In addition to the hundreds of lakes where you can swim this summer in Quebec—which are always warmer than you’d imagine—don’t forget that in the region and all along the St. Lawrence River, you can swim in saltwater.
In fact, the river water is fresh, and becomes increasingly salty as you get closer to its mouth where it meets the Atlantic. Near Quebec City, in Beauport Bay, the water is perfect.
A 2-hour-and-50-minute drive from downtown Montreal, you can take a dip and play beach volleyball by the water to spend the summer just like in the South.
Beauport Bay—sun, sailing, and white sand
In Beauport Bay, and on Beauport’s fine-sand beach, city dwellers spend their weekends in the sun. It’s a bit like an American-style beach club, with thatched-roof bars, yoga evenings, and picnic tables where you can weave bracelets out of colorful string.
It’s the site of several festivals, special events, and activities that make you feel like you’re living in Miami, and you can do;
- Windsurfing
- Canoe
- Kayaking
- Volleyball
- Kitesurfing
- Swimming
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
- Beach soccer
Practical Information
Where? Beauport Bay, at 1 Chemin de la Baie de Beauport
When? The site is open daily in the summer / from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
*Lifeguard supervision: May 15 to October 15, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
*Swim supervision: June 20 to September 7
Hours vary between August 23 and September 7
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays
What? Admission to the site is free. Parking is available for a fee of $10 per day.