When the temperature starts to rise — and rise, and rise — who doesn’t dream of splashing in a cool body of water? Apart from local pools, Montrealers can take advantage of several beaches.
Montreal has several beaches kids will love
Parc Jean-Drapeau
If you don’t have a car, the beach at Parc Jean-Drapeau is an excellent choice as it is accessible by metro (on the yellow line). You’ll find soft white sand, shallow water, a play structure for children and volleyball courts. You can also rent sailboats, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats. There is a restaurant on site as well as shaded picnic tables, changing rooms and lockers. Admission is free for kids under the age of 13 on Wednesdays, with other special rates available as well.
Parc Jean-Drapeau also offers wakeboarding with a teletraction system, where participants are towed back and forth on a cable system on a set circuit. This activity is great for beginners and experts alike; athletes will be able to test out the new ramps and obstacles if they wish to make the experience more exhilarating.
Another attraction located at the beach is Aquazilla – an obstacle course on water. Read our full article on this activity.
The beach is open June 19 to Sept. 2, 2019.
Admission to the beach is $9 for adults and $4.50 for children. Children aged 13 and under will be able to enjoy Jean-Doré Beach for free on Wednesdays this summer, with the purchase of an adult ticket (maximum 3 children/adult). For a complete list of times, prices, directions and a map of the site, visit parcjeandrapeau.com.
Bois de L’Ile Bizard Beach and Nature Park
If you want to experience nature, then this is the park for you. Families can cool off with a swim at a sandy beach and then explore the park’s marshes, trails and boardwalks, either by foot or bike. There are also spots for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Environmental science activities like bird-watching are offered by the Groupe uni des éducateurs-naturalistes et professionnels en environnement (GUEPE).
The park is located at 2115 ch. du Bord du Lac, Ile Bizard. It is open June 15 to Sep. 2, 2019. The hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to weather conditions).
For more information, call 514-280-8517. More details about special programming and a map of the park can be found at ville.montreal.qc.ca.
Cap St. Jacques Nature Park
This park has a beach that is very popular with families so get there early. You can rent kayaks, pedal boats and canoes or take advantage of the hiking trails and bicycle paths. Nature lovers can even go bird-watching or take part in astronomy related activities in the evening It is open June 9 to Sept.1, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cost is $5 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 6-17 and seniors over the age of 60, and free for kids 5 & under. Cap St. Jacques Nature beach is located at 21115 Gouin Blvd. W., Pierrefonds.
For more information, call 514-280-6871 or visit ville.montreal.qc.ca.
Park National d’Oka
This park has a rich historical and natural heritage. In the summer, the beach comes alive with swimmers who flock to the park to bask in the sun and cool off in the lake under the watchful eyes of a team of lifeguards. Picnickers can choose from a variety of peaceful lakeshore sites. This summer, families can also enjoy a brand-new inflatable water course from June 15 to Sept.2.
The beach is open from May 18 to Sept. 2, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is a slew of activities to choose from; a cycling path paved over a distance of 10 km (bicycle rentals available), canoeing that allows you to glide over the water and discover the lake’s shores in a canoe that seats two adults and one or two children (depending on weight), kayaking, stand up paddling or wind surfing.
For more information, call 450-479-8365 or visit sepaq.com/pq/oka for more information.
St. Zotique Beach
Located about 45 minutes west of Montreal, this beach offers both swimming and a host of other activities. After taking a dip in the water, families can rent kayaks, canoes and pedalos or use the bike paths, soccer fields or tennis courts. There are plenty of picnic tables and BBQs available as well as a snack bar.
The site will opens June 8, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., but hours may vary according to the weather. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 9-12, $3 for ages 5-8, and free for kids 4 & under.
For more information call 450-267-3003 or visit st-zotique.com.
Outdoor aquatic complex at Parc Jean-Drapeau
For an enjoyable swim, come to Parc Jean-Drapeau, where you’ll find one of the finest outdoor pool complexes in Canada. There are three pools: a gradual-slope recreational pool with a cushioned rubber mat for small children, a competition pool and a diving pool.
The Complex also sets up trampolines and water games on select days for les Samedis gonflés (inflatable Saturdays), when the kids can play the huge inflatable game installed in the water and enjoy on-site shows.
The complex is open May 18- 20 and 25-26, then from June 1-2, 8-9, and every day between June 15 and Sept.2 2019. Opening hours vary throughout thre summer. Rates are $3.50 for 3-13 years, $7.50 for 14 years and over, and free for 2 years and under.
For more information on times, prices, directions and a map of the site, call 514-872-2323 or visit parcjeandrapeau.com.
