8 beaches in and around Montreal that are perfect for a one-day vacation
You don't have to travel far for a mini vacay! 🏖️
Summer fun at the beach. Right: Montreal has an abundance of sandy beach options!
One of the perks of Montreal being an island is the abundance of nearby beaches, offering a variety of sandy shores perfect for quick getaways. Whether you’re craving a quick dip or a full day of adventure at a national park, Montreal's beaches have it all.
From the sandy bays of Lac des Deux Montagnes to the shores of the Saint Lawrence River, numerous parks and waterfronts are just a short trip from downtown.
Whether you’ve already booked a vacation or are simply making the most of the sunny Montreal weather, these Montreal beaches will transport you for a perfect one-day vacation.
Here are the top eight beaches that should be on your Montreal summer bucket list!
Jean-Doré Beach
Address: 151, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Located on Île Notre-Dame in Parc Jean-Drapeau, Jean-Doré Beach offers a relaxing escape from the bustling city.
This urban beach is easily accessible by all modes of transportation, including public transit, and features a sandy area where visitors can lounge and take a dip in the Saint Lawrence River.
Although there's an entrance fee ($8.26 for an adult), Jean-Doré Beach provides various services and amenities, including bathrooms, changing rooms, lockers, internet, and inflatable games. For an additional cost, visitors can also rent paddle boats and other water sports equipment.
Verdun Beach
Address: 4110, boulevard LaSalle, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Located on Montreal's south shore, Verdun Beach is a popular spot for city dwellers to escape the heat. The beach is monitored by lifeguards, and open swimming is available daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from June 15 until September 2, 2024.
Verdun Beach offers changing rooms, water fountains, showers, and picnic areas, making it a great place to enjoy a bite with your friends or family.
While there aren't public washrooms on-site, there are some nearby. The closest metro stop is De l’Église station, and bus routes 37 and 12 are also conveniently close.
Longueuil Municipal Beach
Address: Rue de l'Île Charron, Longueuil, QC
Why You Need To Go: Longueuil Municipal Beach offers stunning views of Montreal's city skyline and has a clean, inviting shore. It's also an excellent beach to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, as it usually isn't too crowded.
Accessible by car with paid parking only, this beach is convenient for a quick getaway.
Visitors often remark on the beautiful sunset views over the city skyline, making it a perfect spot to enjoy scenic vistas with friends and loved ones.
Parc-nature du Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard
Address: L'Ile-Bizard, 2115 Chem. du Bord-du-Lac, L'Île-Bizard-Sainte-Geneviève, QC
Why You Need To Go: The parc-nature du Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities, hiking trails, cycling paths, and a beautiful beach area.
Located about an hour from downtown Montreal, the park borders Lac des Deux Montagnes and Rivière des Prairies, with the beach nestled in the bay of Lac des Deux Montagnes.
The expansive nature park makes it easy to spend an entire day exploring. A welcome centre greets guests and provides directions, while public washrooms are conveniently located throughout the park.
If you're looking for a quieter, nature-filled spot to visit this summer, parc-nature du Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard is the perfect destination.
Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques
Address: 225 Chem. du Cap St Jacques, Pierrefonds, QC
Why You Need To Go: Plage du Cap-Saint-Jacques is also located on the bay of Lac des Deux-Montagnes. It's a spacious beach with sandy shores and tall trees that provide ample shade for visitors.
Certified lifeguards monitor the water, ensuring a safe environment, and plenty of amenities are open to the public. Showers, bathrooms, and changing areas are available, and electric car chargers can be found in the parking lot.
Located about an hour from Montreal, this beach is accessible by car, with parking available for a fee.
Beaconsfield Beach
Address: 286 Beaconsfield Blvd, Beaconsfield, QC
Why You Need To Go: Beaconsfield Beach is the perfect spot if you're looking for a free public beach on the West Island. This beautiful park features a small sandy shore that is rarely crowded, with ample parking for visitors.
The playground near the water provides fun entertainment for children, and the area is known for its cleanliness.
The grassy lawns close to the water make setting up a picnic blanket easy, so it's a great spot to enjoy snacks or relax with a good book.
Plage municipale de la Sablière
Address: 80, 43e Av, Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, QC
Why You Need To Go: Heading out of the city, plage municipale de la Sablière offers an extensive, lifeguard-monitored shoreline with plenty of boat and board rentals. Perfect for paddle boarding or renting a paddle boat with friends, this beach even offers group rentals with advance booking.
The beach is well-maintained by staff, with a $10 entry fee per adult and rentals costing just $5.
Visitors often highlight the soft, non-rocky sand, making it a standout among other beaches in the area.
Oka Beach
Address: 2020, chemin d'Oka, Oka, QC
Why You Need To Go: Located in Oka National Park, Oka Beach is a beautiful stretch of shore with shallow swimming areas. Just an hour and a half outside Montreal, it's worth spending a day in the park.
You can rent kayaks and bikes at Oka Beach and even grab some ice cream. This beach truly has it all and is a fantastic place to spend a hot summer day near the city. Make sure to add this one to your summer bucket list!
From urban oases to tranquil park settings, each of these beaches offers something special.
Make sure to add these spots to your summer bucket list to experience the best of Montreal's summer vibes!