Montreal usually conjures up images of poutine, jazz festivals and chilly winter days, not beaches. That said, this laid-back Francophone city is poised right on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Natural beaches already exist at the Cap St. Jacques Nature Park and Île Bizard. Montrealers have demanded more, resulting in the creation of artificial sands. The City of Montreal has found the water quality acceptable, though strong currents means swimming is out in some areas. Still, those seeking a lazy day sunbathing won't do better than these man-made shores, generally open from June to September.
Montreal Plage Doré is an artificial beach in Parc Jean-Drapeau on the man-made island of Notre-Dame. The currents are gentle enough for a swim. Try your hand at beach volleyball or get out on the water for a paddle in a kayak, canoe or pedal boat. Kids will like the bouncy trampolines. Facilities include a changing room, lockers and a snack bar. Plage Doré is easy to get to from downtown. Simply get off at the Jean-Drapeau subway station, or come by car or bike via the Jacques-Cartier bridge. Cars can also take the de la Concorde bridge.
Swimming at the Clock Tower Beach isn't possible due to brisk currents. But sun worshipers will still appreciate this stretch of artificial shore. The beach comes equipped with plenty of umbrellas, showers, sprayers, and snack and refreshment bars, plus a boardwalk for lazy strolling. Aside from the requisite vistas of the St. Lawrence River, this beach also delivers stunning views of Old Montreal, the Jacques Cartier Bridge, Sainte-Hélène island and the city skyline. Clock Tower Beach can be accessed from subway station Champ-de-Mars, and paid parking is available.
Sun and sand lovers will have to wait to enjoy Plage de l'Est, a new artificial beach that at the time of publication was planned for Montreal's east end in 2016. The project is part of a larger plan to overhaul the 15-mile waterfront and allow for more public access. The development will include a boardwalk, observation deck, volleyball and badminton courts, and a reflecting pool. The beach will be free to the public and will be positioned on the old Beaudoin marina site. Water quality and calm currents should make the beach acceptable for swimming.
Montreal has two natural beaches within the city limits. The Cap St. Jacques Nature Park beach can be found on the west end of Pierrefonds, the northwestern section of Montreal's main island. The Plage du Bois de l'Île Bizard is the other option for sand and surf. This sheltered and pretty beach seems far removed from the urban bustle of Montreal. The water is safe for swimming and nearby trails are great for a leisurely hike. Both are accessible by subway; however, they're easier to reach by car. Paid parking is available.
