Top Montréal spots for sun, sand and drinks
Looking for a beachy vibe in Montréal? In the summer, the city is full of spots to soak up the sun, enjoy the water and relax on lively terraces. From urban beaches and waterfront patios to places to cool off, here’s a selection of go-to spots to make the most of summer. Whether you’re wondering what to do along the St. Lawrence River, looking for a place to sip a cocktail or just want to unwind in the sun, these destinations offer a true getaway feel right in the heart of the city.
In the Old Port, the city’s nautical heart
Montréal’s Old Port is one of the best places to enjoy waterfront terraces along the St. Lawrence River. With sand, spas, and gourmet markets, this iconic neighbourhood offers plenty of ways to cool off on hot summer days.
Plage de l'Horloge du Vieux-Port de Montréal
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!
Why you should go:
- Urban beach accessible by public transit
- Panoramic view of the river and the illuminated Jacques-Cartier Bridge at night
- Great sunbathing spots
- Tuesday yoga classes
- DJ nights during the L'International des Feux Loto-Québec fireworks competition
Moored in the Old Port, this ferry-turned-deluxe-spa offers beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River and the city.
Here, you can enjoy:
- A complete water circuit
- Decks, bridges and gardens
- direct access to the river
- the on-board La Traversée restaurant and its water-level terrace
Nothing short of paradise on water!
For a fabulous summer night out, look no further than the Marché des Éclusiers. This resto-bar features a lively patio with a view over the water and the Jardin des Écluses garden.
An ideal spot to:
- enjoy a drink with friends
- sample local products
- take in a sunset over the Old Port
The Lachine Canal and its riverside hotspots
The Lachine Canal is a great spot for anyone looking for things to do by the water in Montréal. You’ll find charming, laid-back terraces, water activities, and lively hangouts, all perfect for cooling off during the summer.
Lachine Canal
Move over, California and your turquoise pools and pink flamingo floats. Near the Atwater Market, on the banks of Pointe-Saint-Charles, Aventures H2O offers unique activities to make a splash on the canal’s smooth waters:
- Swan pedal boats
- Little electric boats
- Kayak, SUP and rabaska tours along the canal
It’s a fun way to explore the green, urban and industrial landscape of the Sud-Ouest borough.
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.
It’s a great place to:
- Sip a cocktail on the roof
- Enjoy the lapping waves
- Admire sunset over the canal
Just a stone's throw across the Lachine Canal from the popular Atwater Market, this pedestrian zone comes alive in the summer with:
- misters
- games for kids
- picnic boxes (made with market produce)
- shaded areas with awnings
It’s a perfect spot to grab a gourmet bite after visiting the Atwater Market.
Brasserie Artisanale Memento
Nestled on the water in Pointe-Saint-Charles, this family-owned craft brewery serves up:
- House-brewed beers
- Organic wines
- Signature and seasonal cocktails
- Tasty bites to go
The vibe? A fun, laid-back space inspired by geek culture and vintage video games, with ping-pong, foosball, giant Jenga and arcade games.
In June 2026, the Guinguette du Sud-Ouest transforms Parc de l’Ancienne-cour-de-triage park into a true seaside festival.
What to expect:
- Cuisine from local restaurants
- Québec artisanal market
- Concerts and Montréal DJs
- Lively open-air party atmosphere under twinkling lights
Such an awesome vacation vibe!
From June 19 to 21, 2026, this free festival offers:
- Concerts by local artists
- Gourmet food stands
- Family activities
It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live music along the Lachine Canal.
At sunset, this iconic patio becomes one of Montréal’s most popular riverside meeting spots. Cool off with a cold craft beer in hand in this relaxing setting overlooking the water.
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.
Montréal urban beaches and spas
If you’re looking for beaches in Montréal to swim or simply soak up the sun, there are several spots where you can cool off while staying close to downtown.
Plage Jean-Doré
Parc Jean-Drapeau
Easy to get to by metro, Jean-Doré Beach is one of Montréal’s most beautiful urban beaches. Sandcastles, volleyball games and sunbathing 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.
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 St. Lawrence 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.
Pôle des rapides
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.
Festive spots and getaways beyond downtown
Village au Pied-du-Courant
Downtown
Not far from the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Village au Pied-du-Courant gives off a beachy vibe with:
- Hammocks
- Movies under the stars
- Yoga at sunset
- DJ evenings
From Thursday to Saturday all summer long, Playa Del Courant offers an industrial-space-turned-beach-hangout with your feet (almost) in water on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
On the South Shore of Montréal
Récréoparc
RécréoParc offers safe and family-friendly fun on the banks of the St. Lawrence Rapids. There are lots of things to do:
- A playground
- Watersport equipment rentals
- Outdoor patio-bar
- Music every weekend
- volleyball court
Plus, the clean water is sure to appeal to kids of all ages!
West Island
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site
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, head out by bike, bus or car to explore:
These parks offer natural beaches, bike paths and beautiful scenery.
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Check out our ultimate guide to beaches and pools in and around Montréal for more places to kick back and have fun!
From urban beaches and floating terraces to festivals and waterfront spas, Montréal offers a wide range of summer, beach-inspired experiences. Whether you’re looking for a place to swim, a terrace with a river view, or a laid-back, festive vibe, the island is full of spots to enjoy the sun and the gentle lapping of the water.
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.