© 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? While you can’t jump in the St. Lawrence, 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 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. Be sure to check out the farmer's market while you're there!
© Eva Blue
Along the Lachine Canal
H2O Adventures
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.
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!
Les Guinguettes
Bask in the seaside atmosphere along the Lachine Canal at Les Guinguettes. Add a festive twist to your summer with concerts, entertainment, restaurants and bars under twinkling garlands of light. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Merci Tâta waterfront restaurant and discover local Québec artisans at the Marché Tropical. Such an awesome vacation vibe!
The St-Ambroise Terrasse
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.
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 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!
© 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, movies under the stars, yoga at sunset and hitting the dance floor are all on the program this summer.
La plage de l’Est
There’s a new beach Pointe-aux-Trembles, at the junction of Rivière des Prairies, 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
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!
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.
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.
Check out our ultimate guide to beaches and pools in and around Montréal for more places to kick back and have fun!
Laure Juilliard
Laure Juilliard has been writing for over 10 years. She specializes in lifestyle, tourism, travel and food, she writes for the media as well as for different companies, agencies, freelancers or associations. Always in search of innovative concepts and top places to be at, she is also constantly preparing her next trip.
