The Best Beaches Near Montreal

Montreal comes alive during the summer. So, if you’re looking for a place to take a refreshing dip, perfect a tan or cool off with an umbrella-studded drink, our local insiders offer up the best beaches in and around Montreal to chill out at during those steamy summer days.

1. Plage de Verdun

Natural Feature

Who says you have to leave the city in order to sink your toes into the sand? Plage de Verdun, Montreal’s urban beach on the Saint Lawrence River, offers a refreshing spot to cool off during those hot summer months while enjoying views of the southwest neighborhood of Verdun. Soak in the cool waters, relax in a hammock under the shade or play on the climbing wall. Plage de Verdun is easily accessible by bike, bus or metro, so you’ll be relaxing on your beach towel soaking up the rays in no time. Recommended by local insider Caitlin Stall-Paquet

2. Parc National d'Oka

Natural Feature, Park

If you’re looking to escape the city for a bit, this picturesque national park is only a 35-minute drive from Montreal. Here, you’ll find attractions for the whole family. Pack a picnic or grill up lunch on the park’s charcoal barbecue pit. Play with the kids on an inflatable water course, kayak or paddleboard around the park or go wildlife watching on the La Grande Baie trail. You can even bring a tent and enjoy a night relaxing under the stars at this serene natural gem. Recommended by local insider Caitlin Stall-Paquet

3. Parc-Nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques

Park, Natural Feature

This charming, secluded beach is a slice of paradise on the shores of the Rivière des Prairies and Lake of Two Mountains. This natural Montreal jewel is a popular spot for locals looking to enjoy a quiet break from the urban hustle. Here, you’ll find a beach hugged by woodlands, a scenic picnic area and an organic animal and vegetable farm. Nature lovers can enjoy easy hikes, as well as boating and fishing, while visitors with a sweet tooth should visit the sugar shack where they can experience local maple syrup and taffy pulling. Recommended by local insider Caitlin Stall-Paquet

5. Clock Tower Beach

Natural Feature

Just minutes from downtown Montreal, Clock Tower Beach is another popular urban beach with vibrant blue parasols and buttery sands that are sure to make you feel like you’re on vacation. Here, you’ll find a welcome respite just perfect for sunbathing or sipping a drink in the sand. The beach offers views of Old Montreal as well as the Saint Lawrence River and impressive Jacques-Cartier Bridge. While swimming isn’t allowed, there are misting stations along the beach to keep beachgoers cool all summer long. Recommended by local insider Tess Boissonneault

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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