© Old Port of Montréal
In the Old Port
Clock Tower Beach
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? You can’t jump in the St. Lawrence, but you can cool off at its very handy misting stations. Ahhhhh!
Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau
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. Paradise on water.
Marché des Éclusiers
This seasonal market's terrasse 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. And be sure to check out the farmer's market while you're there!
More reading: Montréal’s water fun is absolutely splashing
© Eva Blue
Along the Lachine Canal
H2O Adventures
Move over, California and your turquoise pools and pink flamingo floats. Near Atwater Market, on the banks of Pointe-Saint-Charles, you can rent giant swan pedal boats to 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.
More on this topic: Water Fun in Montréal
Canal Lounge
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!
La Place du Marché
A hop and skip from the Atwater Market, pull up a chair on a pretty patio that features a wine bar and ice cream stand, sample fresh market products and bask in the sun. Kids will dig the onsite sandbox too.
The St-Ambroise Terrasse
At sunset, historic industrial buildings make a perfect backdrop to this popular terrasse. Nothing beats relaxing near the water, cold craft beer in hand.
Riverside
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.
© Société du parc Jean-Drapeau
At Parc Jean-Drapeau
Jean-Doré Beach
Hop on the metro and cool off at the beautiful green Parc Jean-Drapeau. Sandcastles, volleyball games and sun are all on the program, as are canoe, kayak, pedal boat and SUP rentals. Kids will have a hoot on the inflatable structure that features obstacles, slides and platforms.
© Eva Blue - Tourisme Montréal
East of downtown
Le Village au Pied-du-Courant
Not far from the Jacques Cartier Bridge, facing La Ronde amusement park, this industrial-space-turned-beach-bar is now a go-to for outdoor fun along the St. Lawrence River. Hammocks, screenings under the stars, yoga at sunset and hitting the dance floor are all on the program this summer.
More on this topic: A guide to Montréal's seasonal outdoor markets and spaces.
La plage de l’Est
A new beach has just been unveiled in Pointe-aux-Trembles, at the junction of Rivière des Prairies. Located on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, the Plage de l'Est is the perfect place for canoeing, kayaking or just chilling next to the water.
© Eva Blue
Pôle des rapides
Verdun Beach
Unroll your towel at Verdun Beach, an urban oasis that's accessible by bike, metro or car. You can 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 are guaranteed!
Strøm Spa Île des sœurs
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.
Aire Commune x FME in Lachine
From June 10 to September 26, Aire Commune is joining forces with the borough of Lachine to create a festive seasonal space on the waterfront. Take in the entertainment in the park or make the most of the water by renting a canoe, kayak or paddle board. Especially exciting: FME — which stands for Festival de Musique Émergente — will be there to enhance the ambiance.
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 lakefront 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.
More on this topic: The ultimate guide to beaches and pools in and around Montréal.
All this summer fun making you hungry? Check out Taste the tropics in Montréal for delicious, sun-kissed fare!
Laure Juilliard
Laure is a writer, community manager and the founder of the blog Une Parisienne à Montréal. She’s also an epicurean globetrotter who’s always on the hunt for innovative concepts and must-try restaurants. In 2016, she co-founded Slow Journeys, a webzine that focuses on ecotourism and design.
