable prices. We know how easy it is to starve during a day on the beach so we also suggest checking out Pavillon 67. It's a buffet with a lot of options but on the pricier side. If you're feeling adventurous, don’t miss the monuments and botanical gardens in the park. The lush greenery is bound to put a pep in your step and a smile on your face!
3. Oka Beach
This one's a major beach, just outside Montreal. It's very popular and perfect for a fun day in the warm sand with a group of friends, colleagues, or family members. You get this amazing beach-meets-nature vibe because it's surrounded by the Oka National Park. With a whimsical forest behind you and the clear blue water in front, it really feels like a complete escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
So how do you reach this slice of heaven? You can either grab a cab or drive from downtown Montreal, which takes about an hour. The parking lot fee and the entrance to the beach are both about $10. It can get crowded depending on when you visit. But the beautiful park beach with golden sand and dense greenery will make it all worth it! You can rent gear for kayaks, go surfing, or even try paddle boarding. There’s plenty of fun to fill the day! The National Park is also right there for you to explore and immerse yourself in.
There are campsites out the wazoo for outdoor enthusiasts. Bring your bike with you because you'll want to explore the massive park and its well-maintained trails, perfect for an escape. The vibrant foliage is mesmerizing, and this peaceful place will leave you with lasting memories. The park is just as magical in winter when the snow-covered forest gives it that enchanting childhood feel.
Make the most of your day at Oka Beach
Since Oka Beach is pretty isolated from Montreal, why not leave your luggage with us so you can spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beach or hiking through the National Park? Enjoy your day relaxing and hiking without worrying about your stuff. With many luggage storage facilities, Bounce will make sure your belongings are safe while you enjoy your adventure!