Top Montréal spots for sun, sand and drinks
Parasols, beach bars, lounge chairs and the sound of gently lapping waves – ready for that awesome beachy ambiance? Here are our top spots for sunning, sipping cocktails and getting a refresh on the island of Montréal. All are great places to unwind, by yourself, with friends or the whole family.
In the Old Port
Lounge chairs, soft sand and blue parasols are yours to enjoy down in the Old Port, just a stone’s throw from downtown. Getting hot? While you can’t jump in the St. Lawrence, you can cool off at its very handy misting stations. Ahhhhh!
Moored in the Old Port, this ferry-turned-deluxe-spa offers beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River and the city. Get your skin tingling on its thermal circuit and take advantage of its decks, bridges, gardens and cabins with portholes. Be sure to enjoy the water-level terrace of the on-board restaurant, La Traversée, and drink in one of the best views of the St Lawrence River and the picturesque buildings of Old Montréal as you sample their culinary delights. Nothing short of paradise on water!
This seasonal market's outdoor patio is a fabulous spot to grab a drink and a bite to eat while feasting your eyes on the water and the Jardin des écluses.
Along the Lachine Canal
Move over, California and your turquoise pools and pink flamingo floats. Near the Atwater Market, on the banks of Pointe-Saint-Charles, you can rent giant swan pedal boats and make a huge splash on the canal’s smooth waters. Or try out a little electric boat to admire the lush greenery set against the industrial background.
Anchored a few metres from the Atwater Market, this floating café, which used to be an old barge, exudes a certain Parisian or Dutch je ne sais quoi. Enjoy cocktail hour on the roof with waves gently lapping in the background. A must!
Just a stone's throw across the Lachine Canal from the popular Atwater Market, this pedestrian zone comes alive in the summer! On the programme: misters for cooling off, a games library and sandbox for kids, and take-away picnic boxes - made with market produce - to be enjoyed in outdoor relaxation areas equipped with awnings.
Bask in the seaside atmosphere along the Lachine Canal at Les Guinguettes du Sud-Ouest from June 19 to 24, 2025 in Parc de l’Ancienne-cour-de-triage. . Sample delicious fare from the 8 waterside restaurants, peruse the wares of Québécois artisans at the Marché Tropical and take in some 50 concerts and live entertainment highlighting local artists and the hottest new DJs on the Montréal scene. Such an awesome vacation vibe, twinkling lights and all!
Spend a day outdoors listening to live music by local artists and nibbling on treats from gourmet food stands. Family-friendly and free, enjoy a bucolic weekend along the Lachine Canal, from June 13 to 15, 2025.
At sunset, historic industrial buildings make a perfect backdrop to this popular outdoor meeting spot. Nothing beats relaxing near the water, cold craft beer in hand.
Make yourself comfortable on the patio at Riverside, which is located along the Lachine Canal in Saint-Henri. Here you'll find a mouth-watering menu, refreshments and a wide range of activities. Good news: you can bring your kids and dog for the perfect family night out.
Tucked along the Lachine Canal in Pointe-Saint-Charles, this family-owned craft brewery serves up house-brewed beers, organic wines and seasonal signature cocktails. Grab a tasty snack, then kick back with a game of ping-pong, foosball —or challenge your friends to giant Jenga. The vibe? A fun, laid-back space inspired by geek culture, classic cartoons, vintage video games, and comic books.
At Parc Jean-Drapeau
Hop on the metro and cool off at the beautiful green Parc Jean-Drapeau. Sandcastles, volleyball games and sun bathing are all on the program, as are canoe, kayak, pedal boat and SUP rentals. Kids age 6 and up will have a blast on the inflatable Aquazilla structure as they maneuver around obstacles, swish down slides and jump off platforms. Yahoo!
Pôle des rapides
Stake your spot of sand at Verdun Beach, an urban oasis you can access by bike, metro or car. Take a dip in the river, lounge in a hammock, run your toes through the sand or enjoy the green space and play area, complete with slides and a climbing wall. Good times guaranteed!
Located in a breathtaking natural setting on the shores of Lac des Battures and just a few minutes from downtown, Strøm Spa gives you the opportunity to rest and recharge by the water on Nun's Island. Put up your feet and treat yourself to a complete spa experience with a massage, beauty treatments and a delicious meal.
East of downtown
Not far from the Jacques Cartier Bridge, facing La Ronde amusement park, the Playa Del Courant, an industrial-space-turned-beach-bar is now a go-to for outdoor fun along the St. Lawrence River. Hammocks, movies under the stars, yoga at sunset and hitting the dance floor are all on the program this summer, Thursday to Saturday, from June 5 to September 6, 2025.
On the South Shore of Montréal
RécréoParc offers safe and family-friendly fun on the banks of the St. Lawrence Rapids. There are lots of things to do, including a playground, watersport equipment rentals, a volleyball court, an outdoor patio/bar, and music every weekend. Plus, the clean water is sure to appeal to kids of all ages!
A little further out
Explore Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, a charming waterfront community located between Lake Saint-Louis and the Lake of Two Mountains, at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers. Take a well-deserved day off and enjoy the kayak and paddle board rentals, outdoor dining on the waterfront or strolling along the marina.
To get your green on without leaving the island of Montréal, visit Parc-nature du Bois-de l'Île-Bizard or Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques. Both are located west of the city and are accessible by bike, bus or car.
Check out our ultimate guide to beaches and pools in and around Montréal for more places to kick back and have fun!
Original article in French by Laure Juilliard, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
Laure Juilliard
Originally from Paris, Laure Juilliard made Montréal her home over 15 years ago and has never looked back. Won over by her new city's unique energy, cultural vibrancy and gastronomic effervescence, she loves exploring all the coolest spots. A writer and blogger specialising in lifestyle, culture, travel and gastronomy, she has lent her pen to Tourisme Montréal for more than 10 years, in addition to magazines such as ELLE Québec and Clin d'œil, as well as a variety of well-known companies and agencies. Always on the lookout for innovative concepts and the best addresses wherever she is in the world, she is also always planning her next trip.