Montreal’s distinctive heat, after a long, very cold winter, is surprisingly humid. So humid that sometimes you can’t breathe—and you desperately need to lie down in the shade under tall trees, with the cool breeze from the lake on your face.
To spend the afternoon at the beach as if you were living out in the countryside, head to Lac des Deux-Montagnes at the Cap Saint-Jacques Nature Park.
It’s a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from downtown Montreal, 1 hour and 30 minutes by public transit, or a 2-hour bike ride (for enthusiasts who want to explore everything on two wheels).
Cap Saint-Jacques Nature Park Beach
Cap Saint-Jacques Beach is located in the heart of one of Montreal’s many nature parks and is one of the most family-friendly and picturesque beaches for swimming in the summer. The swimming area is supervised, and you can also go for walks, kayak (kayaks are available for rent on-site), and enjoy refreshing picnics under the trees.
It’s a sandy beach lined with trees, and the lake water is clear and cool—but not cold. People often think that lake water in Quebec is freezing, but it’s actually quite warm, especially at the end of the day when it’s warmed up in the sun.
Don’t forget your sunscreen (SPF 50 and eco-friendly, please), your swimsuit, your picnic, and your rosé in a cardboard box—since glass containers aren’t allowed—and your insect repellent.
Practical Information
Where? Cap Saint-Jacques Nature Park Beach, 21115 Gouin Boulevard West
Montreal
When? The beach is open every day during the summer, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How?
Admission
Children ages 0–5 / Free
Children ages 6–17 / $4.75
Adults ages 18–59 / $6.50
Adults 60 and older / $4.75
Families (2 adults + 3 children 17 and under) / $20.25
Parking / $11 per car
Kayak rentals ($) / Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM (last rental at 5:45 PM), June 27 through August 30, 2026 (schedule subject to change)
*Dogs are not allowed / No glass containers on the beach / Alcohol is permitted if consumed with a meal
