Family beaches: 8 places to swim in Quebec
You don't need the ocean for a real beach day: Quebec is full of lakes and rivers where kids can build sandcastles and swim. Here are eight beaches families love, from the closest to Montreal to the farthest.
In short: the big sandy beach at Oka National Park is the closest to Montreal; in Montreal itself, Cap-Saint-Jacques has a beach on Lac des Deux Montagnes; in national parks, entry is free for ages 17 and under.
Near Montreal
1. Oka National Park
The national park closest to Montreal, with a large sandy beach on Lac des Deux Montagnes. Pedal boats, canoes and paddleboards are available for rent.
- Chemin d'Oka (Route 344), Oka
- Daily access fee, free for ages 17 and under
- See the listing
2. Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park
Montreal's largest nature park, on the West Island. Its beach faces Lac des Deux Montagnes, and its ecological farm rounds out the day.
- 20099 Gouin Boulevard West (Pierrefonds), Montreal
- Park access free; fees for the beach and parking
- See the listing
3. Berge aux Quatre-Vents
A riverside park in Laval-Ouest, on the Rivière des Mille Îles, with a beach, a big lawn and picnic tables. Check with the City of Laval whether swimming is allowed before you go.
- Laval-Ouest, Laval
- See the listing
In the Eastern Townships
4. Mont-Orford National Park
A beach at the foot of the mountains, next to Magog, with canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and rabaska.
- 3321 Chemin du Parc, Orford
- See the listing
5. Yamaska National Park
A beach on a large reservoir right next to Granby, with kids' activities in summer. Easy to pair with the Granby Zoo.
- 1780 David-Bouchard Boulevard, Roxton Pond
- See the listing
In the Laurentians and Lanaudière
6. Parc des Pionniers
Saint-Donat's big municipal park on Lac Archambault, with a supervised beach, a play structure, and pedal boat and canoe rentals.
- 14 Chemin Hector-Bilodeau, Saint-Donat
- Free access
- See the listing
7. Mont-Tremblant National Park
The beaches on Lac Monroe and Lac Provost are perfect for a swimming day between hikes.
- 3824 Chemin du Lac-Supérieur, Lac-Supérieur
- Pay for access online before your visit
- See the listing
In La Mauricie
8. La Mauricie National Park
The Parks Canada park has several beaches, picnic areas and play structures among its lakes and forests.
- Saint-Mathieu and Saint-Jean-des-Piles entrances, Shawinigan
- Free entry for ages 17 and under
- See the listing
Our tips
- Arrive early on heat-wave weekends: beach parking fills up fast.
- In Sépaq parks, access is purchased online: do it before you leave.
- Bring an umbrella or shelter for babies, sunscreen and plenty of water.
- Lifeguard hours vary by season and time of day: check each park's website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest beach to Montreal?
The beach at Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park is in Montreal itself. The big beach at Oka National Park is about an hour's drive from downtown.
Do kids pay to enter national parks?
No: access is free for ages 17 and under in Sépaq parks and in La Mauricie National Park.
Can you rent boats on site?
Yes, in most of these parks: pedal boats, canoes, kayaks or paddleboards, depending on the park.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Prices, hours and swimming conditions may change: confirm with each place before you go.
